From Cashew Trading to Value Creation: GPSCP II supports women-led businesses

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).

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 programme will help participating businesses expand from cashew trading into higher-value processing, packaging, and business growth. It brings together business training, coaching, mentorship, technical assistance, market linkages, and access to finance to help enterprises develop the skills, networks, and resources they need to grow.

Highlighting 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 urged participants to “be bold, take risks, and challenge yourself; be resilient and overcome setbacks; be collaborative and lean on your network; be ethical, because your reputation is your most valuable asset; and be committed, show up and do the work,”

Participating businesses will receive practical support in strategy, financial management, growth planning, human resource management, and business model development. They will also work with industry experts and experienced entrepreneurs through mentorship and one-on-one coaching. Technical assistance will focus on sustainable sourcing and traceability, quality management, inclusive supply chains, and climate-smart processing technologies.

The programme will also help businesses prepare for investment and connect with new markets 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. Through intensive training, participants will develop practical skills for the transition into employment and entrepreneurship, including career development, interview preparation, workplace communication, personal branding, and job search strategies.

The track supports the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment’s focus on preparing young people for opportunities in the workforce, while connecting young professionals to potential opportunities within the cashew sector.

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 cashew value chain holds enormous potential for youth employment and economic empowerment. This incubation programme aligns with the government’s mandate to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education, expand entrepreneurial pathways like SEED and Adwumawura, and support young Ghanaians with the skills, networks, and financial inclusion they need to succeed. Investing in our youth is investing in the future of Ghana,”

Speaking on behalf of Seidu Issifu, Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Cedric Dzelu underscored the critical intersection between climate action, sustainable agriculture, and women's economic empowerment.

He encouraged participants to embrace climate-smart processing technologies and sustainable sourcing practices, positioning their businesses as leaders in Ghana's transition to a green, inclusive economy.

Reaffirming the international partnership behind the initiative, Janine Walz, Deputy Head of Mission/Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Switzerland to Ghana, stated that the collaboration between Ghana and Switzerland is built on a shared commitment to sustainable, inclusive economic growth.

She added, “This Women’s Agribusiness Incubation Programme perfectly exemplifies that commitment. We are confident that this initiative will not only strengthen the value chain but also serve as a model for empowering women across the agribusiness landscape,”

The inaugural cohort comprises thirty-two businesses from seven regions across Ghana, all actively processing cashew nuts into a range of innovative products.

Dedicated financial support for the cohort is provided by partners including RDF Ghana and First National Bank.