Cashew Processing Plants in Africa: Why Local Construction Matters

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Africa produces more than 55 percent of the world’s raw cashew nuts (Cashew Handbook 2022), yet only about 10 percent are processed locally (UNCTAD). The majority of value addition still happens outside the continent, meaning missed opportunities for jobs, income, and industrial growth. Local cashew processing plants can change this, positioning Africa not just as a grower, but also as a processor and supplier of high-value cashew products.

The Promise of Cashew Processing

Cashews are more than a snack, they are a billion-dollar global industry. Worldwide demand continues to rise, with the cashew kernel market projected to reach $7.4 billion by 2028 (Fortune Business Insights). Africa, which already dominates production, is well positioned to capture more of this value through local processing.

According to the African Cashew Alliance, processing cashews locally creates up to 2.5 times more value for producing countries than exporting raw nuts (ACA). Under frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), there is also growing potential for regional trade in processed cashews, reducing reliance on extra-continental buyers.

Why Local Construction Matters

  1. Tailored to context: Facilities designed with African realities in mind are better suited to handle variable power supply, climate factors, and logistics.
  2. Cost efficiency: Local construction reduces reliance on expensive imports for materials and skills, while creating work for local contractors.
  3. Faster timelines: On-the-ground project management helps facilities move from blueprint to operation more quickly.
  4. Skills transfer: Every project trains engineers, welders, technicians, and plant operators, creating long-term capacity.

The Ripple Effect

Cashew plants stimulate entire ecosystems. Farmers gain reliable buyers, transport and packaging businesses expand, and communities benefit from steady employment. According to the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council, processing one ton of raw cashew can create up to 10 times more jobs than exporting it unprocessed (INC).

Women are particularly active in cashew processing, often making up more than 70 percent of the workforce in shelling and grading facilities (FAO). This means local plants are not just economic engines, but also platforms for inclusive development.

Overcoming the Obstacles

Challenges remain. Financing is a major hurdle, as processing plants require significant capital investments. Meeting international quality standards is also critical to ensure global competitiveness. Supply chain consistency, from harvest to delivery, must be strengthened so plants operate at full capacity. These are not small tasks, but they are achievable with aligned investment and policy support.

Building Africa’s Cashew Future

Africa already leads the world in cashew production. The next step is ensuring more of that value is captured at home. With the right facilities, built by partners who understand both global markets and local realities, cashew processing can be a cornerstone of Africa’s agro-industrial future.

At CEM Engineering, we deliver construction solutions that bring these facilities to life. Each new plant is more than a building, it is a signal of value added, jobs created, and futures built on African soil. Contact us today to build the future.

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