The regulatory body, Conseil Coton-Anacarde (CCA), initially aimed for 1.25 million tonnes of raw cashew nuts. However, this has been adjusted to one million tonnes due to weather challenges.
Despite the revision, Dr. Adama Coulibaly, Managing Director of the CCA, highlighted positive industry trends. As of now, processors and exporters have already received over 842,733 tonnes. Local processing has also seen significant growth, rising from 6.22% of national production in 2016 to 21% in 2023.
Dr. Coulibaly attributed this progress to government reforms, including the creation of the CCA in 2013. Since then, cashew nut production has more than doubled, and Côte d’Ivoire has become the world’s second-largest exporter and third-largest processor.
The cashew industry boasts over 30 processing units with a combined capacity of 350,000 tonnes. These factories have generated over 15,000 direct jobs, 70% of which are held by women.
Dr. Coulibaly emphasized the success of reforms in empowering national cooperatives. These cooperatives now hold a 50% share of cashew nut exports, compared to 25% just five years ago.
While cashew production faced challenges this season, cotton production is expected to rebound. Concerted efforts have led to an estimated harvest of 347,922 tonnes, a significant increase from the previous season.