Côte d’Ivoire inaugurates cashew incubator to boost local processing

COTE D’IVOIRE – Côte d’Ivoire has launched the Cajou Foodtech incubator aimed at boosting local processing and competitiveness in its cashew industry.

The incubator was officially launched on July 6, 2024, at the Center for Cashew Nut Innovations and Technologies (CITA) in Yamoussoukro.

The inauguration ceremony saw key figures in attendance, including Ivorian Minister of Agriculture Kobénan Kouassi Adjoumani and Ousmane Diagana, the World Bank Vice President for West and Central Africa.

This incubator, part of the Project to Promote the Competitiveness of the Cashew Value Chain (PPCA), features a 400 m² production unit capable of processing 200 kg of almonds and cashew apples daily.

It aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by offering training, technical assistance, and access to advanced production facilities.

Minister Adjoumani emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “This incubator is a crucial step in strengthening our cashew sector. We aim to empower our SMEs to produce high-quality products that can compete in global markets.” The first group of 15 entrepreneurs, including 14 women, will start their training on July 11.

The cashew sector plays a vital role in Côte d’Ivoire’s economy, contributing significantly to job creation, particularly for young people and women.

Diagana highlighted this aspect during the ceremony, noting, “The Cajou Foodtech incubator represents a major opportunity for SMEs engaged in agricultural product processing. It provides access to essential training and resources for growth.”

Despite being the world’s leading exporter of cashew nuts, Côte d’Ivoire ranks third in terms of processing, behind Vietnam and India. The government is determined to strengthen the local value chain.

Last month, the country inaugurated its 36th cashew nut processing plant in Odienné, coinciding with a temporary suspension of cashew exports to boost local processing capabilities.

Since the cashew sector reform in 2013, Côte d’Ivoire has seen impressive growth in domestic processing. In 2018, the country processed 44,600 tons of cashews; by 2023, this figure had soared to 265,000 tons, resulting in over 15,000 new jobs.

Diagana commended the Ivorian government for its efforts and reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting the modernization of local processing industries.

Côte d’Ivoire aims to process 320,000 tons of cashew nuts in 2024, from an expected total production of 1.25 million tons.

Currently, nearly 80% of the country’s cashew production is exported in raw form, highlighting the urgent need for further investment in local processing capabilities.

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