Strengthening the resilience of the ginger value chain in Nigeria: the strength of a structured partnership between public and private actors
- 22/12/2025
- Posted by: Sandra Borma
- Category: News
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Following the major crisis triggered in 2023 by a ginger wilt outbreak that caused production losses of up to 80% in some key producing areas of Nigeria, particularly in Kaduna State, COLEAD, through the FFM+ programme, continued and strengthened its support to the sector in 2025. This new phase builds on the initial actions implemented in 2024 and aims to restore farmers’ confidence, improve the sustainability of production systems, and enhance the competitiveness of the sector. In partnership with CBI’s… +Nigeria: strengthening the SPS quality management system through capacity development of the national plant protection organisation (NAQS)
- 22/12/2025
- Posted by: Sandra Borma
- Category: News
As Nigeria’s National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO), the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) plays a central role in safeguarding plant health, preventing the introduction of pests, and certifying agricultural products for export. To strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to meet international phytosanitary requirements, COLEAD, under the Fit for Market Plus (FFM+) programme funded by the European Union and the OACPS, implemented two consecutive training sessions aimed at improving both the organisation and the implementation of official controls. These activities form part of… +Sierra leone: collective training as a lever for access to formal horticultural markets
- 22/12/2025
- Posted by: Sandra Borma
- Category: News
COLEAD recently successfully concluded a strategic collective training session dedicated to market access, held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, in November 2025. This face-to-face training was delivered by a COLEAD expert based in West Africa, as part of the FFM Plus programme. The main objective of the training was to strengthen the capacities of horticultural companies and producer organisations currently operating in informal or semi-informal markets, but aiming to transition towards higher-value formal, regional and international markets. The session primarily targeted… +Supporting agribusinesses in developing bankable business plans: the case of Produhort in Malawi
- 03/11/2025
- Posted by: Sandra Borma
- Category: News
As part of the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, COLEAD supports agribusinesses in developing bankable business plans, essential tools for growth and long-term sustainability. In this context, a post-training support mission was conducted with Produhort Investments Ltd, a horticultural enterprise based in Lilongwe (Malawi). As a participant in the “Develop a Business Plan for Your Agribusiness” training, Produhort received tailored coaching to finalise and strengthen its 2025–2030 business plan. A business plan to guide growth The mission’s objective was… +Sustainable products for healthy living: Thanthwe Enterprises (Malawi) leads the way towards regional and international markets
- 03/11/2025
- Posted by: Sandra Borma
- Category: News
Thanthwe Enterprises, an innovative agri-food company from Malawi, has benefited from strategic support through the FFM+ programme, aimed at strengthening its competitiveness and structuring its expansion into regional and international markets. This support provided the company with strategic guidance and in-depth market analysis to inform its approach to market entry in Southern Africa, notably South Africa, Zambia and Mozambique, with a longer-term goal of expanding into the European Union. The study revealed the strong potential of Thanthwe’s diverse product portfolio,… +Strengthening the bankability and strategic use of business plans: the example of Coldiron in Zimbabwe
- 03/11/2025
- Posted by: Sandra Borma
- Category: News
As part of the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, a post-training support mission was conducted for Coldiron, a horticultural company based in Zimbabwe. This support followed the company’s participation in the training “Create a Business Plan for Your Agribusiness.” Objectives The overall objective of the post-training mission was to assist Coldiron in reviewing and finalising its business plan so that it reflects its current operations and meets the requirements of financial institutions. More specifically, the mission aimed to: clarify… +Dominican Republic: strengthening the national framework for public health and agri-food competitiveness
- 09/09/2025
- Posted by: Sandra Borma
- Category: News
The country has just adopted its National Policy on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures. This major strategic framework is designed to modernise the protection of human, animal and plant health while facilitating agri-food trade and promoting sustainability. This policy was developed in collaboration with the Ministries of Agriculture, Industry and Trade, Foreign Affairs, and Health (via the SPS Committee). It was developed within the framework of the SIA project (Sanidad e Innovación Agropecuaria), which is being implemented by COLEAD. The… +West Africa: new initiatives launched with AFD to support agripreneurs in seven countries
- 09/09/2025
- Posted by: Sandra Borma
- Category: News
In April 2025, COLEAD secured new funding from the French Development Agency (AFD) to provide long-term support to the horticultural sector in sub-Saharan Africa. This three-year project builds on the Fit for Market programmes and broadly aims to reduce poverty and improve food and nutrition security. The objective is to support agripreneurs in implementing sustainable practices. The initiative targets smallholders, farmers’ groups and SMEs, aiming to maintain and strengthen their access to national, regional and international horticultural markets. The focus… +Access to finance: capacity building based on a pathway to investment for MSMEs in the agri-food sector
- 15/07/2025
- Posted by: Sandra Borma
- Category: News
In response to the challenges of accessing finance, COLEAD has developed through the FFM+ programme a comprehensive approach called “Investment Readiness Path”. The approach aims to strengthen the financial capacity of agri-food businesses by equipping agricultural business managers and owners with the skills to validate their business models, develop business and financial plans, and interact with potential sources of financing. This increases their chances of accessing capital. These tools are essential for demonstrating the viability and profitability of businesses to… +Chigozie Bashua: entrepreneur at the forefront of nut-based nutritional solutions for a thriving Africa
- 06/05/2025
- Posted by: Sandra Borma
- Category: News
Chigozie Bashua is the founder and CEO of The Nut Place, a Nigerian food tech company redefining how indigenous nuts can address health challenges, food insecurity, and gender inequality. With over 14 years of experience in information technology and business strategy, and a degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Chigozie has made a remarkable transition from tech to agribusiness, blending analytical expertise with a strong commitment to healthy living, local sourcing, and sustainable impact. From engineer to food… +