EU-backed programme opens applications for cocoa, timber, cassava SMEs.

Applications are open until August 21, 2026, at 11:59pm GMT+1, according to information published by the European Union in Cameroon.

The call is being carried out under the Programme for Trade Competitiveness and Market Access in Central Africa, ATCMA-ECCAS. The programme is financed by the EU and jointly implemented by the International Trade Centre, ITC, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, UNIDO.

According to information provided on the application website, the call targets producers, processors, exporters, cooperatives, small and medium-sized enterprises, SMEs, professional organisations and other businesses operating in the three value chains. 

To qualify, applicants must be legally registered in a member state of the Economic Community of Central African States, ECCAS. The call adds that eligible businesses must be operational and active in the timber, cocoa or cassava value chains. 

Applicants, it was added, must equally demonstrate an interest in strengthening the competitiveness of their businesses and developing their commercial activities.

Selected businesses, the website adds, will be positioned to receive technical assistance based on their needs and the priorities of the programme.

The support, it was detailed, may include business assessments and the development of enterprise modernisation plans. Businesses may also receive assistance to modernise and digitalise their operations and improve production processes. 

Technical training and coaching are also included among the areas of support. The programme also covers quality assurance, certification, traceability and sustainable business practices.

Selected enterprises, the call website added, could equally receive assistance in developing their commercial activities, preparing for exports and participating in trade fairs, exhibitions and business-to-business meetings.

How to apply

Interested businesses are required to complete an application questionnaire and attach the necessary supporting documents. According to the call, the questionnaire takes an estimated 15 minutes to complete. 

The information provided will be used to verify whether applicants meet the eligibility requirements. It will also help the programme identify the needs of businesses and determine the technical assistance to be provided.

The EU said information submitted by applicants will be treated confidentially and used for the selection of beneficiary companies, implementation of programme activities, monitoring and evaluation. 

The wider ATCMA-ECCAS programme focuses on strengthening the competitiveness of SMEs in Central Africa and improving access to regional, continental and international markets.

It also targets local processing, product upgrading, quality compliance and certification, sustainable practices and export development within selected value chains.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3883 of Wednesday August 19, 2026