Derrick Sarfo turns plastic into sustainable opportunities
- 09/09/2025
- Posted by: Sandra Borma
- Category: News
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In Ghana, a young entrepreneur is proving that a committed vision can turn environmental challenges into opportunities for inclusive development. Derrick Sarfo, founder and director of DercolBags Packaging Ltd., has made the fight against plastic pollution a driver of social and economic innovation. His entrepreneurial journey stems from a tragedy. In 2015, the devastating floods in Accra, worsened by plastic waste clogging drains, left a deep mark on Derrick and pushed him to act. Three years later, he founded DercolBags,… +María Elsy Abreu turns Dominican cacao into a driver of sustainability and inclusion
- 09/09/2025
- Posted by: Sandra Borma
- Category: News
In the Dominican Republic, a new generation of entrepreneurs is transforming agricultural value chains. María Elsy Abreu, co-founder and director of Cacao Mae, is one of the movement’s leading figures. With a background in marketing and an in-depth understanding of international markets, she is working to showcase the exceptional quality of Dominican cacao and to leverage it for sustainable and inclusive development. From agricultural roots to a global vision Born into a family of farmers who cultivated cacao, tobacco, and… +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… +Guinea: The AGRIECO Project kick-starts the agroecological transition of local value chains
- 09/09/2025
- Posted by: Sandra Borma
- Category: News
In the first half of 2025, the Agriéco project, which is funded by Enabel, took decisive steps to lay the foundations for the agroecological transition in Guinea. Particular focus was given to the pineapple, potato and vegetable value chains. Local dynamics were structured. Thirteen agricultural cluster initiatives were identified in the Kindia and Mamou regions. Six of these clusters have been selected as priorities and will receive enhanced support. In partnership with ICRA, the recruitment of cluster coaches is underway… +Senegal: modernising the phytosanitary system to boost horticultural competitiveness
- 09/09/2025
- Posted by: Sandra Borma
- Category: News
In the first half of 2025, the STDF/PG/946 project reached a key milestone in the modernisation of Senegal’s phytosanitary system, which is crucial for strengthening the competitiveness of horticultural exports. Major legal reforms A decree and three implementing orders covering surveillance and control, import and export inspections, and fee schedules were validated in May 2025. These new texts replaced legislation dating back to 1960, aligning the framework with international standards and including specific provisions to address the challenges faced by… +Uganda: opening new market opportunities for horticultural exporters
- 09/09/2025
- Posted by: Sandra Borma
- Category: News
In collaboration with CABI, COLEAD has just completed a series of interactive and insightful sessions as part of the EU-funded SPS Uganda project. The initiative aims to strengthen the country’s sanitary and phytosanitary system, as well as supporting horticultural businesses in accessing international markets, particularly in Europe. Understanding market access requirements The first module helped participants to grasp the differences between local, regional and international markets, and the related opportunities and challenges. Discussions focused on the relevant regulations, commercial and… +Rwanda : study on the potential of the organic fruit and vegetable local market
- 09/09/2025
- Posted by: Sandra Borma
- Category: News
As part of the FFM+ programme, COLEAD recently published a groundbreaking study on the potential of the domestic market for organic fruit and vegetables in Rwanda. The report assesses the prospects for developing the organic sector in Rwanda, focusing particularly on the feasibility of a participatory guarantee system that would offer new certification options tailored to small-scale producers. An emerging market. The study analyses consumer and hospitality sector demand, current market conditions, and the challenges to be overcome to promote… +Tanzania: meeting with 2,000 avocado value chain actors, a promising sector for smallholders
- 09/09/2025
- Posted by: Sandra Borma
- Category: News
As part of the FFM+ programme, COLEAD took part in a Southern Highlands Development Alliance (SHDA)-organised workshop dedicated to the avocado sector in Njombe, Tanzania. Over 2,000 value chain stakeholders, including producers, exporters, suppliers of inputs, transporters, and farmers’ associations from the Njombe, Iringa, Ruvuma, and Songwe regions, came together to discuss the future of this thriving sector. A promising sector for smallholders. With over 25,000 small-scale producers organised within SHDA groups, the Southern Highlands are emerging as a promising… +Why MSMEs in Sub-Saharan Africa’s agricultural sector struggle to access finance: key blocking factors
- 09/09/2025
- Posted by: Sandra Borma
- Category: News
Agriculture plays a critical role in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)— the sector employs nearly half of the workforce[1] and drives food security, rural development, and poverty reduction. At the heart of this sector are agricultural micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (agri-MSMEs)—the backbone of SSA’s rural economy. However, despite their importance, agri-MSMEs face a persistent barrier: access to finance. With three out of four agri-MSMEs unable to secure bank loans[2], these enterprises struggle to grow, innovate, and contribute to the region’s sustainable… +Ethiopia: Chives company invests in sustainable waste management
- 09/09/2025
- Posted by: Sandra Borma
- Category: News
Founded in Menagesha in 2004, around 15 km west of Addis Ababa, Jordan River Herbs PLC Ethiopia has become a leading producer and exporter of fresh and processed chives. Located at a high altitude, the farm benefits from optimal growing conditions with minimal disease, virus and pest pressure. Cultivating 13 hectares under controlled conditions, the company employs 595 people, most of whom are women, and holds key certifications including GLOBALG.A.P., BRCGS, SMETA, LEAF, Tesco and M&S. Its products are exported… +