Applications are now open for the Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access Programme (ATCMA–ECCAS), an EU-funded initiative supporting businesses operating in the timber, cocoa, and cassava value chains across Central Africa.Implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in partnership with the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the programme aims to strengthen the competitiveness of SMEs and improve their access to regional and international markets.
Programme Benefits
Selected businesses may receive technical support, including:
Support with quality assurance and certification
Assistance on traceability and sustainable production practices
Business assessments and modernization plans
Support for digitalisation and process improvement
Technical training and coaching
Export development support
Opportunities to participate in trade fairs, exhibitions, and business matchmaking events.
Who Can Apply?
The call targets organizations operating within the timber, cocoa, and cassava value chains, including:
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
Producers
Processors
Exporters
Cooperatives
Professional associations
Other businesses involved in the three priority sectors across ECCAS member countries.
Programme Objectives
Through the regional survey, the programme seeks to:
Map businesses operating in the targeted value chains
Identify key competitiveness and investment needs
Understand constraints affecting business growth
Guide future technical assistance and support activities
Strengthen coordination with existing development initiatives.
Why This Matters
The ATCMA–ECCAS programme is part of a broader EU initiative running from 2025 to 2029 to improve trade competitiveness and industrial development in Central Africa. By supporting SMEs in strategic sectors such as timber, cocoa, and cassava, the programme aims to help businesses meet international standards, increase value addition, and access new regional and global markets.Important: Completing the questionnaire is part of the programme’s identification and needs assessment process. Submission does not automatically guarantee selection or technical support.
Application Deadline
August 7, 2026 (11:59 p.m. GMT+1)
How To Apply
Interested businesses can complete the official ATCMA–ECCAS questionnaire through the application portal