From Cashew Trading to Value Creation: GPSCP II Supports Women-Led Businesses

Accra: Ashesi University's Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC) has launched the Women's Agribusiness Incubation Programme to support women-owned businesses in Ghana's cashew sector. The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Ghana Private Sector Competitiveness Programme II (GPSCP II) and funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). According to Ghana Web, the programme was officially launched on Friday, September 4, 2026, at the SECO premises in Ridge, Accra. The event brought together representatives from the Government of Ghana, the Embassy of Switzerland to Ghana, Ashesi University, GCIC, GPSCP II, and private-sector partners. The initiative aims to help participating businesses expand from cashew trading into higher-value processing, packaging, and business growth. It integrates business training, coaching, mentorship, technical assistance, market linkages, and access to finance to equip enterprises with the necessary skills, networks, and resources for growth. H ighlighting the initiative's alignment with GCIC's institutional values, Executive Director Pearl Esua-Mensah emphasized that the initiative is a direct extension of the organization's mission and Ashesi University's commitment to ethical leadership. She encouraged participants to be bold, take risks, and challenge themselves while maintaining ethical standards. Participating businesses will receive practical support in various areas including strategy, financial management, growth planning, human resource management, and business model development. The programme offers mentorship and one-on-one coaching from industry experts and experienced entrepreneurs. Technical assistance will focus on sustainable sourcing and traceability, quality management, inclusive supply chains, and climate-smart processing technologies. Furthermore, the programme will prepare businesses for investment and new market connections through investor readiness coaching, pitch preparation, business diagnostics, buyer engagement, export readiness support, and links with GEPA and FAGE. A dedicated employability track will extend the programme's reach to 100 National Service Scheme (NSS) personnel, providing intensive training in practical skills for transitioning into employment and entrepreneurship. Delivering remarks on behalf of George Opare Addo, Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Evan Selorm Habadah reiterated the government's commitment to youth employment and entrepreneurship. He emphasized the potential of the cashew value chain for youth employment and economic empowerment, aligning with the government's mandate to strengthen technical and vocational education and expand entrepreneurial pathways. Speaking on behalf of Seidu Issifu, Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Cedric Dzelu highlighted the critical intersection between climate action, sustainable agriculture, and women's economic empowerment. He encouraged participants to adopt climate-smart processing technologies and sustainable sourcing practices. R eaffirming the international partnership behind the initiative, Janine Walz, Deputy Head of Mission/Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Switzerland to Ghana, praised the collaboration between Ghana and Switzerland as a commitment to sustainable, inclusive economic growth. She expressed confidence that the initiative would not only strengthen the value chain but also serve as a model for empowering women in agribusiness. The inaugural cohort consists of thirty-two businesses from seven regions across Ghana, actively processing cashew nuts into diverse innovative products. Dedicated financial support for the cohort is provided by partners including RDF Ghana and First National Bank.