In March of this year, the Organization of African Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), the European Union, the German Government, and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) began implementing the Business Support Facility for Resilient Agricultural Value Chains.

This facility is financed under intra-ACP EDF funds and aims to develop and enhance the capacities of actors along the OACPS agricultural value chains to attract finance and investment, particularly towards low-emission and climate-resilient practices.

The project focuses on the cashew, maize, livestock (cattle, sheep, goat), and cocoa value chains in OACPS countries. It includes a competitive Matching Grant Fund (MGF) that aims to encourage contributions from both public and private sector partners and increase their interest in building stronger and more resilient value chains. The MGF incorporates a readiness program to assist potential applicants throughout the process and ensure that those in the “missing middle” can access the scheme. Grantees and their implementing partners receive support from a business support facility.
The first call for the MGF will be launched on June 12th and will focus on the cashew value chain. All relevant documents will be available at www.comcashew.org. Between June 12th and 21st, a series of webinars will be held to address any questions regarding the call and facilitate the application process