<p></p><p>Launching of: <br></p> <p>"Linking Cashew Value Chain to Financial Institutions Initiative" <br></p> <p>Access to Finance in the Cashew Value Chain Workshop <br></p> <p>July 14th, 2016, Lagos, Nigeria <br></p> <p><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://africancashewalliance.com/sites/default/files/resize/notepad-14.5x21cm-print-v1-400x555.jpg">http://africancashewalliance.com/sites/default/files/resize/notepad-14.5x21cm-print-v1-400x555.jpg</a> <br></p> <p>On July 14, 2016, a wide range of cashew industry stakeholders and financial market actors will gather together in Lagos, Nigeria for the Access to Finance in the Cashew Value Chain Workshop. <br></p> <p>Initiated by the African Cashew Alliance (ACA) and supported by the USAID Nigeria Expanded Trade and Transport Project (NEXTT) and the USAID West Africa Trade and Investment Hub (WATIH), the workshop seeks to promote financial inclusion for cashew sector actors. The one day event brings together USAID WATIH specialists, cashew market experts, banks and financial institutions, and financial advisors to discuss current obstacles and potential pathways to increased access to finance in the cashew value chain. In particular, the program will focus on methods for maximizing the potential of the Nigerian cashew sector to attract investment and ensure competitiveness. <br></p> <p>As part of ACA’s ongoing mission to promote the global competitiveness of the African cashew value chain, the workshop was conceptualized as a means to link the cashew sector to financial institutions and increase the bankability of cashew processors. The workshop comes at a moment when the industry is ripe for change. By ensuring that processers have access to the vital credit and working capital necessary to purchase raw cashew nuts (RCN), ACA is fostering the long-term viability of the African cashew processing industry. <br></p> <p>Presentations from leading Nigerian trade experts; panel discussions between investment professionals; and personalized 'Business-to-Business’ meetings with West Africa Trade Hub financial advisors, banks, and financial institutions will significantly enhance participant’s technical and strategic knowledge on accessing the financial opportunities for investment in the cashew value chain. With support from USAID WATIH, ACA has worked closely with NEXTT, the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and other Nigerian partners to coordinate this event. ACA expects a successful and productive workshop with all of the esteemed partners, resource persons, and participants who have contributed to make this event possible. <br></p> <p>The workshop will be held following the ACA Cashew Business Management & Market Information Systems workshop, also held in Lagos, on July 12-13th. This ongoing training for processors and market information specialists – hosted by ACA, with support from USAID WATIH – focuses on increasing capacity in the West African cashew value chain. Capacity building, training and technical assistance on global industry practices, business management, quality and food safety regulations, environmental protection, market information and trends seek to further boost the competitiveness of African cashew sector actors. <br></p> <p>ACA will continue its work in promoting and strengthening the African cashew industry during its 2016 World Cashew Festival & Expo in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau. From September 19-22, 2016, hundreds of cashew industry stakeholders will gather to discuss the industry’s most pressing challenges and opportunities. ACA encourages all industry stakeholders, from the producers, exporters, buyers and processors in Nigeria, to businesses across Africa, to international companies, to join this important event and commit to the empowerment of the African cashew industry.<br></p><p></p>