Côte d’Ivoire, Rosyson partner on US$24M cashew processing project

Côte d’Ivoire – The Cotton and Cashew Council (CCA) of Côte d’Ivoire has signed an agreement with Emirati agri-food company Rosyson to establish a cashew processing facility in the country.  

The project, valued at 15 billion CFA francs (US$24 million), will include a processing unit with an annual capacity of 60,000 tons of cashew nuts.  

While the project’s location and launch date remain undisclosed, it marks a significant step toward Côte d’Ivoire’s goal of enhancing local cashew processing capabilities. 

This agreement aligns with the government’s objective to process 50 percent of its annual cashew nut production domestically by 2030. To achieve this, the CCA has been actively engaging foreign investors.  

In September, the council secured investment commitments worth US$28.7 million from three foreign companies to further boost the local cashew processing sector. 

Despite these efforts, Côte d’Ivoire faces production challenges. Cashew nut output for 2024 is projected at 1 million tonnes, a 16% decline from 2023’s 1.2 million tonnes and 20% lower than earlier forecasts.  

Adama Coulibaly, Director General of the CCA, attributed the drop to unfavorable climatic conditions that have hampered yields in key production areas. 

Although Côte d’Ivoire is the world’s largest exporter of cashew nuts, it ranks third in processing capacity, behind Vietnam and India.  

The cashew sector plays a crucial role in the nation’s economy, covering 1.6 million hectares and engaging over 500,000 farming households, primarily in the northern regions.  

In 2023, cashew nut and almond exports generated more than 756.2 billion CFA francs (US$1.3 billion), with processed almonds contributing only 17 percent of the revenue. 

The country has also taken strides to diversify and add value to its cashew sector. In August 2024, Côte d’Ivoire, in partnership with the World Bank, launched the Cajou Foodtech project under the Cashew Value Chain Competitiveness Promotion Project (PPCA).  

This initiative features a 400-square-meter production unit capable of processing 200 kilograms of almonds and cashew apples daily.  

It provides tailored services to small and medium-sized enterprises, including training, technical assistance, and access to advanced production facilities. 

By strengthening partnerships and promoting innovation, Côte d’Ivoire aims to transform its cashew sector into a more resilient and value-driven industry, contributing significantly to its economic growth. 

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