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Winrock International

Project

Women Economic Empowerment through Cashew Processing Program

Funder: Mastercard Foundation

Project Timeline: June 1, 2024 - June 30, 2029

Contacts: Yvonne Shih, Yvonne.Shih@winrock.org and Molly Schneider, Molly.Schneider@winrock.org

The Women Economic Empowerment through Cashew Processing Program (WEECAP) is a transformative initiative aimed at creating 330,000 jobs — 70% of which are for young women — by strengthening the cashew value chain in Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea Bissau and Senegal. Led by Winrock International with partners CARE, GIZ and OCA and supported by the Mastercard Foundation, WEECAP seeks to boost local processing capacity, enhance financial inclusion and integrate women and youth into higher-value roles within the cashew sector.  

By tackling systemic barriers, the project fosters inclusive growth, increases competitiveness, and drives long-term economic transformation. The project has five key pillars:  

  1. Advancing gender equity, youth engagement and safeguarding;  
  2. Enhancing the competitiveness of cashew processors;  
  3. Strengthening the cashew supply chain;  
  4. Expanding access to finance; and  
  5. Improving policy, systems and safeguarding frameworks.