Call for Proposals 2026: Build Your AgriCanvas and Turn Your Cashew Business Idea into a Climate-Smart Venture

Young and emerging entrepreneurs with innovative ideas for the cashew sector now have an opportunity to transform their concepts into investment-ready and climate-smart businesses through the e-MOVE Call for Proposals: Build Your AgriCanvas. Build Your Future.

The initiative is designed to support promising agripreneurs who are developing innovative solutions across the cashew value chain. Through a combination of free online learning, business development tools and potential kickstart prizes, participants can strengthen their entrepreneurial ideas and position themselves for future investment and growth.

Submission Window 3 is open from September to October 2026, giving eligible entrepreneurs the opportunity to develop and submit a viable business concept using the AgriCanvas framework.

Successful participants may receive valuable support, including EUR 2,000 in direct funding or business-enabling tools such as a laptop, tablet or software to support their operations.

The application deadline is 30 October 2026.

What Is the e-MOVE Call for Proposals?

The e-MOVE initiative encourages young and emerging entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector to convert knowledge gained through online learning into practical, investment-ready business ideas.

Participants are expected to build on the knowledge and tools acquired through free e-learning courses offered on the e-MOVE platform. The programme focuses on helping entrepreneurs understand important areas of modern agribusiness, including sustainable agricultural practices, investment readiness, business planning and climate resilience.

The Call for Proposals specifically invites innovative ideas connected to the cashew value chain.

Rather than simply submitting a general business idea, applicants are required to demonstrate how their proposed venture can operate as a viable enterprise. This includes developing a clear business model, identifying potential revenue streams, considering climate-smart practices and estimating the capital required to establish or expand the business.

The initiative aims to help promising entrepreneurs move from ideas to actionable business concepts that can potentially attract investment and contribute to sustainable agricultural development.

Why the Cashew Value Chain Matters

Cashew is an important agricultural commodity with significant economic potential across many countries, particularly in Africa and other OACPS member states.

However, the potential of the cashew sector extends beyond primary production. The wider value chain offers opportunities in areas such as:

• Cashew farming and production
• Sustainable agricultural practices
• Processing and value addition
• Cashew nut processing
• Packaging
• Storage and logistics
• Marketing and distribution
• Agricultural technology
• Climate-smart production systems
• Waste management and by-product utilization
• Agribusiness services
• Financial and investment solutions
• Digital platforms supporting farmers and businesses

Through this Call for Proposals, entrepreneurs are encouraged to think creatively about challenges and opportunities within the cashew ecosystem.

Applicants can develop ideas that improve productivity, increase value addition, strengthen resilience, create employment or introduce innovative business solutions within the sector.

What Are the Benefits of the e-MOVE Call for Proposals?

The programme provides more than just an opportunity to compete for financial support. Participants also gain access to learning resources and business development tools designed to strengthen their entrepreneurial capacity.

1. Opportunity to Receive EUR 2,000 in Direct Funding

Selected winners may receive EUR 2,000 in direct funding to support the development or growth of their business.

The funding can provide an important starting point for entrepreneurs seeking to test, launch, strengthen or scale a promising agribusiness concept.

For early-stage entrepreneurs, access to initial capital can be a major challenge. This opportunity provides selected participants with the possibility of receiving financial support to move their business idea closer to implementation.

2. Opportunity to Receive Business Equipment or Software

Winners may alternatively receive valuable tools to support their business operations, including:

• A laptop
• A tablet
• Software

Digital tools are increasingly important for modern businesses. Equipment and software can help entrepreneurs manage operations, maintain records, communicate with customers, develop marketing strategies and improve overall business efficiency.

3. Free Access to Cashew Sector Learning

Applicants gain access to free e-learning courses designed to strengthen their understanding of agriculture and agribusiness.

The learning pathway helps participants build the knowledge necessary to develop stronger and more practical business ideas.

The courses are offered at no cost, meaning participants do not need to pay tuition or registration fees to access the required learning materials.

4. Development of an Investment-Ready Business Idea

One of the most important aspects of the programme is its focus on investment readiness.

Many entrepreneurs have innovative ideas but struggle to communicate them clearly to investors, partners or financial institutions.

The AgriCanvas process helps applicants structure their ideas by considering key elements of a viable business model.

Participants are encouraged to think about areas such as:

• The problem their business intends to solve
• Their target market
• The products or services they will offer
• Revenue generation
• Required resources
• Climate resilience
• Business operations
• Capital requirements
• Growth potential

This approach can help transform a general business concept into a more structured and fundable proposal.

5. Focus on Climate-Smart and Resilient Agriculture

The initiative places significant emphasis on climate-smart and low-emission agricultural practices.

Applicants are expected to consider how their projects can contribute to environmental sustainability and resilience.

For example, an entrepreneur may consider:

• Sustainable farming practices
• Resource-efficient production
• Climate adaptation strategies
• Reduced emissions
• Improved soil conservation
• Reduced agricultural waste
• Renewable energy solutions
• Circular economy approaches
• Resilient agricultural supply chains

By integrating climate-smart approaches into their business models, entrepreneurs can develop ventures that are better positioned to respond to environmental challenges.

6. Opportunity to Contribute to Sustainable Food Systems

The programme aims to support agricultural enterprises that can contribute to stronger and more sustainable food systems.

Innovative agribusinesses have the potential to:

• Create employment opportunities
• Support farmers
• Increase agricultural productivity
• Strengthen local economies
• Improve value addition
• Reduce post-harvest losses
• Promote sustainable production
• Support rural development

By supporting viable MSMEs, the initiative seeks to strengthen the role of young entrepreneurs in building resilient agricultural economies.

Who Can Apply for the e-MOVE Call for Proposals?

The Call for Proposals is designed for young and emerging entrepreneurs with innovative ideas related to the cashew sector.

To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements.

Applicants Must Be 18 Years or Older

Participants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.

Applicants Must Be Based in an OACPS Member State

The opportunity is open to individuals based in member states of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS).

The OACPS represents countries across Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific.

Applicants should confirm whether their country is an eligible OACPS member state before beginning their application.

Applicants Must Have an Innovative Cashew Value Chain Idea

The proposed business concept must focus on one or more aspects of the cashew value chain.

Applicants are encouraged to identify opportunities where innovation can improve existing systems, address challenges or create new economic opportunities.

Applicants Must Complete the Required e-MOVE Training

Completion of the mandatory e-learning pathway is an essential requirement.

Applicants cannot simply submit an idea without completing the required courses.

A valid certificate ID from the final required course must be included in the submission.

How to Apply for the e-MOVE Call for Proposals 2026

Applicants must follow a specific process to ensure that their submission is considered valid.

The application process involves registration, completion of mandatory courses, development of an AgriCanvas and submission of the final business idea.

Step 1: Register on atingi or Access the e-MOVE Landing Page

The first step is to access the e-MOVE learning platform through atingi.

Applicants can access the dedicated e-MOVE landing page, where the required learning resources are grouped together.

The platform provides free courses designed to help participants develop the knowledge necessary to create a stronger agribusiness proposal.

Applicants should ensure they create or use an account that allows them to complete the full learning pathway and access their course certificates.

Step 2: Complete the Mandatory e-MOVE Courses

Applicants must complete the required courses in the specified order.

The learning pathway includes two important stages.

Course 1: Introduction to Conservation Agriculture

The first requirement is to complete the course:

Introduction to Conservation Agriculture (CA)

This course introduces participants to concepts related to sustainable and conservation-focused agricultural practices.

Completing this first stage is necessary before progressing to the next required course.

Course 2: Creating an Investment-Ready Agribusiness

After successfully completing the first course, participants unlock the next required course:

Creating an Investment-Ready Agribusiness

This course is particularly important because it prepares applicants to structure their business ideas and develop proposals that demonstrate investment potential.

Applicants must complete this course successfully and obtain a valid certificate ID.

The certificate ID serves as proof that the applicant has completed the required training pathway.

Step 3: Develop Your AgriCanvas

After completing the required learning, participants must develop their business concept using the Business Model Canvas template provided in the submission module of the Creating an Investment-Ready Agribusiness course.

The AgriCanvas should clearly explain the proposed business idea.

Applicants should use this stage to carefully consider the major components of their proposed venture.

A strong AgriCanvas should demonstrate:

• A clear business concept
• A relevant problem or opportunity
• The proposed solution
• Target customers or beneficiaries
• Revenue generation potential
• Key business activities
• Required resources
• Partnerships
• Operational considerations
• Financial requirements
• Climate-smart features
• Potential for sustainability and growth

Applicants should avoid rushing this stage. A well-developed business model can significantly improve the clarity and strength of a proposal.

Step 4: Submit Your Business Idea Through the Official Form

Once the AgriCanvas is complete, applicants must submit their proposal through the official submission form.

To ensure that a submission is valid, applicants must:

• Use the certificate ID from the Creating an Investment-Ready Agribusiness course
• Complete the official submission form
• Enter the complete AgriCanvas directly into the form
• Provide all required information
• Submit through the designated application platform

Applicants should note that file uploads for the AgriCanvas are not accepted.

The full AgriCanvas must be entered directly into the official form.

Only submissions completed through the designated form will be reviewed.

Additional Information Required in the Submission Form

In addition to the AgriCanvas, applicants will be asked to provide short written information about important aspects of their project.

These additional questions are designed to help evaluators understand the practicality and sustainability of the proposed business idea.

Describe the Climate-Smart or Resilience Component

Applicants must explain how their proposed business contributes to climate resilience or climate-smart agriculture.

This could involve demonstrating how the project responds to environmental challenges or promotes more sustainable agricultural practices.

Applicants should clearly explain the connection between their business model and climate resilience.

Explain the Revenue Model

Entrepreneurs must explain how their business intends to generate income.

A strong revenue model should clearly demonstrate how the venture can become financially sustainable.

Applicants may need to consider questions such as:

• Who will pay for the product or service?
• What will customers purchase?
• How will the business generate revenue?
• How frequently will revenue be generated?
• What are the main sources of income?
• What makes the business financially viable?

A clear revenue model is important because it demonstrates that the project is not simply an idea but has the potential to operate as a sustainable enterprise.

Estimate the Capital Required

Applicants must provide an estimate of the financial resources needed to start or scale the proposed project.

This should include a realistic assessment of the capital required for implementation.

Potential costs may include:

• Equipment
• Raw materials
• Technology
• Production
• Marketing
• Transportation
• Staffing
• Facilities
• Licensing
• Business development

Applicants should make reasonable and well-considered estimates based on the nature and scale of their proposed venture.

Can Applicants Save Their Submission and Return Later?

Yes.

The KoboToolbox submission form allows applicants to save a draft and return later.

This feature gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to take their time when developing their responses.

Applicants should use this flexibility to carefully review their AgriCanvas, climate-smart strategy, revenue model and capital requirements before submitting the final application.

However, saving a draft should not be confused with submitting the application.

Applicants must ensure that the final submission is completed before the deadline.

Can You Submit More Than One Business Idea?

No.

Each applicant may submit only one idea per submission window.

Applicants should therefore carefully select the strongest and most viable business concept before completing their application.

The organisers have also indicated that where multiple submissions are made using the same course certificate ID, only the last complete and valid submission will be considered.

Any additional submissions using the same certificate ID may be disregarded.

This makes it particularly important for applicants to review their proposal carefully before submitting it.

What Happens If You Are Not Selected?

Applicants who are not selected during the current submission window are encouraged not to give up.

Entrepreneurship often involves refining and improving ideas over time.

Unsuccessful applicants may have the opportunity to:

• Improve their business concept
• Strengthen their AgriCanvas
• Continue learning through e-MOVE
• Improve their financial projections
• Develop a stronger climate-smart component
• Refine their revenue model
• Resubmit their idea in a future submission window

The organisers indicate that unsuccessful applicants will not necessarily receive individual notifications.

However, important announcements and future submission opportunities are expected to be shared through official channels.

When Will Successful Applicants Be Notified?

Successful applicants are expected to be contacted by mid-December 2026.

Applicants should ensure that they provide accurate contact information when completing their submission.

They should also monitor their email and official programme communication channels after submitting their proposal.

How Will Winners Be Selected?

The evaluation process and selection criteria are outlined in the official Terms and Conditions document.

Applicants are encouraged to review the Terms and Conditions carefully before submitting their proposals.

Understanding the evaluation criteria can help entrepreneurs prepare stronger applications and ensure that their submissions align with the expectations of the programme.

A competitive proposal should generally demonstrate:

• Innovation
• Practicality
• Business viability
• Investment potential
• Clear revenue generation
• Climate-smart practices
• Resilience
• Relevance to the value chain
• Realistic capital requirements
• Potential for growth and impact

Applicants should focus on clearly communicating why their idea matters and how it can realistically be implemented.

What Value Chains Are Eligible?

For the e-MOVE Call for Proposals, applicants should focus on the cashew value chain.

The broader programme information also references opportunities connected to other value chains under the Agribusiness e-Academy, including:

• Maize
• Livestock, including cattle, sheep and goats
• Cocoa

However, applicants should carefully follow the requirements of the specific submission window and programme pathway they are applying under.

Ideas submitted outside the eligible value chains may not be considered.

For this particular e-MOVE opportunity, applicants should ensure that their proposal clearly demonstrates a connection to the cashew sector.

Who Is Organising the Competition?

The competition is organised by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH through initiatives including:

• The Agri-Business Facility for Africa (ABF)
• Market-Oriented Value Chains for Jobs and Growth in the ECOWAS Region (MOVE-ComCashew)

Both initiatives are part of German Development Cooperation.

The projects contribute to the Joint Action:

Business Support Facility for Resilient Agricultural Value Chains

The Joint Action brings together several development partners and institutions, including:

• The European Union Directorate-General for International Partnerships (INTPA)
• The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS)
• The German Government
• The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

The initiative is jointly co-financed by the European Union under the Samoa Agreement with OACPS and by BMZ, with implementation support provided by GIZ.

Important Things to Remember Before Applying

Before submitting an application, candidates should carefully check that they have completed all requirements.

Here is a useful application checklist:

Eligibility Checklist

• You are at least 18 years old
• You are based in an eligible OACPS member state
• You have an innovative idea connected to the cashew value chain
• You are interested in developing a climate-smart agribusiness venture

Training Checklist

• You have registered on the e-MOVE or atingi platform
• You have completed Introduction to Conservation Agriculture
• You have completed Creating an Investment-Ready Agribusiness
• You have obtained a valid certificate ID from the required final course

Submission Checklist

• You have developed a complete AgriCanvas
• Your idea focuses on the eligible cashew value chain
• You have explained the climate-smart or resilience component
• You have developed a clear revenue model
• You have estimated your capital requirements
• You have entered your AgriCanvas directly into the official form
• You have reviewed all responses before submitting
• You have submitted before the deadline

Tips for Preparing a Strong AgriCanvas Submission

Applicants should approach the competition as an opportunity to develop a real business concept rather than simply filling out an application form.

Here are several tips that may help strengthen a proposal.

1. Identify a Real Problem

Strong business ideas often begin with a clearly identified problem.

Think about challenges within the cashew value chain that affect:

• Farmers
• Processors
• Traders
• Consumers
• Exporters
• Rural communities

Your proposed solution should demonstrate how it addresses a specific need.

2. Be Specific About Your Customers

Clearly identify who will benefit from or purchase your product or service.

Avoid describing your target market too broadly.

Instead, consider specific customer groups and their needs.

3. Develop a Realistic Revenue Model

Explain exactly how the business will generate income.

An innovative idea is important, but a sustainable business must also have a clear path toward financial viability.

4. Integrate Climate-Smart Solutions

Think carefully about how your project can contribute to environmental sustainability and resilience.

Do not treat the climate-smart component as an afterthought.

Instead, integrate it directly into your business model.

5. Make Realistic Financial Estimates

Your capital requirements should be reasonable and connected to the actual needs of your proposed venture.

Avoid unrealistic figures or estimates that cannot be explained.

6. Demonstrate Innovation

Innovation does not necessarily mean inventing an entirely new product.

Innovation can involve improving an existing process, introducing new technology, developing a better business model or adapting a successful solution to a new market.

7. Review Your Application Before Submission

Before submitting, carefully check:

• Spelling and grammar
• Certificate information
• Business model details
• Revenue projections
• Climate-smart components
• Capital estimates
• Completeness of responses

A well-organised and clearly written submission can make it easier for evaluators to understand your idea.

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Deadline

The deadline for submitting proposals under Submission Window 3 is: 30 October 2026

Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin the required courses and develop their AgriCanvas early.

Since completion of the mandatory training is required before submitting an idea, waiting until the final days of the submission window may create unnecessary pressure.

Starting early gives applicants sufficient time to:

1. Complete both mandatory courses.
2. Understand the learning materials.
3. Develop a strong business idea.
4. Build a detailed AgriCanvas.
5. Refine the revenue model.
6. Identify climate-smart components.
7. Estimate capital requirements.
8. Review the final application.
9. Submit before the deadline.

How to Apply

Interested and eligible applicants should begin by accessing the e-MOVE learning pathway, completing the mandatory courses and preparing their AgriCanvas.

Applicants can access the programme resources through the official platforms.

Visit HERE to learn more about the Call for Proposals 2026.

Conclusion

The e-MOVE Call for Proposals 2026: Build Your AgriCanvas. Build Your Future provides an important opportunity for young and emerging entrepreneurs to transform innovative cashew sector ideas into structured, investment-ready and climate-smart business ventures.

Beyond the possibility of receiving EUR 2,000 in direct funding or valuable business equipment, participants benefit from free agricultural and entrepreneurship training that can help them develop practical skills for building sustainable enterprises.

The programme is particularly valuable because it encourages applicants to think beyond an initial idea. Participants must consider how their businesses will generate revenue, respond to climate challenges, attract investment and contribute to resilient agricultural value chains.

For aspiring agripreneurs across eligible OACPS member states, this Call for Proposals presents an opportunity to combine learning, innovation and entrepreneurship while contributing to the future of the cashew industry.

Eligible applicants should begin the mandatory e-MOVE courses as early as possible, carefully develop their AgriCanvas and ensure their final submission is completed before the 30 October 2026 deadline.

For more global Grant/Competition visit OFY HERE