The Programme for Trade Competitiveness and Market Access in Central Africa (ATCMA-ECCAS) has officially launched a Call for Expressions of Interest inviting eligible small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the timber, cocoa, and cassava value chains to apply for comprehensive technical support aimed at improving competitiveness, increasing productivity, enhancing product quality, and expanding access to regional, continental, and international markets.

Funded by the European Union (EU) and jointly implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the programme seeks to strengthen private sector development across Central Africa by helping businesses modernize their operations, adopt sustainable production practices, comply with international quality standards, and unlock new trade and export opportunities.

For SMEs seeking to scale their businesses, improve production systems, or enter new markets, this initiative presents a valuable opportunity to receive expert technical assistance without direct financial cost while becoming more competitive in an increasingly global marketplace.

About the ATCMA-ECCAS Programme

The Programme for Trade Competitiveness and Market Access in Central Africa (ATCMA-ECCAS) is a regional initiative established to improve the competitiveness of businesses throughout the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).

The programme recognizes that many SMEs possess significant production potential but face numerous challenges that limit their ability to compete in both domestic and international markets. These challenges often include outdated production methods, limited value addition, inadequate quality assurance systems, insufficient certification, poor access to export markets, and limited technical capacity.

Through targeted technical assistance, the programme aims to help enterprises overcome these barriers while contributing to sustainable economic growth, regional integration, industrial development, and increased trade throughout Central Africa.

The initiative is financed by the European Union and implemented through a partnership between two internationally recognized organizations:

• International Trade Centre (ITC)
• United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)

Together, these organizations provide technical expertise, business development support, and capacity-building services designed to strengthen participating enterprises.

Objective of the Call for Expressions of Interest

The primary objective of this Call for Expressions of Interest is to identify promising SMEs that are ready to improve their competitiveness and expand their commercial activities.

Rather than providing direct financial grants, the programme focuses on delivering specialized technical support that enables businesses to become more efficient, productive, sustainable, and export-ready.

Selected companies will receive customized support that addresses their individual business needs while positioning them for long-term growth.

Priority Value Chains

This call specifically targets enterprises operating within three strategic agricultural and industrial value chains:

1. Timber

Eligible timber enterprises may include businesses involved in:

• Wood processing
• Timber transformation
• Furniture manufacturing
• Timber product value addition
• Sustainable forestry production
• Wood exports

2. Cocoa

The programme welcomes cocoa enterprises involved in:

• Cocoa production
• Cocoa processing
• Chocolate manufacturing
• Cocoa value addition
• Packaging
• Export development

3. Cassava

Cassava businesses operating in areas such as:

• Cassava processing
• Food manufacturing
• Industrial cassava products
• Value-added cassava products
• Commercial production
• Export-oriented activities

are encouraged to apply.

Programme Areas of Support

The ATCMA-ECCAS programme focuses on strengthening businesses across several important areas.

1. Local Processing and Product Upgrading

Participating enterprises will receive support to:

• Improve processing techniques.
• Increase product value.
• Diversify product offerings.
• Produce higher-quality finished products.
• Reduce post-harvest losses.

Improved local processing helps businesses capture more value before products enter domestic or export markets.

2. Strengthening Productive and Commercial Capacity

The programme helps SMEs become stronger businesses by supporting:

• Improved production efficiency.
• Better operational management.
• Increased productivity.
• Business planning.
• Market positioning.
• Commercial growth.

3. Improving Quality Standards and Certification

Meeting international standards is essential for accessing high-value export markets.

The programme supports businesses through:

• Quality management improvements.
• Compliance with international standards.
• Certification support.
• Product traceability.
• Food safety systems where applicable.
• Sustainable production standards.

4. Regional and International Market Integration

Selected enterprises will receive guidance to access:

• National markets.
• Regional markets.
• Continental markets.
• International export opportunities.

The programme encourages businesses to become competitive suppliers capable of meeting international buyer requirements.

5. Sustainable Business Practices

Modern markets increasingly demand sustainability.

The programme promotes:

• Environmentally responsible production.
• Sustainable sourcing.
• Resource efficiency.
• Responsible manufacturing.
• Competitive green business practices.

6. Trade and Export Development

Businesses will also receive assistance to:

• Expand exports.
• Identify buyers.
• Improve market access.
• Participate in trade promotion activities.
• Strengthen commercial relationships.

Technical Support Available

Selected companies will benefit from a comprehensive package of technical assistance tailored to their business needs.

Support may include the following.

Company Diagnostics

Experts will conduct detailed assessments of participating enterprises to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and priority improvement areas.

Development of Upgrading Plans

Each company may receive a customized upgrading roadmap outlining practical actions needed to improve competitiveness and business performance.

Modernization Support

The programme assists enterprises in modernizing operations through:

• Improved production methods.
• Technology adoption.
• Operational improvements.
• Increased efficiency.

Digitalisation Support

Businesses will receive assistance in integrating digital tools that enhance productivity, management, marketing, and commercial operations.

Production Process Improvement

Experts will help companies optimize production systems to improve quality, efficiency, and consistency.

Technical Training

Participants will benefit from specialized training covering:

• Production techniques.
• Business management.
• Export readiness.
• Product quality.
• Sustainable practices.

Coaching and Mentorship

Businesses will receive personalized coaching from experienced experts who will provide guidance throughout the improvement process.

Quality and Certification Support

Technical experts will help companies:

• Improve product quality.
• Prepare for certification.
• Strengthen traceability systems.
• Meet export compliance requirements.

Sustainable Production Practices

The programme encourages adoption of sustainable production methods that improve competitiveness while protecting environmental resources.

Commercial Development

Businesses will receive support in:

• Business expansion.
• Market development.
• Sales improvement.
• Customer acquisition.

Export Development

Participating enterprises will be assisted in preparing for international trade through export readiness support.

Trade Fairs and Business Meetings

Selected companies may receive support to participate in:

• Trade fairs.
• International exhibitions.
• Business matchmaking events.
• Commercial networking opportunities.

These activities provide valuable exposure to potential buyers, investors, and commercial partners.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for this Call for Expressions of Interest, applicants must satisfy all four of the following conditions.

1. Legal Registration

The business must be legally registered within an ECCAS Member State.

2. Operate in Eligible Value Chains

The company must operate within one of the following sectors:

• Timber
• Cocoa
• Cassava

3. Active Business Operations

Only companies that are currently operational and actively conducting business are eligible.

4. Commitment to Growth

Applicants should demonstrate a clear intention to:

• Improve competitiveness.
• Expand commercial activities.
• Strengthen production capacity.
• Develop export opportunities.

The programme will verify compliance with these requirements using information provided in the application questionnaire and supporting documentation.

Application Process

Interested companies must complete the official Expression of Interest questionnaire.

Estimated Completion Time

Approximately 15 minutes.

Applicants should ensure that all submitted information is accurate, complete, and supported by the required documentation.

Data Confidentiality

All information submitted through the application process will be handled confidentially.

The collected information will be used exclusively for:

• Selecting beneficiary companies.
• Implementing programme activities.
• Monitoring programme implementation.
• Programme evaluation.

By submitting an application, each company confirms that:

• The information provided is accurate.
• The information is complete.
• It agrees to data processing for programme implementation.
• It will actively participate in programme activities if selected.
• It will cooperate with programme experts during diagnostics and implementation.

Contact Information

Applicants with questions regarding this Call for Expressions of Interest may contact the programme team through the following email addresses:

• DWANDJI@intracen.org
• S.MEVONOANGON@unido.org
• hbangda@intracen.org

Important Deadline

Application Deadline: 21 August 2026

Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit their applications well before the closing date to avoid last-minute technical issues or incomplete submissions.

APPLY HERE

Why Businesses Should Apply

Participation in the ATCMA-ECCAS programme offers SMEs a unique opportunity to receive expert technical assistance that can transform their operations and improve their long-term competitiveness.

Key advantages include:

• Access to international technical expertise.
• Business diagnostics and tailored upgrading plans.
• Improved production systems.
• Enhanced product quality.
• Support for certification and compliance.
• Export readiness assistance.
• Commercial development support.
• Participation in trade fairs and business events.
• Increased competitiveness in regional and global markets.
• Adoption of sustainable and modern business practices.

Rather than providing one-time financial assistance, the programme focuses on building lasting business capacity that enables enterprises to grow sustainably over the long term.

Visit HERE for more information about the ATCMA-ECCAS Call for Expressions of Interest 2026.

Conclusion

The ATCMA-ECCAS Call for Expressions of Interest is an outstanding opportunity for SMEs operating in the timber, cocoa, and cassava value chains across Central Africa to strengthen their businesses and expand into new markets. Through the combined expertise of the European Union, the International Trade Centre, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, selected enterprises will receive tailored technical support aimed at improving productivity, quality, sustainability, and export readiness. Businesses that meet the eligibility requirements should take advantage of this opportunity by submitting their applications before the 21 August 2026 deadline and positioning themselves for sustainable commercial growth in regional and international markets.

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