Trilateral cooperation between Brazil, Guinea-Bissau, and the United Arab Emirates trains young African professionals in the cashew industry

The Brazil Africa Institute (IBRAF) launched a new edition of the Youth Technical Training Program (YTTP), focused on training young professionals from Guinea-Bissau for the cashew value chain. This initiative is part of a broader South-South cooperation effort between Brazil, Guinea-Bissau, and the United Arab Emirates, with the UAE playing a key role in supporting and financing the project.

The training takes place in May and June in Ceará, a northeastern Brazilian state recognized as the country’s leading producer and exporter of cashew nuts. The program selected 50 participants, with an emphasis on gender balance and prior experience in agriculture, aiming to deliver practical outcomes and long-term impact for Guinea-Bissau’s cashew industry.

Cashew nuts represent a vital pillar of Guinea-Bissau’s economy, accounting for more than 90% of the country’s exports. However, the sector faces persistent structural challenges, including the need to modernize farming practices, improve logistics infrastructure, and strengthen formal export channels. Promoting local industrialization and developing a stronger domestic value chain are essential strategies for increasing competitiveness on the global stage.

Her Excellency Reem Bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, said: “This partnership exemplifies the UAE’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and empowering communities through knowledge and skills transfer. By investing in education and capacity-building in critical industries like agriculture, we are contributing to the long-term economic growth and resilience of African nations. Collaborative initiatives like this not only strengthen international ties but also play a crucial role in addressing global challenges such as food security and economic inequality, paving the way for a more prosperous future for all.”

His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State, said that the initiative was an integral part of the UAE’s diverse efforts to help countries in Africa achieve their true economic, educational and human resources potential.

“The UAE has adopted a dynamic approach in Africa, focusing on international development, humanitarian assistance, and investment, with a strong commitment to addressing challenges such as food security, climate action, economic development and healthcare improvement. This initiative underscores the potential of international collaboration in driving positive change and fostering a more interconnected and prosperous future for the continent,” H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan said.

On behalf of the government of Guinea-Bissau, Carlos Pinto Pereira, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Communities, stressed the strategic importance of technical training. “This is a timely and meaningful initiative that unites three partner countries. Furthermore, delivering the training in Portuguese facilitates knowledge transfer, allowing our youth to more effectively absorb the technical skills. Today it’s cashew — tomorrow we hope to expand to other sectors such as mango, fishing, and tourism.”

During an official mission to Guinea-Bissau, João Bosco Monte, President of the Brazil Africa Institute, celebrated the launch of the new YTTP edition. “We are honored to bring the YTTP to Guinea-Bissau. Since 2017, this program has empowered youth across Africa, and this new chapter marks a milestone in our institutional agenda. Through this trilateral partnership, we are opening concrete pathways for social and economic transformation.”

During the visit, João Bosco Monte also met with President Umaro Sissoco Embaló to present the project. The meeting was marked by strong alignment and enthusiasm, with the President voicing full support for the initiative and recognizing its strategic relevance for national development.

Participant selection was carried out by Tiniguena, a Guinea-Bissau-based organization active since 1991 in promoting food sovereignty, family farming, and environmental conservation. “We are identifying youth with direct ties to the cashew sector, prioritizing those already engaged in community-based projects and with hands-on experience. The goal is to equip them with technical expertise they can bring back to their communities to drive rural development,” explained Miguel de Barros, President of Tiniguena.

Announced during the 2024 African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, this new YTTP chapter reaffirms IBRAF’s commitment to training 1,000 young Africans by the end of 2026 — a meaningful investment in building a new generation of agricultural and development leaders across the continent.