Africa produces approximately 50 percent of the world's raw cashew nuts, with Côte d'Ivoire (the world's largest producer at 750,000 tonnes), Tanzania, Mozambique, Ghana, and Benin as the leading origins. Despite this production dominance, only about 12 percent of African cashews are processed domestically. The majority are exported as raw nuts to India, where a vast processing industry converts them to kernel for sale to global snack markets. The value gap is substantial: raw cashew nuts export at approximately $1.20 per kilogram while processed kernels sell for $5 to $8 per kilogram.
Processing Investment
Côte d'Ivoire's government mandated that 50 percent of the national crop be processed domestically by 2023, incentivising investment in cashew processing facilities. Over 60 processing plants are now operational, with combined capacity of approximately 250,000 tonnes. Mozambique's Olam International facility and several Tanzanian processors have made similar investments. Cashew processors and buyers can access African origins data and verified exporter contacts on 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.