| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Historical Data Period | 2019 - 2023 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 0.85 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 1.02 Billion |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 3.67 % |
Africa Cashew Market Analysis
The Africa Cashew Market size is estimated at USD 0.85 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 1.02 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.67% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
- Cashews flourish in the tropical climates of 20 African nations, split between the western and eastern regions. These countries collectively account for about 90% of the global raw cashew nut traded. Côte d'Ivoire leads the production and exports. Other producing countries include Tanzania, Nigeria, Benin, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, and Ghana. Africa processes less than 15% of its cashew nuts, with most being shipped to Asia. Asia primarily imports raw cashews and supplies its global supply with a share of more than 85% for processed cashews.
- One significant trend shaping the cashew market is the rising global demand for healthier snacks, with consumers increasingly favoring environment-friendly and ethically sourced food products. Despite this trend, Africa faces a challenge due to its inadequate processing infrastructure. In response, certain firms are contributing to strengthening the cashew supply chain in Africa. For instance, in November 2021, Red River Foods, a US-based company, collaborated with the US Agency for International Development (USAID) West Africa Trade and Investment Hub. Their joint initiative involves a USD 3 million investment to enhance cashew production and processing in West Africa. Part of this investment goes toward establishing a processing facility in Côte d’Ivoire.
- The Competitive Cashew Initiative, previously the African Cashew Initiative, significantly boosts the marketing of premium raw cashew kernels in Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Mozambique, and Ghana. This initiative has notably bolstered production and processing efficiencies, including adopting SAP software in the cashew value chain in Western Ghana. Given the rising presence of cashew-based retail manufacturers and the ongoing initiatives in Africa's cashew production and processing, the market is poised for substantial growth in the coming years.
Africa Cashew Market Trends
Increasing Demand for African Cashews from European Countries
- The rising popularity of nuts, prized for their healthy fats, protein, and fiber, is fueling a surge in demand for cashews across Europe. While European consumers still favor simple, roasted, and salted cashews, there is a growing appetite for unsalted and less-processed varieties.
- While imports from Africa to the Netherlands remain modest, they show robust growth. Notably, between 2018 and 2022, imports from Burkina Faso surged at an impressive annual rate of 74%, reaching 1,841 metric tons. Additionally, in 2022, imports from Côte d'Ivoire surged by 28% Y-o-Y, reaching 1,217 metric tons.
- As per the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI EU), key European markets have consistently grown in cashew consumption over the past five years. The highest increase in cashew consumption was observed in Italy at 13.6% and the Netherlands at 10.7%. Other countries that observed significant increases in the consumption of cashews included Germany, the United Kingdom, and France. Import data reflected this trend, with cashew imports with origins from Africa climbing steadily, culminating in a value of USD 157,477 thousand in 2023.
- African nations are poised to ramp up their exports of cashews due to substantial investments in scaling up cashew nut processing capacities. Moreover, many African countries are bolstering their processing capabilities with backing from international and domestic governmental funds.
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Côte d’Ivoire Leads the African Cashew Market
- In 2022, Côte d'Ivoire emerged as the dominant country in the African cashew market, with Tanzania, Benin, and Nigeria being other significant producing countries. Côte d'Ivoire has seen a consistent uptrend in cashew production over recent years. Data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) revealed that Côte d'Ivoire's cashew nut production climbed from 968,676 tons in 2021 to 970,000 tons in 2022.
- A typical cashew plant bears fruit four to five years post-plantation, with productivity tapering off after about 15 years. Notably, in Côte d'Ivoire, a significant portion of cashew trees is young, boasting higher yields; over 10% of the acreage is under a decade old. The country's cashew acreage is expanding, with an annual influx of improved and advanced varieties. This surge in production has positioned Côte d'Ivoire as Africa's premier cashew exporter.
- Côte d'Ivoire's government is actively bolstering local production and championing national cashew processing. In 2022, the government earmarked over USD 20 million to aid struggling cashew processors, combating Asian competition and elevating the percentage of processed crops within the country. Collaborating with sector businesses, the government has introduced tax incentives and is fostering the construction of a robust local value chain.
- Moreover, investments from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) further fortify Côte d'Ivoire's cashew production landscape. These investments have catalyzed the establishment of processing centers in key regions like Bondoukou, Korhogo, Bouaké, Yamoussoukro, and Abidjan, underscoring the government's commitment to enhancing the nation's processing capabilities.
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Africa Cashew Market News
- April 2024: The European Union (EU) and the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) jointly funded the regional Cashew Master Training Program (MTP), led by the African Cashew Alliance (ACA), GIZ/MOVE, and their partners. This initiative, aimed at bolstering the African cashew industry, is set to benefit more than 500 stakeholders and enhance the sector's expertise over the next two years.
- February 2024: The Swiss government, facilitated by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), pledged a USD 10.5 million grant. This funding is specifically earmarked to bolster Ghana's cashew and oil palm industries. This investment aims to elevate domestic processing levels of cashews, regulatory streamlining, and value chain enhancement.
- December 2023: Mirae Green Chemical Company, a Korean firm, finalized a USD 5 million investment for a cashew nut processing and cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) factory in Tanzania. The upcoming facility, set to handle 3,000 to 4,000 metric tons of raw cashews, underlines the Tanzanian government's push to enhance its processed cashew nut exports.
Africa Cashew Industry Segmentation
Cashew nuts are edible kidney-shaped nuts, rich in oil and protein, which are roasted and shelled before being eaten. The study focused on raw cashew nuts in their shells.
The African cashew market is segmented by geography into Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Tanzania, and Burundi. The study covers production analysis (volume), consumption analysis (value and volume), export analysis (value and volume), import analysis (value and volume), and price trend analysis.
The report offers market estimation and forecasts in value (USD) and volume (metric tons).
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Africa Cashew Market Research Faqs
How big is the Africa Cashew Market?
The Africa Cashew Market size is expected to reach USD 0.85 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 3.67% to reach USD 1.02 billion by 2030.
What is the current Africa Cashew Market size?
In 2025, the Africa Cashew Market size is expected to reach USD 0.85 billion.
What years does this Africa Cashew Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Africa Cashew Market size was estimated at USD 0.82 billion. The report covers the Africa Cashew Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Africa Cashew Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
