The MOVE-ComCashew Call for Ideas 2025 is an exciting initiative designed to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship in the cashew sector and its related value chains. This program seeks to identify, support, and nurture young entrepreneurs and small agribusinesses across the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) who are passionate about transforming the agricultural landscape through sustainable and climate-smart solutions.
The program is organized under the Market-Oriented Value Chains for Jobs and Growth in the ECOWAS Region (MOVE) initiative, implemented by ComCashew and partners. It aims to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) within the cashew value chain, empowering them to enhance productivity, promote sustainability, and increase their investment readiness. The broader goal is to foster inclusive economic growth, improve rural livelihoods, and strengthen resilience to climate change.
Program Objectives
The MOVE-ComCashew Call for Ideas focuses on building a vibrant and competitive cashew sector that benefits all actors along the value chain from farmers to processors and traders. The call encourages participants to develop innovative business ideas that address current challenges in the cashew industry, such as post-harvest losses, quality enhancement, processing efficiency, and market access. It also promotes the integration of climate-smart agricultural practices, digital innovation, and gender inclusion to ensure sustainability and equity within the industry.
Participants are encouraged to submit practical ideas that can evolve into scalable, investment-ready businesses. The selected concepts should not only contribute to environmental preservation but also create jobs, improve incomes, and strengthen food systems across OACPS member countries.
Benefits of the Program
Successful applicants will gain access to a range of benefits aimed at helping them grow and professionalize their agribusiness ventures. These include:
- Financial Support: Each selected winner will receive a grant of €2,000 to help develop and scale their business idea.
- Equipment and Tools: Winners may receive essential resources such as laptops, tablets, or business-related software to enhance their operations.
- Capacity Building and Mentorship: Participants will be connected with expert mentors and industry professionals who will guide them through the process of refining their ideas, building business models, and preparing for investment opportunities.
- Networking and Investment Access: The program provides opportunities to engage with financial institutions, investors, and agribusiness networks, helping participants attract further funding and strategic partnerships.
Through these benefits, the initiative aims to create a pipeline of innovative, climate-resilient agribusinesses capable of driving positive change across Africa and beyond.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the MOVE-ComCashew Call for Ideas 2025, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Must be based in one of the OACPS member states.
- Must be involved in or interested in the cashew sector or related value chains such as cocoa, maize, or livestock (cattle, sheep, goats).
- Must demonstrate a commitment to sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices.
Application Process
Interested individuals and organizations are required to complete the following steps to apply:
- Register Online: Applicants must create an account on the designated e-MOVE platform or atingi portal.
- Complete E-Learning Courses: Participants must take two mandatory courses, Introduction to Conservation Agriculture (CA) and Creating an Investment-Ready Agribusiness. These courses equip applicants with the knowledge needed to design sustainable and investment-ready business models.
- Develop a Business Model Canvas: Using the “AgriCanvas” template provided during the training, applicants must create a detailed business model that outlines their innovative idea, target market, and sustainability plan.
- Submit Required Documents: Each applicant must submit their completed business model canvas, proof of course completion (certificate ID), and an official application form through the designated submission portal.
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of experts who will evaluate the feasibility, innovation, and sustainability of each proposal. The most promising ideas will receive direct financial and technical support to bring them to life.
Conclusion
The MOVE-ComCashew Call for Ideas 2025 represents a vital opportunity for emerging entrepreneurs to contribute to the sustainable transformation of the cashew industry. By empowering youth and MSMEs with knowledge, funding, and access to networks, the initiative not only promotes business growth but also enhances resilience to climate challenges and drives inclusive economic development.
Aspiring agripreneurs are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to showcase their creativity, contribute to a more sustainable agricultural ecosystem, and position themselves as leaders in the evolving cashew value chain.
Grant Amount: Up to €2,000
Application Deadline: November 7, 2025
