Africa has become the centre of gravity in the global cashew industry. Once seen mainly as a supplier of raw cashew nuts (RCN) to Asian processors, the continent is now reshaping the entire global cashew value chain through rising production, expanding local processing, and increasing focus on quality.
Today, Africa produces more than 60% of the world’s raw cashew nuts, with annual output estimated between 2.4 and 2.8 million metric tonnes. Countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania, Nigeria, Benin, and Mozambique are driving this growth and positioning Africa as the dominant source of global cashew supply.
But production volume alone is no longer enough.
As competition intensifies and buyers demand better traceability, consistency, and food safety, quality has become the defining factor separating premium suppliers from commodity exporters.
The Rise of African Cashew Production
The growth trajectory of African cashew production over the past decade has been remarkable. Côte d’Ivoire alone is expected to produce around 1.3 million metric tonnes in 2025, making it both Africa’s and the world’s largest cashew producer.
Other major producers are also expanding rapidly:
- Tanzania is projected to harvest more than 400,000 metric tonnes while simultaneously increasing domestic processing capacity.
- Benin continues to grow production and has introduced policies aimed at encouraging local processing instead of exporting raw nuts.
- Mozambique and Ghana are investing in modern factories and export infrastructure to capture more value locally.
This expansion is being driven by several factors:
- Rising global demand for healthy snacks and plant-based ingredients
- Government incentives for agro-processing
- Foreign investment in processing facilities
- Improved farming practices and rural infrastructure
- Growing demand from Europe, China, India, and the Middle East
For many African economies, cashews are no longer just an agricultural crop — they are a strategic export industry.
The Processing Revolution in Africa
Historically, most African cashews were exported raw to processors in Vietnam and India. Those countries captured most of the value through shelling, grading, roasting, and packaging.
That model is now changing.
West African cashew processing volumes increased by more than 50% in 2025, led mainly by Côte d’Ivoire, which accounted for over 80% of processed volumes in the region.
Meanwhile, Tanzania recorded its highest processing level in five years, reaching approximately 20,000 tonnes of processed cashews in 2025.
This shift toward local processing is important because quality control improves significantly when processing occurs closer to the source. Local factories can better manage:
- Harvest timing
- Drying conditions
- Moisture levels
- Sorting and grading
- Traceability
- Food safety standards
As African processors modernise, buyers increasingly see African-origin kernels not just as low-cost alternatives, but as premium products with reliable standards.
Challenges That Still Affect Quality
Despite the progress, several structural challenges continue to affect African cashew quality and competitiveness.
Poor Post-Harvest Handling
Improper drying and storage remain major problems in some producing regions. Excess moisture can lead to mould, discolouration, and lower kernel recovery rates.
Limited Processing Capacity
Although processing is growing, much of Africa’s installed capacity remains underutilised. Many countries still export large quantities of raw nuts because factories lack financing, equipment, or stable electricity.
Logistics and Export Bottlenecks
Transport delays, port congestion, and fluctuating freight costs can damage product quality and reduce profitability.
Inconsistent Grading Standards
Some buyers still report inconsistencies in grading and packaging between suppliers. This affects trust and long-term contracts in export markets.
The Future: From Volume to Value
The future of Africa’s cashew industry will not be decided solely by how much it produces, but by how well it can deliver consistent quality.
The next phase of growth will depend on:
- Farmer training programs
- Better seed varieties
- Mechanised processing
- Traceability systems
- Sustainability certifications
- Stronger regional branding
International buyers are increasingly looking for ethically sourced, traceable, and premium-quality cashews. African producers that invest in these areas will likely secure stronger margins and long-term partnerships.
Africa already dominates global raw cashew production. The next challenge is to dominate premium cashew exports as well.
And that transformation has already begun.
