Energy for Agriculture – Nexus Vietnam

Six women-led agricultural enterprises across the Mekong Delta in Vietnam have successfully secured up to AUD60,000 (VND1 billion) each to take their businesses to the next level, thanks to Deltaccelerate.

Deltaccelerate is a women’s agribusiness climate adaptation accelerator funded by the Australian Government that provides customised training and tailored support for women-focused small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Mekong Delta to build their capacity in sustainable business practices and strengthen their resilience to climate adaptation.

The six successful businesses were selected from a cohort of 14 Deltaccelerate participants following a competitive Pitch Day event on 17 October 2024 in Can Tho city. They include:

Mekong Coconut Oil Company Limited (Cocovie)

Producing and trading high-quality cosmetic and food products from coconut oil in Ben Tre province, focusing on preserving and utilizing coconut trees over 10 years old, which can absorb 75 tons of CO2 per hectare per year.

Cau Ke Macapuno Coconut Processing Co., Ltd (VICOSAP)

Specialising in confectionery products, baking ingredients and drinks made from macapuno coconuts, a specialty of Tra Vinh province cultivated by the Khmer community and known for their high saline tolerance, making them an ideal climate-adaptive crop.

Palmania JSC

Creating healthy, organic products from palmyra trees using sustainable farming methods rooted in the indigenous Khmer community in An Giang province.

AirXCarbon/Veritas Vietnam JSC

Transforming biomaterials, including coconut husks from the Mekong Delta, into zero-carbon consumer products.

Dam Doi Sesarmid Cooperative

Producing a range of sustainable products from locally-caught sesarmids and shrimps in Ca Mau province.

Ecoka JSC

Producing and trading handicrafts made from adaptive materials, including water hyacinth and bulrush, from Hau Giang province on global e-commerce platforms.

Each enterprise will now receive this financial support to scale their business through trade promotion, marketing, product development and training initiatives. Deltaccelerate’s total contribution of AUD250,000 (VND4 billion) will also leverage AUD320,000 (VND5 billion) in co-funding from the enterprises to further amplify its impact.

The Deltaccelerate program is part of the Business Partnership Platform (BPP), an Australian Government initative implemented by Palladium. Deltaccelerate is managed by New Energy Nexus Vietnam (NEXVN) and continues to foster innovative solutions for climate adaptation and sustainable development in the Mekong Delta.

About the Business Partnerships Program (BPP)

The BPP supports business partnerships between DFAT and inclusive, commercially sustainable businesses to deliver strategic development outcomes, with a focus on gender equality, disability, social inclusion and climate impact. Since 2016, it has supported 75 partnerships in 21 countries, partnering with 147 organisations across the private sector, social business, NGOs and academic institutions.

The Australian Government has invested more than AUD31 million in BPP partnerships, with partners contributing more than AUD51 million.

About the Deltaccelerate

Deltaccelerate is made possible by a unique partnership between the Australian Government and New Energy Nexus through the Business Partnerships Platform (BPP) Climate Adaptation Partnerships in the Mekong Delta, announced in November 2023.

Deltaccelerate is a business accelerator funded by the Australian Government providing direct support, tailored training, and networking opportunities for enterprises that work in the Mekong Delta’s agricultural sector, which are led by or significantly benefit women and contribute to the sector’s resilience to climate adaptation.

The Partnerships are part of the Australian Government’s AUD94.5 million investments for climate change adaptation in the Mekong Delta.

New Energy Nexus Vietnam is excited to announce the launch of the Women’s Agribusiness Climate Adaptation Accelerator, a program that forms part of the Business Partnerships Platform (BPP) in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam.

This initiative is a testament to our commitment to tackling climate change and creating positive outcomes for local communities, with a particular emphasis on empowering women. In collaboration with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the accelerator is one of four new business partnerships launched under the BPP Climate Adaptation Partnerships in the Mekong Delta in November 2023.

Empowering women entrepreneurs in Vietnam's Mekong Delta.

Addressing Climate Adaptation and Empowering Communities

The BPP Climate Adaptation Partnerships in the Mekong Delta aim to support the joint efforts of Vietnam and Australia in addressing the challenges posed by climate adaptation. By partnering with inclusive businesses operating in the agriculture sector, these partnerships seek to develop sustainable business models while delivering vital social, gender equality, and development benefits to the Mekong communities. The Women’s Agribusiness Climate Adaptation Accelerator is a key component of this initiative, focusing on empowering women entrepreneurs to overcome climate change-related obstacles and contribute to the region’s resilience.

The Role of the BPP

The Business Partnerships Platform (BPP) supports strategic development outcomes by facilitating partnerships between the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and inclusive, commercially-sustainable businesses. Since its inception in 2016, the BPP has fostered 16 business partnerships in Vietnam, with seven specifically located in the Mekong Delta. These partnerships prioritize gender equality, disability inclusion, social integration, and climate impact, promoting sustainable development and positive change.

Empowering Women through the Accelerator

The Women’s Agribusiness Climate Adaptation Accelerator is a testament to the BPP’s commitment to gender equality and social inclusion. By providing tailored training, mentorship, access to finance, small grants, and networking opportunities, the accelerator aims to empower women entrepreneurs in the Mekong Delta. Through this targeted support, women-led enterprises will be better equipped to navigate climate change challenges, build resilience, and contribute to the economic and social well-being of the region.

Looking Towards a Sustainable Future

As we launch the Women’s Agribusiness Climate Adaptation Accelerator, we invite all stakeholders, including women entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and the community, to join us in creating a sustainable and inclusive future for the Mekong Delta. By harnessing the power of partnerships and supporting women-led enterprises, we can drive positive change, strengthen local economies, and enhance the region’s resilience in the face of climate change.

The launch of the Women’s Agribusiness Climate Adaptation Accelerator under the Business Partnerships Platform (BPP) in the Mekong Delta signifies a significant step towards empowering women entrepreneurs and addressing climate change. This initiative aligns with the joint efforts of Vietnam and Australia to create sustainable, inclusive, and resilient communities. Together, through collaboration and targeted support, we can unlock the potential of women-led enterprises and pave the way for a brighter and more sustainable future in the Mekong Delta.

Stay updated on the Women’s Agribusiness Climate Adaptation Accelerator and other BPP initiatives by visiting our website.