Burkina Faso suspends raw cashew exports to support local processing
The West African country has halted cashew exports in an effort to boost its domestic processing industry.
BURKINA FASO – Burkina Faso has temporarily banned the export of raw cashew nuts to ensure local processing plants have enough supply.
The decision, which took effect on March 28, was announced by the Burkinabe Cashew Council on April 2. Authorities say the measure aims to strengthen the local cashew industry, which has struggled to operate at full capacity due to limited access to raw materials.
According to independent trade advisory service N’kalô, Burkina Faso processed only 16,000 tons of cashew nuts in 2024.
This represents just 10% of the country’s total production of 161,000 tons. Official data shows that the country’s installed processing capacity stands at 30,000 tons, but many factories have not been able to operate at full scale.
Strengthening local industry
Officials believe the export ban will help direct more cashew nuts toward local processing facilities, making the sector more sustainable. However, success will depend on whether local processors can absorb the supply and offer prices that compete with international buyers.
“With this decision, we want to guarantee that local processors get the raw materials they need to run their factories efficiently,” a government statement read.
Burkina Faso is not the only West African country taking such steps. Benin, the fourth-largest producer in the region after Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Guinea-Bissau, also restricts the export of raw cashew nuts.
Authorities there argue that keeping the nuts within the country helps create jobs and increase value before export.
Financial support for processing plants
To further support the industry, Burkina Faso’s Dumu Ka Fa Fund (DKF), which finances the agropastoral sector, recently introduced a funding initiative for cashew processors. The Burkina Faso Council for Agropastoral and Fisheries Sectors (CBF) is working with the government on this effort.
The Ministry of Agriculture announced the plan in a statement on February 7. Under this program, eligible cashew processors can receive up to 500 million CFA francs (US$786,000) in campaign credits. These loans, which carry a 4% interest rate, must be repaid within nine months.
Authorities believe the financial boost will help processors secure more raw cashews and strengthen the local supply chain. However, industry experts caution that exporters often offer higher prices for unprocessed cashews, making it difficult for local processors to compete.
West Africa plays a crucial role in global cashew production, accounting for nearly half of the world’s raw supply. Despite having significant processing capacity, much of the region’s cashew nuts are exported unprocessed to countries like India, Vietnam, and the United States.
With the latest measures, Burkina Faso aims to change that trend. The government hopes the export suspension and financial support will encourage more local processing, create jobs, and boost the economy.
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