CAC News

Kampong Thom, July 1, 2026 — The Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia (CAC) and iDE Canada have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development of an innovative investment fund aimed at strengthening Cambodia's cashew value chain, with a particular focus on women- and family-owned processing enterprises.

The agreement was signed on July 1, 2026, at the CAC head office in Kampong Thom province. The MoU was signed by Silot Uon, Chairman of the Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia, and Michel Dauguet, representing iDE Canada.

The partnership establishes a framework for cooperation in designing and validating the SHE Investment–Cashew Fund (SHEIF-CNF), a blended finance facility intended to improve access to finance and technical support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in Cambodia's cashew industry.

Supporting Women-Led Cashew Businesses

iDE Canada is an international non-governmental organization that works to create income and livelihood opportunities for smallholder farmers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Through the proposed SHEIF-CNF, the organization aims to promote investment in women- and family-owned SMEs across the cashew value chain, particularly processing businesses that play a critical role in adding value to Cambodia's agricultural production.

As Cambodia continues to expand its position as one of the world's leading producers of raw cashew nuts, both organizations see increased investment in domestic processing as essential to capturing greater value within the country.

Partnership to Strengthen the Cashew Sector 

Under the MoU, CAC will provide industry expertise and support the design of the investment fund to ensure it responds to the practical needs of Cambodia's cashew sector.

The partnership has three primary objectives:

• Promote the growth, profitability, and climate resilience of Cambodian cashew SMEs, with particular emphasis on processors.
• Reduce risks within the local cashew supply chain by introducing innovative financing mechanisms alongside technical assistance.
• Strengthen connections between Cambodian processors, international markets, and impact investors, helping local businesses expand and compete globally.

Building a More Competitive Cashew Industry

As the leading organization representing Cambodia's cashew farmers, processors, exporters, and other industry stakeholders, CAC has been actively promoting investment in domestic processing to reduce reliance on raw cashew exports.

Industry leaders believe greater access to finance remains one of the biggest challenges facing local processors, particularly women entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses seeking to expand operations.

The proposed SHE Investment–Cashew Fund is expected to address this financing gap while encouraging sustainable business practices and improving the competitiveness of Cambodia's rapidly growing cashew industry.

The collaboration reflects a shared commitment by CAC and iDE Canada to accelerate value addition, create rural employment opportunities, and build a more resilient and inclusive cashew sector capable of competing in international markets.