…unveils cashew processor directory
Nigeria is pushing to expand its foothold in the global cashew industry, and has recorded a significant surge in cashew exports, reaching $398.135 million in the first half of 2025, an 81.15% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Capitalising on this, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), in collaboration with GIZ, has officially launched the Cashew Processors Directory, a strategic industry resource aimed at driving local value addition, attracting investment, and strengthening Nigeria’s position as a key global supplier of both raw and processed cashew products.
Speaking at the official unveiling ceremony, Nonye Ayeni Executive Director/CEO, NEPC emphasised the rising significance of cashew within Nigeria’s export portfolio.
According to export data, cashew nuts surged to the third position among 234 products exported from Nigeria in the first half of 2025, recording a value of US$398.135 million, an 81.15% increase compared to US$219.780 million in the same period in 2024.
Cashew kernels also showed significant growth, moving from the 18th position in 2024 to 14th in the first half of 2025, with exports rising 40.29% to US$26.851 million.
According to her, these trends reflect a growing global demand for both raw and value-added cashew products and underline Nigeria’s increasing relevance in the global nut trade.
“Nigeria currently ranks 4th globally in cashew nut production, reflecting the immense capacity we hold as a nation to lead in this dynamic industry. These figures are not just statistics, they are a powerful signal that the time to invest, innovate, and scale the cashew value chain is now.
“Over the last decade, the global cashew industry has witnessed robust growth, fueled by rising demand for cashew nuts and kernels in health-conscious markets across Europe, North America, and Asia,” Ayeni said
She added that Nigeria, blessed with vast arable land and enterprising farmers, is well-positioned to become a dominant player in the dynamic global value chain.
She highlighted the opportunities include, a surge in global demand for cashew products, Increasing awareness of cashews as a nutritious, value-packed food, Strong potential for local value addition and industrial processing and the empowerment of smallholder farmers through improved livelihoods.
The directory, developed in collaboration with GIZ, is expected to enhance market visibility for local processors, support investment decisions, and strengthen connections across the cashew value chain from smallholder farmers to exporters and global buyers.
Ayeni commended GIZ for their commitment to supporting Nigeria’s non-oil sectors through capacity building, policy support, and value chain development.
However, she acknowledged challenges facing the sector, including price volatility, climate-related risks, quality control, and limited access to finance for smallholder farmers. Addressing these issues, NEPC pledged to deepen public-private collaboration, expand technical support, and improve institutional frameworks to drive sustainable industry growth.
NEPC called on farmers, processors, exporters, policymakers, and investors to harness the tool for strategic planning and to work collectively to position Nigeria not just as a cashew exporter, but as a hub for premium, value-added cashew products in the global marketplace.
“I urge all stakeholders, farmers, processors, exporters, investors, and policymakers alike to make full use of this resource. Let it inform your strategies, sharpen your decisions, and inspire new levels of collaboration.
Together, we must embrace this opportunity to position Nigeria not just as a raw cashew exporter, but as a leading hub for premium, value-added cashew products globally”, he noted.
