Top 10 Cashew Producers in Africa in 2025

In Summary

• Côte d’Ivoire leads African cashew production in 2025, with an estimated output of 1.3 million metric tons, supported by improved agricultural practices, strategic policies, and efforts to curb smuggling, though global tariffs and reduced Vietnamese demand present export challenges.
• Other major African producers show significant growth, including Nigeria (300,000 tons), Benin (260,000 tons), Tanzania (408,600 tons), Mozambique (195,400 tons), and Guinea-Bissau (220,000 tons), reflecting investments in processing, infrastructure, and policy measures aimed at value addition and sustainability.
• Value addition and domestic processing remain central to economic impact, with African Cashew Alliance initiatives and government interventions across countries like Ghana, Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Sierra Leone focusing on processing expansion, farmer support, and improving competitiveness in global markets.

Deep Dive!!

In 2025, Africa continues to solidify its position as the global epicenter of cashew nut production, accounting for over 60% of the world's raw cashew nut supply. The continent's cashew industry has experienced a remarkable resurgence, with production levels reaching unprecedented heights. Côte d'Ivoire leads the charge, projecting a 20% increase in output to 1.3 million metric tons, driven by enhanced agricultural practices and strategic policy interventions. Similarly, Tanzania anticipates a 33% surge in its harvest to 700,000 metric tons, positioning it as a formidable player in the global market.

This growth trajectory is not limited to the top producers. Countries like Mozambique and Benin are also witnessing significant increases in production, with Mozambique projecting a 23% rise to 218,900 metric tons, and Benin aiming for 260,000 metric tons, an 11.9% increase from 2023. These developments underscore a broader continental trend towards enhancing cashew production and processing capacities.

The African Cashew Alliance (ACA) has been instrumental in advocating for value addition within the continent. Despite the impressive production figures, Africa processes only a fraction of its cashew nuts domestically. The ACA emphasizes the need for increased investment in processing infrastructure to capitalize on the growing global demand for cashew products. By shifting from raw nut exports to processed products, African countries can significantly enhance their economic returns and create employment opportunities.

This article delves into the top 10 cashew producers in Africa for 2025, examining their production volumes, growth trajectories, and the strategies they are employing to strengthen their positions in the global market. Through this analysis, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the continent's cashew industry and its potential for sustained growth and development.

10. Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone's cashew industry has shown promising growth, with production reaching approximately 40,000 metric tons in 2025. This increase is attributed to the country's favorable ecological conditions, including a tropical climate with warm temperatures and an annual average rainfall of about 2,746 millimeters, which are conducive to cashew cultivation. Cashew is considered an emerging cash crop in Sierra Leone, with the government recognizing its potential to diversify the export base of the economy

The government, in collaboration with organizations like ComCashew, has been actively working to enhance the cashew value chain. Initiatives include identifying elite mother trees, establishing polyclonal gardens, and promoting good agricultural practices among farmers. These efforts aim to increase productivity and improve the quality of cashew nuts produced in the country.

In addition to these initiatives, Sierra Leone has invested in processing infrastructure to add value to its cashew production. In March 2024, the country inaugurated its first modern cashew processing factory in Newton, Western Rural District. This facility, constructed with funding from the European Union under the Boosting Agriculture and Food Security project, is estimated to process over 800 kilograms of raw cashew nuts daily, amounting to about 200 metric tonnes annually. The factory provides a safe and hygienic environment for cashew processing and employs over 300 women and youth from the Waterloo Cashew Processors and Sellers Association. The increase in production is expected to boost revenue for cashew farmers and processors while improving the cashew value chain in the country.

Furthermore, Sierra Leone's cashew sector has attracted international attention and investment. The European Union, in partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone and Solidaridad, has been instrumental in supporting the development of the cashew industry through various projects aimed at improving production practices and processing capabilities. These collaborations are expected to enhance the competitiveness of Sierra Leone's cashew industry in the global market, providing opportunities for economic growth and development in the country.

9. Senegal

Senegal's cashew industry has experienced significant growth, with production reaching approximately 85,000 metric tons in 2025. This marks a substantial increase from previous years, positioning Senegal as a key player in West Africa's cashew sector. The majority of cashew cultivation is concentrated in the southern regions, particularly in Ziguinchor, Kolda, and Sédhiou, where favorable climatic conditions and fertile soils support the growth of this vital cash crop.

Despite this impressive output, Senegal faces challenges in maximizing the economic potential of its cashew sector. A significant portion of the harvested cashew nuts are exported in their raw form, limiting the value-added benefits that could be derived from domestic processing. In 2024, only about 10% of the cashew harvest was processed locally, despite the country’s installed processing capacity of 30,000 tons. This underutilization of processing capacity underscores the need for increased investment in local processing infrastructure and the development of value-added products.

In response to these challenges, the Senegalese government has implemented policies aimed at enhancing the cashew value chain. In May 2025, the Minister of Industry and Commerce announced a strategic shift towards local processing, with the goal of processing at least 50% of the national cashew production within five years. This initiative is part of a broader effort to revitalize the agricultural sector and reduce dependence on raw material exports. Additionally, the government has introduced measures to support cashew farmers, including subsidies for inputs and access to credit, to encourage increased production and improve the livelihoods of rural communities.

International organizations and development partners are also playing a crucial role in supporting Senegal's cashew industry. The LIFFT-Cashew project, a collaborative initiative involving Senegal, Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau, aims to enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of the cashew value chain in the region. Through capacity building, infrastructure development, and market access initiatives, the project seeks to empower smallholder farmers and processors, promote gender equity, and increase the overall efficiency of the cashew sector. These efforts are expected to contribute to the growth and diversification of Senegal's cashew industry, positioning it for greater success in the global market.

8. Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau stands as a significant player in Africa's cashew industry, with an estimated production of approximately 220,000 metric tons in 2025. This positions the country among the top cashew producers on the continent. Cashew cultivation is predominantly concentrated in the northern regions, where favorable climatic conditions and fertile soils support the growth of this vital cash crop. The sector is a cornerstone of Guinea-Bissau's economy, contributing to over 90% of its export earnings and providing livelihoods for more than 80% of the population.

Despite its prominence, Guinea-Bissau faces challenges in maximizing the economic potential of its cashew industry. A significant portion of the harvested cashew nuts are exported in their raw form, limiting the value-added benefits that could be derived from domestic processing. The country has limited processing capacity, with only a few small-scale facilities operating, and many of these are underutilized due to a shortage of raw materials and lack of investment in infrastructure.

To address these challenges, Guinea-Bissau is focusing on enhancing the sustainability and quality of its cashew production. Initiatives include the promotion of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), the establishment of cooperatives to improve farmers' bargaining power, and the development of infrastructure such as roads and storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses. Additionally, the country is exploring niche markets for processed cashew products, such as cashew juice and jams, to increase value addition and reduce reliance on raw exports.

International organizations, including the African Cashew Alliance (ACA) and development partners, are actively supporting these efforts. Through technical assistance, capacity building, and investment in infrastructure, these stakeholders aim to strengthen Guinea-Bissau's cashew value chain. By focusing on sustainability and quality, Guinea-Bissau seeks to enhance the competitiveness of its cashew industry, improve the livelihoods of its farmers, and contribute to the broader economic development of the country.

7. Ghana

Ghana's cashew industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, positioning the country as a notable player in Africa's cashew sector. In the 2022/2023 season, Ghana produced approximately 230,000 metric tons of raw cashew nuts, with over 200,000 farmers engaged in cultivation across seven regions, particularly the Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo regions. Despite this impressive output, the country faces challenges in maximizing the economic potential of its cashew sector.

A significant portion of Ghana's cashew nuts are exported in their raw form, limiting the value-added benefits that could be derived from domestic processing. To address this, the government and private sector stakeholders are investing in processing infrastructure and implementing policies that encourage value addition within the country. For instance, the Association of Cashew Processors, Ghana (ACPG) has set an ambitious goal to process 85,000 metric tons of cashew per year by 2026.

In October 2024, Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, two of Africa's largest cashew producers, collaborated to boost cashew processing and marketing. This partnership aims to improve competitiveness, increase local processing, and ensure better deals for farmers on the international market globalEDGE. Such collaborations are expected to enhance the overall value chain and strengthen the position of West Africa in the global cashew trade.

Looking ahead, Ghana's cashew industry holds significant potential for growth. With continued investment in processing capacity, improved farming techniques, and strategic partnerships, the country is poised to increase its share in the global cashew market. By focusing on value addition and enhancing competitiveness, Ghana can transform its cashew sector into a more sustainable and profitable industry.

6. Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso has emerged as a significant player in West Africa's cashew sector, with an estimated production of 143,965 metric tons in 2024. However, despite this substantial output, the country faces challenges in maximizing the economic potential of its cashew industry. In 2024, only about 10% of the harvested cashew nuts were processed domestically, highlighting the underutilization of the country's processing capacity.

The installed processing capacity stands at 30,000 tons, yet many processing units have been underutilized due to a shortage of raw materials and limited access to financing. To address these issues, the government has introduced new financing plans, including low-interest loans with a repayment period of nine months, aimed at increasing the supply of raw materials to processors and strengthening the industry.

In addition to financial support, the government has implemented policies to encourage local processing. For instance, the minimum purchase price for raw cashew nuts has been increased to 385 CFA francs per kilogram, compared to 310 CFA francs in 2024, to support producers and incentivize them to sell to local processors. These measures aim to retain more value within the country and reduce dependence on raw exports.

Recognizing the potential of cashew apples, which have traditionally been underutilized, the government has launched a $11.5 million processing plant in 2025. This facility is expected to process 5,000 tons of cashew apples annually, producing products such as juice, wine, vinegar, and alcohol. The initiative aims to optimize cashew apple production, provide farmers with an additional income source, and reduce the waste associated with this byproduct.

Through these concerted efforts, Burkina Faso is striving to enhance its cashew sector's value chain, promote local processing, and increase the economic benefits derived from cashew production. While challenges remain, the country's initiatives reflect a commitment to transforming its cashew industry into a more sustainable and profitable sector.

5. Mozambique

Mozambique has experienced a remarkable resurgence in its cashew industry, positioning itself as a significant player in Africa's cashew production landscape. In the 2024–2025 season, the country achieved a production of approximately 195,400 metric tons, nearing the historic peak of 200,000 tons reached in the 1970s. This resurgence is attributed to a combination of favorable climatic conditions, government reforms, and increased investment in the cashew sector.

The government's strategic initiatives have played a pivotal role in revitalizing the cashew industry. Measures such as the upward revision of the purchase price for raw cashew nuts to 45 meticais per kilogram and the distribution of over 6.67 million cashew seedlings have incentivized farmers and expanded cultivation areas. Additionally, the rehabilitation of processing factories and improved access to markets have enhanced the value chain, benefiting both producers and processors.

Mozambique's cashew production is concentrated in the northern provinces of Nampula, Cabo Delgado, and Zambezia, where over 1.4 million smallholder farmers are engaged in cultivation. These regions possess favorable climates for cashew cultivation, characterized by warm temperatures and well-distributed rainfall patterns. The involvement of smallholder farmers is crucial, as cashew cultivation serves as a significant source of income and employment in these rural areas.

Despite the impressive growth in production, Mozambique continues to face challenges in maximizing the economic potential of its cashew sector. A significant portion of the harvested cashew nuts are exported in their raw form, limiting the value-added benefits that could be derived from domestic processing. To address this, the government and private sector stakeholders are investing in processing infrastructure and implementing policies that encourage value addition within the country. By doing so, Mozambique aims to enhance its position in the global cashew industry and ensure that more of the economic benefits from cashew production remain within its borders.

4. Tanzania

Tanzania has solidified its position as one of Africa's leading cashew producers, with the 2024/2025 harvest reaching a record 408,600 metric tons, marking a 33% increase from the previous year. This surge is attributed to favorable weather conditions, improved farming practices, and government support for the cashew sector. The country's cashew industry is primarily concentrated in the southern regions of Mtwara, Lindi, and Ruvuma, which together account for approximately 80% of national production.

Despite this impressive output, Tanzania faces challenges in maximizing the economic potential of its cashew sector. A significant portion of the harvested cashew nuts are exported in their raw form, limiting the value-added benefits that could be derived from domestic processing. The National Cashew Board of Tanzania has highlighted the need for increased investment in processing facilities to enhance the value chain and retain more economic benefits within the country.

In response to these challenges, the Tanzanian government has implemented measures to bolster the cashew processing industry. The establishment of processing plants, such as the one in Newala with an annual processing capacity of 3,500 metric tons, aims to process a larger share of the cashew harvest domestically. These initiatives are expected to create direct employment opportunities and stimulate the growth of ancillary businesses, including packaging, logistics, and agricultural inputs. By increasing domestic processing capacity, Tanzania seeks to reduce its reliance on raw cashew exports and capture a larger share of the global market for processed cashew products.

Furthermore, Tanzania's cashew exports have experienced significant growth, reaching $531.8 million in the year ending June 2025, more than doubling from the previous year. This growth reflects the increasing global demand for Tanzanian cashew nuts and the potential for further expansion in international markets. To sustain this upward trajectory, Tanzania must continue to invest in processing infrastructure, improve supply chain efficiency, and implement policies that encourage value addition within the country. By doing so, Tanzania can enhance its position in the global cashew industry and ensure that more of the economic benefits from cashew production remain within its borders.

3. Benin

Benin has emerged as a formidable force in Africa's cashew industry, with its production reaching approximately 225,000 metric tons in the 2024/2025 season, marking an 11.9% increase from the previous year. This growth positions Benin as one of the continent's top cashew producers, rivaling Nigeria in raw output. The government's strategic decision to ban the export of raw cashew nuts in April 2024 was pivotal in this transformation, compelling a shift towards local processing and value addition.

Central to this shift is the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ), a state-of-the-art agro-industrial hub developed with over $150 million in investments from the World Bank, African Development Bank, and ECOWAS. The GDIZ is set to process up to 150,000 metric tons of cashews annually by 2026, significantly enhancing Benin's domestic processing capacity and reducing reliance on raw nut exports. This initiative not only adds value to the cashew sector but also creates employment opportunities and stimulates economic growth in the region.

The government's commitment to the sector is further evidenced by its plans to develop 7,000 hectares of new cashew plantations and rehabilitate 60,000 hectares of existing orchards by 2026. These efforts aim to increase productivity and ensure a sustainable supply of raw materials for processing facilities. Additionally, the establishment of processing plants like Tolaro Global, which processes over 3,500 metric tons annually and exports to premium markets in Europe and the United States, underscores the potential of Benin's cashew industry to compete on the global stage.

Benin's cashew sector is not only a significant contributor to the national economy but also a model of how strategic policy decisions, coupled with investment in infrastructure and processing capabilities, can drive industrial growth. As the country continues to enhance its processing capacity and expand its export markets, Benin is poised to solidify its position as a leading player in the global cashew industry.

2. Nigeria

Nigeria has emerged as a significant player in the global cashew industry, with its production reaching approximately 300,000 metric tons in 2025. This marks a substantial increase from previous years, positioning Nigeria as one of Africa's leading cashew producers. The nation's vast agricultural landscape and favorable climatic conditions contribute to its robust cashew production.

Despite this impressive output, Nigeria faces challenges in maximizing the economic potential of its cashew sector. A significant portion of the harvested cashew nuts are exported in their raw form, limiting the value-added benefits that could be derived from domestic processing. The National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) has highlighted that the country loses approximately $3.7 billion annually due to the export of unprocessed cashew nuts. This situation underscores the need for investment in local processing facilities to enhance the value chain and retain more economic benefits within the country.

In response to these challenges, the Nigerian government and private sector stakeholders are taking steps to bolster the cashew processing industry. The establishment of processing plants, such as the one spearheaded by Starlink, aims to process 30,000 metric tons of cashews annually. These initiatives are expected to create direct employment opportunities and stimulate the growth of ancillary businesses, including packaging, logistics, and agricultural inputs. By increasing domestic processing capacity, Nigeria seeks to reduce its reliance on raw cashew exports and capture a larger share of the global market for processed cashew products.

Furthermore, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) reported that cashew exports surged to $398 million in the first half of 2025. This growth reflects the increasing global demand for Nigerian cashew nuts and the potential for further expansion in international markets. However, to sustain this upward trajectory, Nigeria must continue to invest in processing infrastructure, improve supply chain efficiency, and implement policies that encourage value addition within the country. By doing so, Nigeria can enhance its position in the global cashew industry and ensure that more of the economic benefits from cashew production remain within its borders.

1. Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d'Ivoire continues to solidify its position as Africa's leading cashew producer in 2025, with an estimated output of 1.3 million metric tons. This marks a significant increase from the previous year's forecast of 1.15 million tons, reflecting a 13% growth. The surge in production is attributed to favorable climatic conditions and enhanced agricultural practices, which have bolstered yields across the country's cashew-growing regions. Mamadou Berte, head of the Cotton and Cashew Council (CCA), noted that the increase was partly due to a crackdown on smuggling, which had previously diverted significant quantities of cashew nuts to neighboring countries.

Despite the rise in production, the sector faces challenges stemming from global market dynamics. The United States has imposed tariffs of up to 21% on Ivorian cashew exports, and Vietnamese processors, who typically purchase 80% of Côte d'Ivoire's cashew output, have reduced their purchases from 700,000–800,000 tons in 2024 to just 200,000 tons in 2025. This decline is attributed to anticipated U.S. tariffs and a weakening U.S. dollar, which have made contracts less favorable for international buyers

In response to these challenges, the Ivorian government has implemented measures to support the local industry. The farmgate price for cashew nuts was increased to 425 CFA francs ($0.66) per kilogram, up from 275 CFA francs ($0.43) in the previous year, aiming to incentivize farmers and stabilize the domestic market. Additionally, the government is focusing on enhancing local processing capabilities. In 2024, approximately 21% of the cashew harvest was processed domestically, up from 6.22% in 2016. The goal is to process 50% of the national production by 2030, a target supported by investments in agro-industrial zones and infrastructure development.

The private sector is also contributing to the industry's growth. Cashew Coast, a leading processing company in Côte d'Ivoire, secured a €9 million investment from AgDevCo to expand its processing capacity. This investment will enable Cashew Coast to double its processing volume to 19,000 tons per year, directly benefiting over 7,000 smallholder farmers and creating additional employment opportunities in rural areas . Such initiatives are pivotal in strengthening the value chain and ensuring that more of the cashew production is processed locally, thereby increasing the economic benefits derived from the sector.