Deadline Date: February 13, 2026
The Center for International Studies and Cooperation is requesting grant applications to support private enterprises and cooperatives in Benin, Burkina Faso, and Côte d’Ivoire in growing their agricultural businesses.
The initiative aims to support businesses in cassava, vegetables (onion, tomato, okra, chili pepper), fruits (pineapple and mango), rice and other processed cereals, and oilseeds (processed shea and palm kernel products), with a focus on promoting economic empowerment for women, youth, and persons living with disabilities.
Eligible applicants must be legally registered and have operated for at least two full financial years. Enterprises should demonstrate an effective presence in West African sub-regional markets, a clear understanding of the products they sell, and a history of export or import-processing sales. Preference will be given to businesses that are women-owned, predominantly managed by women, or that demonstrate a positive economic impact for women through employees, suppliers, or distributors.
Applicants must also show the capacity to collaborate with other private actors in ways that reach at least 500 women, youth, or persons with disabilities across their networks, whether in production, processing, distribution, or services. Enterprises should have sufficient production or processing capacity to access regional export markets, and import-based businesses must demonstrate strong value creation or significant income impact for women, youth, and persons with disabilities. Projects that commit to improving processes to contribute to climate change mitigation or adaptation are particularly encouraged.
Applications will be assessed based on the potential impact on women, youth, and persons with disabilities, as well as the quality and feasibility of the commercial expansion project. Key considerations include the relevance of the targeted markets, products, clients, and competitive advantages; projected export/import volumes and values over the next three years; and the applicant’s own financial contribution and plan to achieve performance.
Applicants must comply with all national and international laws and standards, including tax, labor, human rights, and environmental regulations, and must not engage in prohibited activities such as terrorism, money laundering, or the production and sale of alcohol, tobacco, or other restricted products.
This initiative provides a significant opportunity for agricultural enterprises in West Africa to expand regionally, strengthen their operations, and create measurable social and economic impact for women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
For more information, visit CECI.
