Applications are currently open for the Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access Programme – ECCAS Component (ATCMA–ECCAS), an initiative funded by the European Union to support businesses operating across the timber, cocoa, and cassava value chains in Central Africa. The programme is implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in collaboration with the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), with the aim of strengthening the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and improving their access to regional and international markets.
Programme Objectives
• Map businesses operating in the targeted value chains
• Identify key competitiveness, investment, and technical-support needs
• Understand the constraints affecting business growth and market access
• Inform future technical assistance and business-support activities
• Strengthen coordination with existing development initiatives
Benefits for Participants
Selected or eligible businesses may receive support in the following areas:
• Quality assurance and certification
• Traceability and sustainable production practices
• Business assessments and modernization plans
• Digitalisation and process improvement
• Technical training and coaching
• Export development and market-access support
• Participation in trade fairs, exhibitions, and business-matching events
Eligibility Criteria
The call is open to organizations operating within the timber, cocoa, and cassava value chains in ECCAS member countries, including:
• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• Producers
• Processors
• Exporters
• Cooperatives
• Professional associations
• Other businesses involved in the three priority value chains
Application Details
• How to Apply: Interested organizations must complete the official ATCMA–ECCAS questionnaire through the designated application portal.
• Application Deadline: 07 August 2026, 23:59 GMT+1.
• Important Note: Completing the questionnaire forms part of the programme’s business-identification and needs-assessment process. Submission does not automatically guarantee selection or access to technical assistance.
The ATCMA–ECCAS programme forms part of a broader European Union initiative running from 2025 to 2029 to strengthen trade competitiveness, value addition, and industrial development in Central Africa.
By focusing on businesses in the timber, cocoa, and cassava value chains, the programme aims to help enterprises meet international standards, improve production and processing practices, increase value addition, and access new regional and global markets.