Government-backed initiative unlocks financing for Côte d’Ivoire’s cashew industry
The Groupement des transformateurs de cajou ivoiriens (GTCI), representing national processors handling 100,000 tonnes of raw cashew nuts annually, has welcomed a landmark financing agreement signed on June 11, 2026. The deal brings together the Banque nationale d’investissement (BNI), the Conseil du Coton et de l’Anacarde (CCA), and local cashew processors to strengthen the country’s industrial cashew sector.
Ivorian operators have taken a bold step toward local processing by investing their own capital in building and expanding processing facilities. This commitment has driven industrial growth in the sector, boosted value addition, and supported the national economy by reducing raw material exports while increasing processed product outputs.
Key stakeholders recognized for supporting industrial growth
In a letter dated July 17, 2026, addressed to the Presidency, the Vice-Presidency, Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé, the Vice Prime Minister, the Minister of Industry, the BNI, and the CCA, the GTCI president, Denis Kouadio, expressed deep appreciation for the collaborative efforts that enabled the creation of this innovative funding mechanism. The agreement ensures financial support for raw cashew nut procurement and processing costs, addressing a critical challenge faced by local processors.
The GTCI highlighted the pressing challenges operators face—securing raw cashew nuts, optimizing processing efficiency, and obtaining substantial financing within tight commercial windows. The new initiative provides a lifeline by guaranteeing access to raw materials and operational funds, ensuring factories can operate at full capacity throughout the year.
A tripartite agreement with transformative impact
The newly established financing model is a game-changer for the cashew industry. It is designed to bolster local processing capacity, stabilize raw material supply chains, and enhance financial access for industrial operators across Côte d’Ivoire.
The agreement outlines a clear division of responsibilities: the CCA guarantees the availability of 20% of processors’ annual raw cashew nut requirements at the start of each season. The BNI, in turn, finances the remaining 80%, while also covering working capital needs for both industrial operations and export activities.
Leaders praised for driving innovation in cashew financing
Denis Kouadio, GTCI President, commended the visionary leadership of key government officials who made this initiative possible. Among those recognized were Vice Prime Minister Téné Birahima Ouattara, Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalil Konaté, Minister of Economy and Finance Adama Coulibaly, along with senior officials from the CCA and BNI—Mamadou Berté, Youssouf Fadika, and Jérôme Ahua. Their coordinated efforts have established a sustainable financing framework that empowers local investors and secures the future of Côte d’Ivoire’s cashew industry.
Expanding success: potential for cocoa sector adoption
The success of this innovative financing model has opened new opportunities. Discussions are underway to adapt this framework for the cocoa industry, aiming to replicate the same financial support and industrial growth benefits for cocoa processors across the country.
Côte d’Ivoire leads global cashew market
As the world’s top producer of raw cashew nuts—with an annual output of approximately 1.5 million tonnes—Côte d’Ivoire boasts 37 processing facilities with an installed capacity exceeding 830,000 tonnes. With a local processing rate of 43%, the country ranks second among global cashew kernel exporters and third in global processing capacity, according to ITC consolidated data from 2025.
The nation has successfully met the challenge of increasing raw cashew nut production. Now, it is focused on accelerating local processing to retain greater value within its borders, strengthen its industrial base, and create more jobs for its citizens.