Empowering Cashew and Oil Palm SMEs through GPSCP II

1. Program Overview

  • Ghana Private Sector Competitiveness Programme – Phase II (GPSCP II)
  • Duration: June 1, 2022 – Dec 31, 2027
  • Funding: CHF 9 million (~USD 10.5 million), via Swiss SECO

    Implementers: NIRAS International Consulting & Proforest, under TCDA oversight

  • Three Implementation Modalities:
  • Strategic Cooperation Partnership (SCP): Strengthening the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) with MoUs.
  • Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM): Grants to MDAs to trigger policy/regulatory reforms.
  • Development Partnership with Private Sector (DPP): Matching grants to SMEs & associations in cashew/oil palm.

    2. DPP Matching Grant Facility

  • Target Audience:
  • Cashew or oil palm processing SMEs and associations nationwide, including Accra-based, but focused on processing regions
  • Priority sectors:
  • Women-led businesses
  • Female or vulnerable youth–dominated workforce

Eligible Project Activities:

  • Training & capacity building
  • Market access facilitation
  • Business / product development
  • Certification / standardization
  • Tech and efficiency-enhancing equipment
  • 3. Grant Size & Matching
  • Support Levels per Category:
  • Large SMEs (SME1): up to GHS 3 million
  • Equipment: 50% cash
  • Services: 30% cash
  • Small/Innovative SMEs (SME2): up to GHS 500,000
  • Equipment: 20% cash + 30% cash/in-kind
  • Services: 10% cash + 20% cash/in-kind
  • Associations: up to GHS 500,000
  • Equipment: 50% in-kind
  • Services: 30% in-kind

4. Application Process & Timeline

  • Concept Note Submission
  • Fill out official concept-note form.
  • Evaluated based on technical & financial feasibility, alignment with objectives, inclusion of vulnerable groups, sustainability

    Deadline: Friday, July 11, 2025