The Ghana Component of the West African Competitiveness Programme – Ghana, hosted the Cassava Transformation Project (CASTRAP) on a business-to-business (B2B) learning tour from February 5th to 9th, 2024. WACOMP-Ghana seeks to enhance the competitiveness of Ghanaian exports, particularly in cassava and its derivatives, fruits (mango and pineapple), and cosmetics and personal care. On the other hand, WACOMP-Liberia aims to enhance the competitiveness and regional integration of Liberia’s cassava sector through sustained production, value addition, entrepreneurship, and sustainable markets, through CASTRAP. Both projects are funded by the European Union (EU) under the 11th European Development Funds (EDF).
The purpose of the B2B learning tour was to promote skills acquisition, facilitate knowledge transfer, and share experiences in cassava production and processing. It aligned with WACOMP’s goal of enhancing performance and the business environment at national and regional levels. The tour involved key individuals from various organizations in Ghana and Liberia, including the CERATH Development Organization, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and cooperatives and private enterprises.
During the tour, the B2B team engaged in various activities, including visits to processing facilities, discussions with experts, and tours of farms and research institutes. They visited Oxy Industries Limited, a beneficiary of WACOMP-Ghana, to learn about cassava processing and packaging. They also visited the Business Resource Centre (BRC) in Techiman to understand business registration and cooperative organization. Additionally, the team explored cassava processing centers and farms supported by WACOMP-Ghana, gaining insights into improved cassava varieties and agronomic techniques.
The team also visited Christaa Agro Limited and Josma Agro Industries Limited, specialized cassava processing enterprises, to learn about diverse cassava-based food products and processing technologies. Furthermore, they visited the Crop Research Institute in Kumasi to learn about cassava crop strains and research efforts in cassava cultivation.
The collaboration between WACOMP-Ghana and WACOMP-Liberia facilitated knowledge transfer, skills acquisition, and experience sharing regarding the business and science of cassava production and processing. Participants expressed satisfaction with the tour, noting the valuable insights gained and the inspiration to enhance their enterprises. The tour exemplified the commitment of both projects to promoting sustainable economic development and regional integration in West Africa.
