Wa, (UW/R), April 10, GNA — An impact study has identified the Cashew Master Training Programme (MTP) as a viable medium for transforming West Africa’s cashew sector through job creation, entrepreneurship, and strengthened local industries.
According to a statement by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the programme has trained 1,344 experts across 20 countries since 2013, many now driving sectoral change.
The study, commissioned by GIZ and conducted by Management for Development Foundation (MDF), revealed that the initiative facilitated the establishment of 73 new businesses, highlighting a strong link between technical training and economic growth.
It cited an example in Benin, where an MTP graduate transitioned from a technician to establishing a large-scale cashew processing factory employing over 600 workers, mostly women.
The report also showed progress in gender inclusion, with 43.8 per cent of the new businesses led by women, while some female participants reported increased confidence to take up leadership and decision-making roles.
Additionally, 53.5 per cent of graduates indicated they had shared their knowledge and skills within their communities.
In Tanzania, a graduate trained more than 1,000 farmers, 200 traders, and 300 trainers, while in Côte d’Ivoire, graduates contributed to policymaking and research at institutions such as the Centre National de Recherche Agronomique (CNRA).
In Ghana, the programme has supported the growth of small and medium enterprises and the development of local processing technologies.
Beate Weiskopf highlighted the uniqueness of the MTP, noting its person-centred approach that combines technical training with personal development.
He said while GIZ facilitated the programme for a decade, the African Cashew Alliance (ACA) has led its implementation over the past three years.
Ernest Mintah noted that the creation of 73 businesses demonstrated market readiness for a private sector-led model, adding that the Alliance aimed to transition the MTP into a fully private-sector-driven initiative.
He called on private sector actors and development partners to collaborate to sustain and scale up the programme.
The MTP is implemented by the African Cashew Alliance and co-funded by the European Union Organisation of African Caribbean and Pacific States and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development under the Business Support Facility for Resilient Agricultural Value Chains implemented by GIZ.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali /Audrey Dekalu