Export enabling environment for Côte d’Ivoire cashew sector

This project, commissioned by the CBI (Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries), aimed to enhance Côte d'Ivoire's export-enabling environment for the cashew sector by strengthening key industry associations and improving access to market information. Globally Cool's associate expert Ms Kathrin Seelige executed this project to drive growth and sustainability within Côte d'Ivoire’s cashew industry.

This project focused on strengthening Côte d'Ivoire’s cashew sector by building export capacities and improving market readiness. Through a targeted approach, Globally Cool collaborated with local institutions like the GIC-CI (Groupement des Industriels du Cajou de Côte d'Ivoire), CCA (Conseil du Coton et de l'Anacarde) and CNE (Conseil National des Exportations) to enhance industry representation, provide access to market insights, and establish sustainable CSR practices. These initiatives fostered an export-enabling environment that now supports over 80% of the country’s processing capacity, significantly elevating Côte d'Ivoire's position in the global cashew market.

Activities

• Strengthened representation of the processing industry through GIC-CI: Initiated a comprehensive development of the Groupement des Industriels du Cajou de Côte d'Ivoire (GIC-CI), establishing organizational practices, securing legal status, and enhancing advocacy efforts. Successfully lobbied for subsidies and represented processors in key events, promoting industry cohesion.
• Improved market information services: Collaborated with the Conseil National des Exportations (CNE) to create a new website, develop an exporter directory, and train staff on market analysis. These efforts improved access to international market insights and bolstered Côte d'Ivoire’s position across diverse export sectors.
• Enhanced BSO advisory on niche certifications and CSR: Supported the CCA (Cashew and Cotton Council) to establish a CSR team, offer CSR-focused workshops, and develop sector-specific guidelines. This resulted in significant improvements in industry standards and company-level certifications.