GCB Bank PLC, in collaboration with TCDA, GCX, UNDP and MasterCard, with support from SEC Ghana, officially kickstarted an initiative aimed at transforming the cashew value chain in Ghana.
This collaboration seeks to develop a pioneering framework aimed at derisking agricultural finance and expanding access to capital for actors across the cashew ecosystem.
Held at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, the maiden workshop themed “The Future of Agric Financing: A Groundbreaking, Tech-Enabled Approach to Inclusive Agriculture” convened government regulators, financiers, and international development partners to chart a new path for sustainable and inclusive agriculture financing.
Delivering the keynote address, GCB Bank’s Managing Director, Farihan Alhassan, articulated the strategic importance of the initiative. He underscored that GCB Bank, as the largest indigenous bank, is committed to redefining how agriculture is financed in Ghana by promoting ecosystem-based financing models rather than conventional collateral-driven approaches.
“The Cashew Financing Framework marks the beginning of a bold new journey. We want to support every actor in the value chain—from farmers to exporters—by leveraging warehousing systems, technology, and structured markets,” said Farihan. “Agriculture must be central to our economic transformation. GCB is ready to back this vision with real funding, including an initial commitment of up to GHS 2.5 billion.”
He further highlighted a paradigm shift in risk assessment, moving from a focus on the client’s ability to pay to their willingness to pay, enabled by seamless systems that embed repayments into the transaction cycle itself.
Representatives from partner institutions reinforced their commitment to the framework, each bringing unique perspectives and expertise:
- UNDP Ghanaemphasized its inclusive development mandate, highlighting its experience in the cocoa and shea value chains and its support for MSMEs under the principle of "leaving no one behind."
- GCX highlighted its pivotal role in commodity trading since 2018 and pledged continued support in building a viable ecosystem for agricultural finance, particularly for cash crops like cashew.
- Mastercard reaffirmed the importance of bridging the digital divide in agriculture, aligning with its global mission to enable financial inclusion through digital transformation.
- Tree Crop Development Authority (TCDA) and SEC Ghana echoed the need for regulatory collaboration and transparency to ensure the success and scalability of the framework.
Sam Aidoo, GCB Bank’s Executive Director for Wholesale & Investment Banking, outlined the substantial potential of Ghana’s cashew sector, noting its capacity to generate over $400 million in annual exports and directly impact over 300,000 farmers, of whom 88% are smallholders.
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“The new framework is designed to inject up to GHS 2.5 billion into agribusinesses, leveraging structured, traceable, and technology-driven financing mechanisms. This is not just about funding - it is about transforming the entire value chain,” emphasized Sam Aidoo.
The workshop transitioned into focused breakout sessions, where stakeholders engaged in collaborative discussions on the implementation steps, governance, and the development of digital tools for seamless disbursement and repayment.
With a firm commitment to have the framework operational by the next cashew season, all stakeholders agreed to align on measurable milestones and outcomes. It also emphasized building resilience, promoting climate-smart practices, and supporting youth and women within the agricultural value chain.
This workshop marks a major milestone in GCB Bank’s broader agenda to promote sustainable agriculture, financial inclusion, and economic empowerment. As Farihan concluded: “Agriculture is not just an economic pillar, it is our collective future. GCB Bank is proud to be at the forefront of building an agric financing model that works for Ghana, now and for generations to come.”