Government set to save cashew processing industry as Usibras threatens Ivoy Coast move

The government is stepping in to protect Ghana’s cashew processing industry as rising costs threaten competitiveness and prompt fears of relocation to neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire.

Minister for Trade Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare has vowed to introduce targeted measures to help domestic processors stay viable, after Usibras, Ghana’s largest cashew processor, warned it may move operations to Côte d’Ivoire if current challenges persist.

At a stakeholder meeting in Accra, Ofosu-Adjare said the Ministry of Trade and Industry will collaborate closely with the Tree Crop Development Authority (TCDA) to strengthen and regulate the cashew production line to benefit processors and farmers.

She reaffirmed government’s broader commitment to value addition, promising a conducive environment for investors through stable policies and improved infrastructure.

Usibras, a key pillar of the country’s processing sector, cited escalating operating costs, inconsistent raw nut supply and regulatory gaps as reasons it is evaluating relocation.

Côte d’Ivoire, already the world’s top raw cashew exporter, has amplified competition by offering tax breaks, cheaper credit and processing incentives to attract investment and expand its lead in global markets.

“The government is determined to ensure businesses remain competitive globally,” the minister stressed, adding that an inter-agency task force will engage processors and farmers to address bottlenecks across the value chain.

Following the discussions, Antonio Camamelo, Usibras’ General Manager and President of the Cashew Processors Association of Ghana, expressed cautious optimism.

He said the minister’s assurances gave confidence that urgent steps would follow to stabilise input costs and secure adequate raw nut supply.

Earlier in September, the Association of Cashew Processors, Ghana, set an ambitious target of handling 85,000 metric tonnes annually by 2026, a goal expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs while boosting farmer incomes.

Cashew remains one of six strategic tree crops alongside coconut, oil palm, rubber, mango and shea, prioritised under Ghana’s USD12 billion export diversification strategy by 2030. Cashew exports generated roughly USD350 million in non-traditional export earnings in 2024, according to trade data.