Côte d’Ivoire boosts cashew processing with new financing deal

The Groupement des transformateurs de cajou ivoiriens (GTCI), representing national processors handling 100,000 metric tons of raw cashew nuts annually, has welcomed a landmark financing agreement signed on June 11, 2026. This tripartite deal brings together the Banque nationale d’investissement (BNI), the Conseil du Coton et de l’Anacarde (CCA), and local processors to secure raw material supplies for industrial operations.

These Ivorian operators have championed local transformation by investing their own capital in building and scaling processing plants. This commitment has driven industrialization within the sector, enhanced value addition, and bolstered the national economy.

In a July 17, 2026 letter addressed to the Presidency, Vice-Presidency, Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé, the Vice-Premier Ministre, the Minister of Industry, the BNI, and the CCA, GTCI President Denis Kouadio expressed deep appreciation for the authorities’ and institutions’ support in establishing this innovative financing mechanism. The agreement aims to fund raw nut procurement and cover processing costs for national operators.

The group emphasized the critical role of this support in addressing challenges such as securing raw nut supplies, optimizing processing efficiency, and accessing substantial financing lines. These funds are essential for purchasing the required raw nuts during the commercialization window and covering year-round processing needs.

How the financing mechanism works

The agreement outlines a structured approach to stabilize the sector:

• The CCA guarantees the delivery of 20% of the required raw nuts at the start of each season;
• The BNI provides financing for the remaining 80%, along with working capital needed for industrial and export operations.

This tripartite mechanism is hailed as a game-changer for the cashew industry, ensuring consistent raw material supply for processing plants and improving access to financing.

Denis Kouadio also recognized the contributions of key figures in finalizing this project, including Vice-Premier Ministre Téné Birahima Ouattara, Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalil Konaté, Minister of Economy and Finance Adama Coulibaly, CCA Director General Mamadou Berté, BNI CEO Youssouf Fadika, and BNI Deputy CEO Jérôme Ahua. Their collaboration has facilitated the creation of this transformative financing solution designed to sustainably support local investors.

Expanding opportunities for Ivorian processors

The success of this initiative, aimed at nurturing national champions in cashew processing, has unlocked new growth opportunities. Discussions are already underway to adapt this financing model to the cocoa sector, with the goal of providing national processors in this industry with similar support.

Côte d’Ivoire’s cashew industry: a global leader

As the world’s top producer of raw cashew nuts, with an annual output of around 1.5 million metric tons, Côte d’Ivoire boasts 37 processing units capable of handling over 830,000 metric tons. With a local processing rate of 43%, the country ranks second among cashew kernel exporters and is the third-largest processor globally, according to 2025 data from ITC.

Having successfully ramped up raw nut production, Côte d’Ivoire is now focused on accelerating local processing. This strategic shift aims to retain greater value within the country, strengthen its industrial base, and generate more employment opportunities.