Benin hosts 18th Annual African Cashew Alliance Conference

BENIN – The 18th Annual Conference and Exhibition of the African Cashew Alliance (ACA) opened on September 17^th 2024 in Cotonou, Benin, drawing industry leaders from across the continent.

This year marks the third time Benin has hosted the event, which aims to boost cashew processing and foster a sustainable African cashew industry.

Focus on Local Processing

The conference, themed “Building Capacity for a Sustainable African Cashew Industry,” highlights efforts to enhance local cashew nut processing across the continent. Benin’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Alimatou Assouman, emphasized the country’s dedication to cashew transformation.

“Benin has made significant strides in processing with a clear goal of building a competitive industry. Our aim is to ensure that local factories are supplied, reducing the export of raw nuts,” Assouman stated during her opening remarks.

Benin has adopted a transformative policy, positioning itself as a model for cashew-producing nations in West Africa.

This year’s gathering brings together approximately 350 participants from various sectors, including production, marketing, and processing, with a particular focus on empowering women and meeting global export standards.

Challenges in the Sector

Despite the progress, the African cashew industry still faces challenges in processing capacity and infrastructure.

Only between 10% and 15% of the continent’s cashew production, which exceeds 2 million tons annually, is processed locally.

Jim Fitzpatrick, a sector expert, stressed the need for a more robust approach to cashew transformation. “Of the installed capacity in Africa, only 54% is being utilized. Côte d’Ivoire alone holds 62% of that capacity,” he explained.

Fitzpatrick also raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of cashew processing factories, noting that many depend heavily on foreign investment.

Local vs. Foreign Investment

The involvement of local players in cashew processing remains a key issue. Alfred Francis, Director General of the Tanzania Cashew Council, underscored the importance of domestic actors.

“In Tanzania, small-scale processors handle 60% of our total processed cashews. These players have a direct impact on local communities,” he said.

This sentiment was echoed by Boubacar Konta, president of the Senegalese Cashew Interprofession, who pointed out that foreign-owned factories tend to outperform those run by nationals.

“We need to create a balance where national champions can thrive alongside foreign investors,” Konta stressed.

Looking ahead

The three-day event is packed with workshops, panels, and presentations addressing the future of cashew processing in Africa.

As government initiatives seek to promote local transformation, many experts agree that African nations need more coordinated efforts to support local industry while staying competitive on the global stage.

Paul Marie Kodjo, Deputy Administrator of the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone in Benin, remarked, “If individual countries act alone, the progress will be limited. For real impact, there must be regional cooperation to create a competitive and sustainable industry.”

As discussions continue, attendees remain hopeful that African cashew processing will expand, benefiting local economies and strengthening the continent’s position in the global market.

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