The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), is strengthening Côte d’Ivoire’s agribusiness sector through a loan of up to $60 million to Dorado, supporting the expansion of sustainable cashew sourcing, local processing and exports. Dorado, which operates one of the largest cashew processing facilities in Côte d’Ivoire, exports processed cashew products to Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Asia. The financing will support the company’s working capital requirements, enabling its subsidiaries in the country to increase procurement of raw cashew nuts for domestic processing and international trade. Financing to strengthen local value addition The investment is expected to reinforce local value addition within Côte d’Ivoire’s cashew industry while improving supply-chain resilience and supporting rural livelihoods tied to the sector. Structured as a sustainability-linked loan, the financing will support Dorado in increasing the share of sustainably sourced cashews within its total production. The programme also includes measures aimed at improving operational efficiency and traceability across the company’s supply chain. In addition, the initiative will introduce climate-smart agricultural practices among suppliers and establish a deforestation risk assessment framework aligned with international sustainability standards. Support for farmers and rural communities A technical cooperation package attached to the financing will focus on workforce development and strengthening supply-chain practices. The programme will also promote financial inclusion among smallholder farmers involved in the cashew value chain. At least 10 cooperatives representing a minimum of 4,000 farmers are expected to receive certification under the Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Standard. The initiative will also establish 20 village savings and loan associations (VSLAs) to improve access to finance and enhance the resilience of rural communities. Support will further extend to Dorado’s seasonal workforce, the majority of whom are women, through programmes designed to improve economic opportunities and financial literacy. Côte d’Ivoire became an EBRD country of operation in 2025, marking the bank’s growing engagement in West Africa. The institution’s activities in the country are focused on sustainable infrastructure development, private-sector competitiveness and advancing green and inclusive economic growth.