Africa must stop exporting its cashew wealth
Africa’s cashew story presents a familiar and uncomfortable picture. The continent produces a large share of the world’s raw cashew nuts, yet much of the real economic value is created after the crop leaves African shores. That cannot continue if the continent is serious about industrialisation, job creation and economic transformation. The call by the … The post Africa must stop exporting its…
Africa generates a significant portion of the world's raw cashew nuts, but the majority of economic value is generated after the crop leaves the continent. This situation is unsustainable for African industrialization and economic growth. The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, emphasized the need for increased investment in cashew processing and value addition.
While Africa currently accounts for about 60% of global cashew production, it only secures a small share of the value created. Over 700,000 tonnes of processed cashew were produced on the continent in 2025, representing 20% of total production. This showcases the potential for further growth, but much more progress is needed. Processing cashews can generate jobs, support local businesses, boost foreign exchange earnings, and stimulate related industries.
It can also create opportunities for women and young people already active in the value chain. However, value addition requires deliberate and sustained investment. Governments must create a favorable environment for processing by providing reliable infrastructure, affordable finance, modern technology, research and development, efficient regulation, and predictable policies.
Additionally, processors should receive support to enhance their capacity and compete in international markets. While focusing on processors, it is crucial not to neglect farmers. A thriving value chain that creates factories without supporting farmers is unsustainable and unfair. Farmers should receive fair incomes that incentivize them to remain in the industry.
This involves providing better planting materials, extension services, climate-resilient production methods, quality assurance, and market access. The Minister rightly stressed that no single African nation can transform the sector alone. Cooperation among African countries on research, standards, technology, trade, and market development is essential.
Regional collaboration can create the necessary scale to attract investment and compete effectively globally. Supporting women throughout the cashew value chain is also crucial. Women play significant roles but often face limited access to finance, technology, and markets. Empowering women-owned businesses generates benefits for families and communities.
The African Cashew Alliance conference should conclude with practical commitments, timelines, and investments that can be tracked.
Written by urgent.news from Ghanaian Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
