ACA Promotes Sector Organization in Guinea-Bissau
ACA envisions an African cashew industry where each country has strong local institutions and an active platform for collaboration. In line with this vision, ACA hosted a National Stakeholders Dialogue in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau on April 12, 2016. The event was organized by ACA and co-sponsored by the World Bank project, PRSPDA.
The forum, themed “Promoting the cashew sector for sustainable value-addition in the national economy”, sought to bring together stakeholders from across the cashew value chain for a facilitated dialogue. Important participants included representatives from ANCA and the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Industry experts from ACA, PRSPDA, and the Cashew Promotion Center in Bissau delivered presentations regarding the current state of the cashew industry in Guinea-Bissau and prospects for global competitiveness. As the second largest producer of cashew in Africa, Guinea-Bissau relies heavily on the product for its exports and economic development.
The event attracted over 60 participants, representing producer associations, processing companies, exporters, traders, policy makers, and commercial service providers. The forum emphasized constructive dialogue through in-depth discussions and the creation of action plans by each sector of the cashew industry. As a follow-up to the forum, the Coordinator of PRSPDA will lead representatives chosen from each sector to form a committee that will serve as a national platform, which will continue to identify areas for collaboration for the development of the industry in Guinea-Bissau.
The forum was an important step in promoting sector organization within the country. The issues raised during the forum will also be used to strengthen ACA’s approach to policy advocacy and public sector engagement. ACA aims to work with all cashew-producing countries to ensure a healthy national dialogue and an environment that emphasizes partnership. ACA will continue to work with stakeholders in Guinea-Bissau during the planning of the 2016 World Cashew Festival & Expo and the implementation of a joint project with PRSPDA.
