Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) are working collectively to extend the manufacturing and processing of the commodity which market measurement is estimated to be value $7.57 Billion.

This was disclosed by the Executive Director/CEO of NEPC, Dr. Ezra Yakusak on the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GIZ in Abuja below the Market Oriented Value Chains for Jobs and Growth within the ECOWAS Region tagged – GIZ MOVE.

Dr. Yakusak who was represented by the Director, of Product Development, Mrs. Evelyn Obidike reiterated that the collaborative effort was consistent with the Federal Government’s non-oil export diversification agenda which seeks to stimulate experience, inclusiveness, innovativeness and competitiveness.

“The overall outcome is to achieve a paradigm shift by repositioning Nigeria as an exporter of a wide range of value-added high-premium quality cashew products to certified global niche markets and expedite a successful internationalization process for local stakeholders in the cashew value chain in Nigeria”, he added.

He stated he was optimistic that the partnership might be characterised by large up-scaling of manufacturing of high-yielding cashew varieties, elevated native processing, enabled compliance to necessary certification and sustainable entry into area of interest export markets.

According to him “We also expect that the collaboration will further support gender empowerment, reliable data from empirical research for effective policy formulation and implementation, technical exchanges as well as export competency development.”

“The NEPC together with GIZ MOVE is determined to leverage our unique competencies to deliver direct benefits to local farmers, aggregators, processors, packers, exporters, importers, service providers, export facilitating agencies and prospective investors novel solutions”. Dr Yakusak added.

The Programme Leader (GIZ MOVE) Mr. Florain Winckler whereas talking expressed optimism that the partnership between each events will additional go a great distance in including worth to the Cashew sector by constructing the capability of the operators, rising manufacturing and processing of high-quality cashew and thereby make the product aggressive within the international market.

Olusola Akintonde