BENIN – Benin, one of West Africa’s key cashew nut producers, is expecting a significant increase in its cashew production for the 2024/2025 season.
The upcoming harvest, scheduled from January 30 to May 31, is projected to reach 225,000 tons—an 11.9% rise compared to the previous season’s 201,000 tons, according to an announcement made during the Council of Ministers meeting on January 22.
The Directorate of Agricultural Statistics (DSA) revealed that the cashew sector has been growing steadily, with an average annual growth rate of 11.46% since 2019.
During that year, the country harvested 130,226 tons. Cashews have become Benin’s second-largest agricultural export after cotton, generating more than 67.9 billion CFA francs (USD 110.6 million) in revenue in 2023.
The growth of the cashew sector in Benin can be attributed to strategic government policies. In April 2024, the government banned the export of raw cashew nuts, a move designed to support local processing industries and enhance value addition within the sector.
This decision aligns with Benin’s ambition to strengthen its domestic processing capacity, creating jobs and boosting income for local communities.
The Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) has become a cornerstone of these efforts. It is targeting the processing of 150,000 metric tons of cashews annually by 2026.
“Investments in industrial zones like GDIZ have been instrumental in driving local processing and attracting foreign investors,” stated a senior official from the Ministry of Agriculture.
Despite its growth, Benin faces challenges in global competitiveness. The government has set the price of a kilogram of cashew nuts at 375 CFA francs (USD 0.59) for 2025, a rate lower than Côte d’Ivoire’s 425 CFA francs (USD 0.66). Côte d’Ivoire, the world’s leading cashew producer, aims to revitalize its production to maintain its market dominance.
However, Benin’s focus on sustainability and high-quality production practices is enhancing its reputation in international markets.
Private-sector support has also played a vital role in expanding the industry, with stakeholders collaborating to improve farming techniques and infrastructure.
Looking ahead, Benin’s cashew production is expected to continue its upward trend, with projections indicating an annual growth rate of 2.4% through 2026. Production is anticipated to reach 253,330 metric tons that year.
These gains will be complemented by the country’s increasing processing capacity, ensuring more of the harvest is utilized locally.
The government remains optimistic about the sector’s potential. “Cashew nuts are more than just an export commodity—they are a lifeline for thousands of farmers and an essential pillar of our economy,” emphasized an agricultural economist familiar with the sector.
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