As it builds on lessons learned in its first phase, the African Cashew initiative is preparing itself for an exciting second phase with final contractual steps to be taken with the following main contributors: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the German Ministry for Economic Development and Cooperation (BMZ). 
In its...
The high-level panel featured ministers and representatives from ten countries.
From 17-20 September, cashew stakeholders from around the world gathered in Cotonou,...
On July 31st, a Togolese processor was approved for a US$2.4 million loan by the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID). This is the first loan granted by EBID resulting from an MOU signed between the African Cashew Alliance (ACA), the USAID West Africa Trade Hub, and EBID over a year ago. The MOU aimed to address one of the most substantial barriers to development in the cashew industry – access to finance.
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From 18-20 May, major international players in the fruit and nut industries gathered in Singapore at the INC’s XXXI World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress. Cashew associations of the major cashew origins (Brazil, India, Vietnam, Indonesia and ACA) and major international cashew processors and buyers, all members of the Global Cashew Taskforce, decided to solidify their international cooperation in the form of a permanent body.
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After the approval of Tolaro Global as the first seal approved factory in Africa in May 2012, five new processors have begun implementing the program. They include Anatrans SARL, a Burkinabe processor, Afokantan Benin Cashew, Cajou Espoir of Togo, and Mim Cashew, located in the Brong-Aharo region of Ghana.
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On 31 July 2012, at a Press and Stakeholder Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, the national cashew associations of Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique set up a cooperation framework that will promote cashew business in the region. The Chair of the Nut Processors Association of Kenya (NutPAK), Muhara Johnson, Cashewnut Processor Association of Tanzania Chairman Idrisa Kilangi, ACA MD Christian Dahm and former ACA President and AICAJU representative Carlos Costa (for Yunus Gafar) signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing the platform.
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During an ACA visit to Kenya last week, ACA President Idrisa Kilangi signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chairman of the Nut Processors Association of Kenya (NUTPAK), Muhara Johnson, in the presence of Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Trade. This partnership will promote the development of a sustainable cashew industry in Kenya, by facilitating a platform for cooperation between private and public stakeholders in the cashew business there.
As the newest member of ACA’s Advisory Board, Red River Foods has emerged as a powerful advocate for the African cashew industry. In the following interview, Dan Phipps, Senior Vice President of Red River Foods, sheds light on the company’s decision to partner with ACA. Phipps communicates a commitment to quality, processing development, and sustainability that will guide Red River’s involvement in African cashew.
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After a tumultuous few months in Guinea Bissau following the coup that occurred in mid-April of this year, trade activity has now begun to stabilize. In the last newsletter it was reported that the absence of government authority was preventing export authorization. This trade interruption was resolved for the cashew industry in early June, when the 50 CFA (US$0.10) cashew development tax was reconfirmed by the government. Before the coup, the tax was paid to the Chamber of Commerce. After a long break in trade activity following the opening of the season, the month of July saw steadily...
This August, Vanessa Adams will be leaving the West Africa Trade Hub in Accra, Ghana, where she has served as Director for the last eight years. A project of USAID, the Trade Hub has been a key partner and an important driving force behind the ACA since its founding.
During her time at the Trade Hub, Vanessa oversaw the expansion of many West African export industries. 
Her work in...
