Context

The “EU-ACP Business-Friendly: Supporting value chains through inclusive policies, investment promotion and alliances” programme is an Intra-ACP action funded by the European Union and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) through a EUR 34.7 million contribution.

The Programme follows a tiered approach with engagements focusing on macro-, meso- and micro-level interventions implemented by the World Bank (WB), the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), and the International Trade Centre (ITC), respectively.  It seeks to improve the ability of agribusiness firms in ACP countries to compete, grow and prosper in domestic, regional and international markets, ultimately generating inclusive, sustainable jobs and economic growth.

Micro-level interventions are led by ITC through its Alliances for Action approach that promotes inclusive and sustainable agricultural value chains. Interventions aim to enhance value chain operators’ individual and collective competitiveness with specific attention to family farmers, agri-entrepreneurs and processors. The actions draw on a holistic implementation approach and a coordinated framework that creates market opportunities through value addition and product diversification. At the heart of this intervention level is the promotion of sustainable production practices to build resilience and development of bankable business models to attract investments

The project is implemented in 10 African and Caribbean countries, including Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin, the Dominican Republic, Ghana, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, Burkina Faso, and Zambia. 

The Pacific stream of the project is implemented in the region by SPC in partnership with ITC with particular focus on Kava in Vanuatu and Coconut in Papua New Guinea. The project works to ensure that farmers and cooperatives can access the necessary resources to grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

Project Objectives and Activities 

The micro level of the Programme focuses on two core themes and specific workstreams:

  1. Promoting inclusive productive and commercial Alliances and investment to strengthen value chain governance and MSME competitiveness through dedicated Work Streams: 
    • Establish public private value chain alliances for action 
    • Promote inclusive market and buyer linkages 
    • Facilitate inclusive finance and investment for the alliances
  2. Increasing small farmers and processors value addition, productivity and competitiveness through dedicated Work Streams:
    • Build productive capabilities for smallholder farmers, including family farms, women and youth 
    • Improve value addition through product development and processing 
    • Strengthen farmer organization support service systems and capabilities

Project Partners

  • European Union
  • OACPS
  • ITC
  • World Bank 
  • UNIDO

About the International Trade Centre

The International Trade Centre is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. ITC assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transition economies to become more competitive in global markets, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development within the frameworks of the Aid-for-Trade agenda and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. For more information, visit www.intracen.org

Contact

Lagi Fisher, SPC Project Implementation Officer, [email protected] 

Project Category
vu
pg

Project Duration: 9/03/2023 - 31/12/2024
Donor: European Union, Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS).