Ivory Coast: Light for excellence and education
Melyn Dreysse
LOCATION
Sinématiali, Ivory Coast
Luminaires
In Sinématiali, Ivory Coast, GROUPE RAGNI puts its expertise at the service of excellence and the future of young people.
The capital of the department in the Poro region (Savanes district), the town embodies the dynamism of a progressing Africa, driven by the growing power of knowledge and innovation.
It was here that inaugurated in May 2025, the Lycée d’Excellence de jeunes filles, a powerful symbol of academic success and equal opportunity.
Named after the First Lady of Ivory Coast, Madame Dominique Ouattara, the school aims to provide a demanding, secure learning environment that will help the country’s future talent to flourish.
To support this ambition, exterior lighting is a strategic component: it ensures the safety of students, facilitates movement within the campus and enhances the quality of daily life. With this in mind, the main contractor Contractor CI called on GROUPE RAGNI, renowned for its expertise and the reliability of its lighting solutions.
Long-lasting, reliable solar lighting
To ensure the long-term safety of this girls’ boarding school, the solar solution was a natural choice.
The installer deployed 29 COMBI TOP 3 and 5 COMBI TOP 5 double-lamp solar streetlights with dimming supplied by our brand NOVÉA ENERGIES to provide efficient, mindful lighting for roads, parking lots and sports fields.
Additional information:
- 24 ALTURAN luminaires now illuminate the central aisle,
- 25 KASSIO bollards and 3 MARGO bollards from our RAGNI brand structure the pedestrian zones and the campus traffic circle.
Proud to have contributed to this emblematic project, GROUPE RAGNI underlines the quality of the collaboration with local players, all committed to the same values: excellence, sustainability and positive societal impact.
Thanks to this development, the Lycée d’Excellence de Sinématiali now has a modern, safe and forward-looking environment – a source of hope for an entire generation and, more broadly, for the development of the country and the continent.
We would like to thank Ministry of National Education and Literacy and its Minister Professor Mariatou Kone, Ageroute, General Manager Fabrice Coulibaly and his supervisory Minister Dr Amédé Koffi Kouakou, BNETD and its CEO Kinapara Coulibaly, Ci-Énergies, the Government of Ivory Coast Madame Dominique Ouattara, First Lady of Côte d’Ivoire, Ministry of Mines, Oil and Energy, the actions of Minister Fidele Gboroton Sarasoro, Contractor CI, not forgetting our Ivorian subsidiary: Tertuce Lingani, Sales Engineer and Fatoumata Menann-Kouame, General Manager at GROUPE RAGNI Côte d’Ivoire.
2025 events - Where can you find GROUPE RAGNI?
Melyn Dreysse
September 10 – 12
Nantes, France
Stand n°4
September 17 – 18
Paris, France
Stand n°7
September 29 – 30
Paris, France
Stand B9
November 13 – 14
Warsaw, Poland
November 19 – 20
London, United Kingdom
December 2 – 4
Lyon, France
Stand n°5E 40
8 – 13 March 2026
Frankfurt, Germany
Hall 4 – Stand D20
Chaumont-en-Vexin lights up its future with an exemplary renovation of its public lighting
Melyn Dreysse
Nestled in the Oise department, the town of Chaumont-en-Vexin (Hauts-de-France), classified as a Petite Cité de Caractère® (Small Town of Character), charms visitors with its historical heritage—cobblestone streets, stone walls, and a listed church—and its unspoiled natural environment.
Between 2024 and 2025, it renovated 70% of its public lighting, replacing more than 600 light points one by one, in collaboration with the company RAGNI.
Faced with rising energy costs, the municipality, supported by SE 60, has accelerated its transition to LED lighting, aiming to achieve savings, a uniform lighting system, enhanced heritage and reduced light pollution.
The color temperatures were carefully selected: 2700 K for the main lanes and 2200 K for pedestrian areas.
Mayor Emmanuelle LAMARQUE explains: “Our choices were guided by the preservation of biodiversity, the comfort of residents, and, ultimately, aesthetics, which we fully appreciated when we saw how much warmer lighting makes a place more welcoming. “.
“We took inspiration from neighboring cities. to adapt our lighting, distinguishing between the city center and residential areas with the support of SE 60 and RAGNI, who developed an optimized lighting plan with color temperatures adapted to each location. ” adds Mr. DUVIVIER, Deputy Mayor for Public Works, Safety, and Urban Planning
The nighttime blackout, formerly scheduled from midnight to 5 a.m., has been replaced by lighting reduced to 20%, which is considered more comfortable and respectful of wildlife. Presence detectors have been installed in certain sensitive areas (parking lot, school route).
Among the more than 600 light points replaced, 236 RETROFIT ÉLÉGANCE kits modernized existing lanterns while preserving street furniture and reducing the carbon footprint. Custom retrofits were designed for six heritage lanterns. Two brass VENCE lanterns incorporate birdhouses to encourage local wildlife, an initiative by SE 60 and RAGNI that has been praised by elected officials.
“The idea of integrated nesting boxes is excellent and has been very well received. Their discreet presence blends in perfectly with the environment, and we are very satisfied with them,” says the Mayor.
Entirely financed locally without government assistance, the project is part of a broader ecological transition strategy.
In 2026, the municipality plans to implement new sustainable developments, including a greenway and a redevelopment of the church square.
“Several projects are planned for 2026: creation of a pedestrian and cycle path with pedestrian detection, burial of the remaining overhead networks with installation of harmonized street lighting, and redevelopment of the church square with disabled access and responsible lighting in line with current choices,” says Mr. Jean DUVIVIER.
Feedback from residents has been positive, and the absence of criticism on social media is seen as a sign of success. The Mayor concludes: “We are completely satisfied: residents are generally welcoming of the project, especially because of the peace of mind that controlled lighting brings. Elected officials support it, and the absence of negative feedback is a good indicator of success.“.
We would like to extend our warmest thanks to Mayor Emmanuelle LAMARQUE and Mr. Jean DUVIVIER for taking the time to participate in this interview. We would also like to express our gratitude to SE 60 for its invaluable support in making this project a success, as well as to Romain KOZAR, sales representative at ETUDEQUIPE, whose involvement was instrumental in bringing this renovation to fruition.
Lighting renovation in Bonifacio, a medieval heritage town
Melyn Dreysse
Interview with the Mayor, Mr. Orsucci
Situated at the southernmost tip of Corsica, Bonifacio’s spectacular cliffs and remarkable historical heritage make it an enchanting place to visit. Aware of the influx of tourists and the richness of its environment, the commune has undertaken a major renovation of its public lighting between 2022 and 2024, with three key objectives in mind: safety, energy savings and the enhancement of its unique architecture.
“The priority was to ensure public safety. In Bonifacio, a medieval town that attracts a lot of tourists, the renovation had to combine high aesthetic standards with a sustainable approach. This joint energy-saving project was a challenge we were proud to take up collectively, because today, as we stroll the streets of Bonifacio, it’s clear that the challenge has been met with success: the almost total transformation of the street lighting has enabled us to offer residents a totally renovated living environment.”, says Mayor Jean-Charles Orsucci.
Around 600 RAGNI luminaires were replaced point by point, with a color temperature of 2700 K, which is more respectful of the night environment.
In the citadel, a warmer lighting scheme was chosen, combining temperatures of 2200 K and 2700 K to create an enhanced night-time ambience.
In addition, more than 300 LEC-brand fixtures now illuminate the Upper Town, including the 1750 BOURGOGNE reference, recognizable by its customized studs emblazoned with the Bonifacio coat of arms.
Technical and local synergy
Faced with an ageing network and tourist numbers exceeding two million visitors per year, the city worked in collaboration with the Syndicat d’Énergie de la Corse-du-Sud (SD2A) and GROUPE RAGNI.
“This process had already begun in 2015 with an energy audit, which enabled us to integrate safety issues and coordinate the work with the renovation of the Upper-Town. Thanks to the support of the SDE2A and a solid, responsive and committed team, we were able to anticipate heritage and technical constraints and meet residents’ expectations for this phase of renovation. I’ll never forget the satisfaction felt by all those involved in this fine project at the end of the work – the symbiosis between the teams was important in tackling this modernization.”, stresses Christelle Longuet, General Manager of Bonifacio’s technical services.
The SDE2A played a central role in this project, assuming full responsibility for project management, financing and technical coordination with the municipalities, as was the case in Bonifacio. Thanks to its expertise, investment capacity and strategic support, it was able to provide the commune with access to effective and appropriate solutions, even in the absence of external subsidies.
“In the Upper Town project, we took part in securing the networks and enhancing this heritage. This project involved the installation of 120 BONI lanterns, 22 recessed spotlights, 5.2 km of network, a point-to-point remote management system and 1.1 km of fiber optics. For the renovation operation, it represents 117 communes and 25 million euros with the support of EDF AGIR PLUS, the ERDF for the first parts and the Green Fund. Bonifacio thus benefited from 1.57 million euros from the Syndicat out of a total expenditure of 2 million, which is considerable,” explains Pierre-Paul Cesari, General Director of Services at the Syndicat.
When the city inspires new designs: BONI and CORSICA
The highlight of the project: the creation of a custom lighting fixture. Régis Clouzet, lighting designer at l’agence Lumière explains: “As part of an initiative to enhance Bonifacio’s nocturnal identity, we worked with the Architectes des Bâtiments de France to adapt a standard lighting fixture. The challenge was to create a contemporary solution respectful of the ancient heritage, drawing inspiration from the shape and volume of the bastion to create a unique design. After several prototypes, technical feasibility was assured thanks to collaboration with RAGNI’s design office, resulting in a specific luminaire that is now an integral part of the town’s identity.”
Right from the start of the project, a number of technical constraints became apparent, particularly in certain areas of the citadel that were inaccessible to traditional lighting. A series of tests was carried out in collaboration with several manufacturers, among whom LEC stood out by proposing a solution adapted to great heights. Their response, with the development of the CORSICA luminaire, made it possible to go beyond simple beaconing functions to meet the site’s requirements. Thanks to close collaboration between design offices, designers and local companies, a tailor-made luminaire was created, incorporating specific optics to suit the constraints of each space.
This tailor-made work by LEC’s design team, which has become a Bonifacio landmark, has paved the way for new projects, such as the illumination of the Church of Saint-Dominique, consolidating the success and scope of the initial project.
“The night-time illumination of this church is undoubtedly what makes all the difference and contributes greatly to its success, particularly during the Christmas season. In fact, it’s this image that is systematically highlighted on the Internet.” Mayor Jean-Charles Orsucci.
A dual objective: protecting the environment while saving energy
The town has also developed a sustainable lighting charter to raise awareness among local users, particularly of the impact of lighting private gardens and commercial signs.
As Bonifacio is located in a marine protected area, it was essential to take special precautions to avoid lighting up the seabed.
“We opted for low color temperature light sources, combined with intelligent management, to limit light pollution. Today, the Upper Town is equipped to enable lighting modulation, in particular dimming. We are currently working with residents to identify possible improvements, determine the most appropriate time slots and so on. It’s essential that everyone feels concerned and fully involved in this process”, says Christelle Longuet, General Manager of Bonifacio’s technical services.
A project with a bright future
In view of the results already achieved in the Upper Town, the municipality estimates that the reduction in energy consumption will reach 80%. An achievement that Bonifacians and visitors alike will appreciate.
“These savings will enable the commune to increase its cash flow and reinvest. This street lighting renovation meets three major challenges: heritage, environment and energy. I’d like to thank the RAGNI company, which responded quickly and professionally to a complex contract. It adapted quickly and was a true partner in public action.” Pierre-Paul Cesari, General Manager of the Syndicat.
The Mayor concludes: “There’s no such thing as a small issue when it comes to energy and lighting. What we’ve done here is a collective success. Since the lights went on, the feedback has been very positive: no more lighting problems, even when it’s raining, and a real improvement in the quality of life. I’m proud to have renovated the entire commune in a single term of office. I’d like to pay tribute to the work of GROUPE RAGNI: a committed local partner, embodying real industrial know-how, with whom we have taken up a great challenge together. It’s a wonderful family story. Today, RAGNI is an industrial flagship. Public lighting is a major challenge, and RAGNI must be recognized for its expertise. It’s a partner that local authorities have every interest in surrounding themselves with.”
Bonifacio is now lighting up its future by combining innovation, sobriety and respect for its heritage. An example to follow.
Many thanks to Jean-Charles Orsucci, Mayor of Bonifacio, Christelle Longuet, Director General of Technical Services for the town, Pierre-Paul Cesari, Director General of Services for the Syndicat d’Énergie de la Corse-du-Sud, Régis Clouzet, Lighting Designer for the Lumière agency, and Pierre Bianconi, AVEC sales representative for Corsica, for their availability, commitment and invaluable testimonials, which enabled us to give an accurate behind-the-scenes account of this exemplary project. Our thanks also go to the design offices, local contractors, installers, technical staff and all the partners involved, whose collective efforts made this project a real success.
RAGNI receives AEO-F authorization diploma
Melyn Dreysse
On July 3, RAGNI, represented by Angélique Valenza, Export Logistics Coordinator, was proud to receive the diploma for obtaining AEO-F approvalapproval, granted to just 32 companies in the Alpes-Maritimes department and Monaco.
What is AEO-F approval?
This authorization enables any company established within the European Union (EU) and involved in international trade (SME or large company) to acquire a quality label for the customs and security-security processes it implements. Issued in France by French customs, the AEO authorization is recognized throughout the EU and in countries that have signed mutual recognition agreements. AEO authorizations are granted on the basis of the criteria set out in articles 39. a), b), c), d) and e) of the Union Customs Code (UCC).
A relationship of trust is established with customs, which becomes the company’s partner. Trade is facilitated with countries that have signed international agreements recognizing the AEO’s reliable operator status. What’s more, holding an AEO authorization gives us a real competitive edge in our business relations.
Combined AEO authorization for “Customs simplifications + Safety and Security” (“AEO-F”)
Customs simplifications” and “Security and safety” authorizations can be held simultaneously. This is known as combined authorization (“AEO-F”). The company must meet all the criteria for these authorizations.
- the absence of serious or repeated breaches of customs and tax legislation, including the absence of serious criminal offences related to the applicant’s business activity;
- demonstration by the applicant that he exercises a high level of control over his operations and the movement of goods by means of a system for managing commercial records and, where applicable, transport documents, enabling the necessary customs controls to be carried out;
- financial solvency, which is considered proven when the applicant presents a satisfactory financial situation enabling him to meet his commitments, taking due account of the characteristics of the type of economic activity concerned;
- compliance with practical standards of competence or professional qualifications directly related to the activity carried out;
- the existence of appropriate safety and security standards, which are deemed to have been met when the applicant proves that it has taken appropriate measures to ensure the safety and security of the international supply chain, including physical integrity and access controls, logistical processes and the handling of specific types of goods, its personnel and its business partners.
What advantages are reserved for AEO-F:
- Modulation of physical and documentary inspection rates ;
- Priority treatment of shipments in the event of selection for customs inspection ;
- Waiver of financial guarantee ;
- Priority given to laboratory analyses when testing products subject to standards;
- Access on request to all CDU authorizations (Authorization to issue simplified declarations, Authorization as TIR authorized consignee, Authorization to constitute a global guarantee, Authorization to issue simplified declarations, Authorization as TIR authorized consignee, Authorization to constitute a global guarantee, etc.);
- Priority treatment and personalized support when granting customs clearance facilities;
- Prior notification of customs controls ;
- Reduced data requirements for summary declarations ;
- Facilities granted under the EU’s AEO mutual recognition agreements with China, the USA, Switzerland, Norway, Andorra, Japan, the UK and Moldova.
École de design de Nantes Atlantique X GROUPE RAGNI
Melyn Dreysse
How can we reconcile forward-looking design, stakeholder dialogue and raising awareness of the challenges of mindful lighting?
By calling on the experts at the École de Design de Nantes Atlantique! On June 17 and 18, a team of representatives from GROUPE RAGNI had the pleasure of taking part in a 2-day workshop with students from the City Design Lab and Studio France, directed by Anaïs Jacquard and Simon Lozac’h.
This collaboration is part of a week-long seminar for French and international students at this Nantes-based school, at the forefront of urban developments. More broadly, it is based on the establishment of a fruitful partnership between RAGNI, parent company of GROUPE RAGNI, and this leading school, a true pioneer in taking technological, societal and environmental contexts into account in urban design, making it a strategic training and co-creation tool at the service of a sustainable world.
The objectives of such a collaboration are numerous:
- Develop a critical, systemic approach to current issues and uses of public lighting, and draw up fictitious, tangible representations of them.
- Imagine innovative ways of planning and managing night-time activities, using immersive narratives to raise awareness among public and private players.
- Bringing together the GROUPE RAGNI ‘s core expertise in a new setting to encourage them to think outside the box.
The seminar enabled students to gain a concrete understanding of the issues facing our industry, and GROUPE RAGNI teams to discover new approaches to designing tomorrow’s offering.
A tomorrow where, more than ever, light reassures, connects, cares for and helps territories adapt to climate change.
We’ll be delighted to share with all our stakeholders the various forward-looking projects resulting from this collaboration, in order to meet the need to promote the virtues of mindful lighting in France and internationally.
Lighting to facilitate soft mobility
Melyn Dreysse
Footpath lighting project in Chaumes-en-Retz
A development to enhance
The commune of Chaumes-en-Retz (France), located on the main road between Pornic and Nantes, recently undertook a development project to improve the comfort and safety of users of its footpath. This route, essential for soft mobility, was suffering from a lack of use, notably due to a lack of visibility at night.
To solve this problem, the municipality called on the expertise of ECO-INNOV, specialists in sustainable LED lighting solutions.
A solar solution adapted to site constraints
One of the major difficulties of this project was the impossibility of running cables to supply traditional lighting. The chosen solution was a solar lighting system, using ECO-143 embbeded studs. “This hard-wearing, easy-to-install product only requires coring in the ground and the application of a special glue to ensure adhesion,” explains Sylvain Louërat, the electrician involved in the project.
As well as being energy self-sufficient, these devices are designed to blend harmoniously with their surroundings. The recessed studs emit an amber light, reducing the impact on local flora and fauna while minimizing glare on nearby roads.
Synchronized operation with street lighting
The lighting system is programmed to follow the public lighting timetable. In this way, the studs light up at dusk and go out at 10pm, before lighting up again at 6am, ensuring the safety of users without excessive energy consumption.
A project congratulated by users
This first phase of installation involved 53 solar studs over a distance of one kilometer. Feedback from pedestrians and cyclists has been very positive, convincing the municipality to extend the installation by a further 500 meters. “Users are delighted with this solution, which is both practical and aesthetically pleasing,” adds Sylvain Louërat.
With this initiative, Chaumes-en-Retz affirms its commitment to innovative, sustainable and environmentally-friendly lighting solutions.
Photo/video : © Stephane Lelasseux
Our warmest thanks to Louërat for taking the time for this interview and for sharing its expertise on this innovative beaconing project.
Montage Park - An urban oasis
Melyn Dreysse
Just a few miles away from San Diego, in Chula Vista, our LAMPION GLOW have been installed to light the brand-new “Montage Park”.
Described as an oasis within the community, this park is the sixth project to be completed with the aim of improving the well-being of residents.
We are very proud to have been involved in this beautiful project by Spurlock Landscape Architects, and we’d like to thank VCL for choosing our LAMPION GLOW.
Ivory Coast: GROUPE RAGNI travels to Abidjan with Christian Estrosi
Melyn Dreysse
During a visit to Abidjan by Christian Estrosi, President of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis and Mayor of the city of Nicethe GROUPE RAGNI visited the Ivory Coast as part of the city’s rich twinning with the Autonomous District of Abidjan, at the invitation of Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé and District Governor Ibrahim Bacongo Cissé. The GROUPE RAGNI was represented by Marcel Ragni, Honorary Chairman of the Group representing Côte d’Azur industry (UIMM 06)Jean-Christophe Ragni, Chairman of the Supervisory Board and Group Export Director, and Alexandre Gellé, Group Public and Institutional Affairs Director.
This was an opportunity for the Group to remind the highest authorities of the partnership approach that has been driving its development in the country for several years, and which will be embodied in 2022 by the creation of a subsidiary in Abidjan.
- A conviction: to build, hand in hand with the authorities, an integrated lighting system tailored to the country’s needs, we must first and foremost build long-term relationships based on trust, the transfer of skills and the sharing of know-how.
- Background: Today, the cost of public lighting to the government of Côte d’Ivoire is over 45 billion FCFA (68 million euros) a year. Of the 1.85 million light points across Ivory Coast, 91% use SHP technology, which is particularly energy-hungry. The energy-saving potential of simply switching to LEDs is therefore colossal.
- Estimate : For a retrofit of 55,000 connected light points, the Ivorian government can generate savings of up to 3.1 billion FCFA per year, or 4.8 million euros (without dimming system), with a return on investment of less than 4 years.
The Group is therefore ready to work with the authorities to build lasting partnerships for energy-efficient projects in the country, as it is already doing in Senegal and Benin.
Amber, a responsible choice for our biodiversity
Melyn Dreysse
Located in the Moselle department, the municipality of Wœlfling-lès-Sarreguemines, has opted for amber LED technology with the aim of reducing its impact on biodiversity. By converting 70% of its public lighting to amber, this village surrounded by valleys and hills has committed to a sustainable approach to environmental issues alongside the company RAGNI.
In 2014, the local authority, which is deeply committed to environmental issues, decided to seek advice from ANPCEN (the National Association for the Protection of the Sky and the Night Environment) in order to take swift and effective action.
Hervé SIMON, Deputy Councilor explains: “Since 2014, we have been looking at ways to reduce the cost of public lighting and its impact on biodiversity. We became interested in the subject of amber lighting thanks to advice from the ANPCN, which raised our awareness of the consequences of public lighting on living organisms.”
In 2016, local authorities also decided to introduce a partial blackout five days a week from 11:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m., a time slot that was consulted on in advance so as not to penalize the population.
Mayor Fabien PEIFER :“We held a public meeting with the community and the police beforehand to explain the project. The feedback was mostly positive. The only downside is that we’re not used to living in complete darkness, which can make us feel a bit unsafe. That’s why we’ve adjusted the hours to fit in with residents’ habits and why we turn the lights back on at the weekend.”
The renovation project began in 2018 during a visit by Gilles BECKER, director of the BG LUM agency, who, through the company RAGNI, was able to propose a product that met the municipality’s needs.
From there, an initial investment phase began with a total of 14 units, with the intention of testing the effectiveness of the product for possible future orders.
Gilles BECKER, Head of BG LUM : “This municipality is one of the pioneers in choosing amber lighting. More and more towns are switching to 2200k, which proves that they made the right choice. I always cite Wœlfling-lès-Sarreguemines as an example. It’s a community that is lit with warm temperatures, where you can walk around and feel good.”.
Between 2019 and 2023, investments will continue with the purchase of 73 TEKK M and 4 TEKK S models with amber LEDs.
Mayo Fabien PEIFER concludes: “We do not regret our choice and are very satisfied with the result.”
The choice of amber LEDs, coupled with the new public lighting management policy, has resulted in savings of between 85% and 90%.
RAGNI LAUNCHES INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Our commitment to strengthening our sustainable development policy is more than ever at the heart of our priorities. More and more municipalities are adopting a responsible approach and moving towards warmer temperatures in order to preserve our biodiversity.
RAGNI therefore wanted to go further by creating an innovative technology that eliminates wavelengths below 500 nm, which are known to contribute to light pollution.
If you would like more details about this new technology, please see the detailed article here.
This is an important innovation at a time when reducing energy bills and installing sustainable, environmentally friendly lighting remain priority issues for local authorities.
We would like to thank Mayor Fabien PEIFER and Deputy Mayor Hervé SIMON for sharing their thoughts on this wonderful project, as well as Gilles BECKER, Director of the BG LUM agency, for his availability and efficiency.