IDH and ARECA Now Official Partners of ACi

ACi relies on the support and expertise from both private and public sector partners in fostering a competitive and growing cashew industry. The month of July saw two milestones for ACi as it gained two new Core Partners: The Sustainable Trade Initiative – IDH and The Regulatory Authority of Cotton and Cashew in Ivory Coast, ARECA.      

A two year cooperation agreement for the 2nd Call of Applications for the Cashew Matching Fund was signed with IDH as it decided to cooperate closer. IDH officially became a funding partner to the ACi Matching Fund Project with a special component on Supply Chain Management Information Systems.

The Sustainable Trade Initiative, based in the Netherlands, accelerates and up-scales sustainable trade by building impact-oriented coalitions of front running multinationals, civil society organizations, governments and other stakeholders. By organizing public and private interests, strengths and knowledge, IDH programs help create shared value for all partners. Since March 2012 IDH has been involved in the African Cashew sector.

Talks between ACi Executive Director, Rita Weidinger, and ARECA Director, Malamine Sanogo, proved fruitful as they signed an MoU, officially making ARECA a Core Partner of the ACi.

By signing the agreement, ARECA agrees to support and facilitate ACi activities in Ivory Coast. The Regulatory Authority of Cotton and Cashew is responsible for implementing the regulatory and contractual framework governing the operation of said channels. It exercises on an exclusive basis; regulatory functions are delegated to it by the State to establish the organizational framework of the cotton and cashew sector. ARECA also supports the state in the implementation and monitoring of international agreements and arrangements.

ACi, together with their two new Core Partners is looking forward to support sustainable projects on African Cashew.