The African Cashew Alliance (ACA) is set to host its 18th Annual Cashew Conference and Expo in Cotonou, Benin, from September 17 to 20, 2024.

With just five weeks to go, anticipation is building among stakeholders in the cashew industry across Africa.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the special edition of the programme, ACA’s Managing Director Ernest Mintah, extended an open invitation to all those involved in the cashew sector, urging them to participate in the conference.

“I invite you all to join the cashew world as we discuss the pertinent issues of the cashew industry in Africa,” he said.

This year's conference holds special significance as it will also celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Master Training Programme (MTP), which marked a decade of its existence in December last year.

The MTP has been instrumental in enhancing the skills and knowledge of professionals within the industry, contributing to the growth and sustainability of the cashew sector in Africa.

Participants are encouraged to register through the ACA website to be part of this milestone event, which promises to be a platform for insightful discussions, networking, and celebrating the achievements of the cashew industry in Africa.

About the MTP

The Master Training Program (MTP) was introduced in 2013 as a unique training program that seeks to build the capacity of both existing players of the cashew industry and newcomers to create a pool of experts for the industry towards achieving the ACA and its partners’ vision of creating a competitive African cashew industry.

A total of 137 people from 15 countries graduated from the MTP from the Edition 17 and edition 18 of the programme in June and August respectively this year. This increases the total number of MTP graduates   1322 from 20 countries across 18 editions who are making significant difference in their respective organizations and the cashew industry. An additional 21 people will be graduating after the special session on Friday.

The MTP is currently implemented by the ACA in partnership with the GIZ/MOVE project, MoFA, CRIG, the Conseil du Coton et de l’ Anacarde (CCA), the Consultative International Cashew Council (CICC), among others with funding from the EU, OACPS, and the BMZ.