Purpose-driven profit, one cashew at a time 

Founded by Priscilla Asante, Rosswood produces nutritious, traceable cashew snacks made in Ghana. But Priscilla’s entrepreneurial journey has not always been easy. She has courageously navigated hurdles inherent to being a female entrepreneur in Ghana, balancing motherhood, overcoming challenges in hiring skilled staff, and, most importantly, struggling to access vital growth capital. “People often asked, ‘Who’s the man behind the business?’ she recalls, highlighting the gender bias she faced.

Breaking barriers with BRIDGE-in Agriculture

Priscilla found a pivotal turning point through BRIDGE-in Agriculture, an innovative Mastercard Foundation initiative. Delivered in partnership with CrossBoundary Advisory, local banks, business development service (BDS) providers, and a tech firm, the Program addresses critical financing and capacity gaps hindering agri-SMEs and adjacent businesses across Ghana.

As a first-time borrower, Priscilla had long been hindered by the limited lending options and stringent requirements typically imposed on agribusinesses. The timely intervention of the BRIDGE-in Agriculture facility, provided through Fidelity Bank, arriving just before the Christmas season of 2024, proved transformative. It enabled Rosswood to acquire enough cashew inventory, significantly boost sales, and confidently meet surging market demand.

Scaling farmer impact and local jobs 

Cashew is a seasonal crop that requires significant upfront investment to purchase inventory. To maintain high quality, Priscilla trains suppliers in proper drying techniques to prevent aflatoxin contamination. Since receiving the loan, she has trained over 300 farmers not only in cashew production but also in alternative income-generating activities such as ginger cultivation and beekeeping, supporting year-round earning potential. To meet the growing demands of the business, Rosswood has also expanded its team from 15 to 25, with a focus on hiring young women. Empowering women and young adults lie at the very core of Rosswood’s mission.

Real impact, real results

BRIDGE-in Agriculture is fundamentally enabling agri-SMEs like Rosswood to scale new heights through the provision of accessible, low-cost financing and essential capacity building.

Since the Program began in 2023, BRIDGE-in Agriculture has impacted over 86,000 young people by creating jobs, improving working conditions, and strengthening the lives of smallholder farmers. Nearly 60% of loans have gone to first-time borrowers, underscoring the program’s commitment to reaching marginalised entrepreneurs.

With a bold goal to create 400,000 work opportunities, 70% for women, BRIDGE-in Agriculture is reshaping the future of agriculture in Ghana.