Nairobi, Kenya – September 22, 2025 – The African Cashew Alliance (ACA) has kicked off Session 3 of its 20th Master Training Program (MTP) in Nairobi, bringing together industry players from across the continent to sharpen skills in cashew production, processing, and value addition.
The week-long program, which runs from September 22–26, has drawn 64 participants from Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. Out of these, 54 will complete their MTP journey this week and graduate as certified cashew experts.
Launched in 2014, the MTP has become Africa’s premier cashew industry training initiative. To date, it has equipped more than 1,400 participants with advanced knowledge of production, processing, marketing, and policy. The program blends theory with hands-on learning, ensuring that participants return to their countries ready to drive growth and competitiveness in the sector.
Focus of the Nairobi Session
This edition emphasizes harvest and post-harvest practices, nut quality measurement, cashew apple juice processing, and by-product development. Beyond technical skills, participants are also exploring leadership, communication, and negotiation techniques, equipping them to take on greater roles in transforming the industry.
ACA is implementing the MTP in partnership with MOVE, the East African Community Secretariat, GIZ, the Cashew Nut Board of Tanzania, and the Instituto de Amêndoas de Moçambique, with financial backing from the European Union and the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States.
Growing Africa’s Cashew Sector
The ACA, established in 2006, has nearly 130 member companies spanning the entire cashew value chain—from farmers and processors to traders and global buyers. Its mission is to build a sustainable, competitive African cashew industry that delivers profitability and value-added products for local and international markets.
With global demand for cashew-based products on the rise, initiatives like the MTP are seen as critical in positioning Africa not just as a raw nut supplier but as a hub for processing, innovation, and leadership in the sector.