Ghana’s growing cashew production is yet to translate into substantial industrial and economic benefits, as the country continues to export the bulk of its raw nuts without processing them locally.
The situation is raising concerns among industry stakeholders, particularly as neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire strengthens its position as a major global cashew processor through sustained investment in agro-industrial infrastructure, government incentives and value addition.
Nitidae, a non-profitable organisation of Cashew processors in Ghana has also shared their findings regarding the production, processing and the trade in cashew.
“Ghana processed approximately 15,000 metric tonnes of raw cashew nuts in 2025, representing less than six per cent of estimated national production of 262,000 metric tonnes.”
Nitidae’s 2026 study on Ghana’s cashew industry
The remaining volumes are largely exported in their raw form, mainly to Vietnam and India, where they undergo processing before being marketed as higher value cashew kernels and other finished products.
The limited processing capacity means Ghana continues to surrender significant opportunities for industrial development, employment creation, technology transfer and export revenue.
It also exposes the country’s farmers to fluctuations in international raw nut markets, where prices and purchasing conditions are influenced by global demand, supply and competition among producing countries.
Côte d’Ivoire Builds a Processing Advantage
The contrast with Côte d’Ivoire highlights the economic possibilities available when agricultural production is supported by deliberate industrial policies.
Over the past two decades, the West African country has transformed its cashew industry into a major agricultural export and agro-processing sector, supported by expanding production, investment in processing facilities and policies designed to retain more value domestically.
Côte d’Ivoire’s raw cashew production increased from approximately 180,000 metric tonnes in 2005 to about 1.55 million metric tonnes in 2025, consolidating its position as the world’s leading producer.
According to the country’s official government information portal, the cashew sector is its second-largest agricultural export industry after cocoa.
More importantly, the country has moved beyond production to develop the industrial infrastructure required to process a growing proportion of its harvest.
The World Bank reports that domestic processing increased from 68,515 metric tonnes in 2018 to more than 345,000 metric tonnes in 2024, demonstrating the scale of investment in local value addition.
The expansion has also generated substantial employment, particularly for women. The World Bank estimates that Côte d’Ivoire’s cashew processing industry has created more than 18,321 jobs, with women accounting for approximately 66 per cent of the workforce.
This development demonstrates how agricultural commodities can become instruments of industrialisation when governments establish the conditions for businesses to invest in processing, manufacturing and export oriented production.
“Domestic cashew processing capacity increased from 68,515 tonnes in 2015 to 350,000 tonnes in 2024, with more than 18,321 jobs created, 66 per cent of which are held by women.”
World Bank
Government Investment Drives Industrial Growth
Côte d’Ivoire’s progress has been supported by a combination of financial incentives, infrastructure development and institutional reforms intended to make domestic processing more commercially attractive.
The development of dedicated agro-industrial zones in Korhogo, Bondoukou and Séguéla has further strengthened the investment environment by bringing processing activities closer to production centres.
The country has also invested in technical capacity through institutions such as the Cashew Transformation Technologies Innovation Centre, which supports skills development, technological improvements and innovation within the processing industry.
According to Côte d’Ivoire’s official economic information portal, the country’s installed processing capacity reached approximately 450,000 tonnes in 2024, while actual processing increased to 344,028 tonnes, equivalent to 36.4 per cent of national production.
The government is targeting the local processing of more than 50 per cent of its raw cashew production by 2030, with an ambition to process approximately one million tonnes annually.
The strategy extends beyond kernels to include commercial opportunities in cashew apples, shells and cashew nutshell liquid, which can serve as raw materials for food, industrial and other manufacturing applications.
“Côte d’Ivoire increased its local cashew processing rate from 6.7 per cent in 2014 to 36.4 per cent in 2024, with a target of processing more than 50 per cent of national production by 2030.”
Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, Economic Information and Promotion Portal.
Ghana Must Prioritise Domestic Value Addition
For Ghana, the growing industrial advantage of Côte d’Ivoire presents an important policy and investment challenge.
Although the country has established itself as a significant cashew producer, its inability to process a substantial proportion of its harvest domestically continues to limit the industry’s contribution to manufacturing, employment and foreign exchange generation.
The situation is particularly important for farmers, whose earnings are affected by market uncertainties, production expenses and changes in international purchasing prices.
In 2023, farm-gate prices reportedly fell from GH¢11 per kilogramme in March to GH¢2.80 in May, illustrating the vulnerability of producers to market fluctuations.
The Tree Crops Development Authority has since introduced minimum producer pricing arrangements, including a GH¢12 per kilogramme minimum for the 2026 season.
The country’s experience shows that installed capacity alone does not guarantee industrial growth without the financial and commercial conditions required to sustain operations.
