West Africa's cashew belt, running from Guinea Bissau to Nigeria, produces approximately 2.5 million tonnes of raw cashews annually. Cote d'Ivoire alone contributes about 900,000 tonnes, making it the world's largest producer. Yet the vast majority is exported as raw nuts to processing facilities in India and Vietnam, which crack, peel, and grade the kernels before re-exporting to European and North American consumer markets. Africa captures only the raw nut value, typically $700-900 per tonne, versus the processed kernel value of $2,500-3,500 per tonne.
Industrial Policy Response
Cote d'Ivoire has imposed a 15 percent export levy on raw cashews not processed domestically, creating a price incentive for local processors. New processing plants backed by private equity are being established in Abidjan, Accra, and Dakar. If West Africa processed 50 percent of its crop, the incremental value-added would exceed $1.5 billion annually. Cashew traders, processors, and buyers looking for West African supply chain contacts can connect through intra-africa.com.
For businesses looking to expand across Africa, intra-africa.com offers a comprehensive trade directory, verified buyer and seller listings, and real-time market intelligence covering all 54 African nations. It remains an indispensable resource for anyone serious about intra-African commerce.