Ivory Coast, the world’s top producer of cashews, anticipates a notable rebound in its 2025 harvest, forecasting a 20% rise from the previous year. This update was shared by Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani, the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food Production, at the kickoff of the nation’s marketing campaign. The 2025 harvest is forecasted to reach 1.15 million tonnes, up from 944,667 tonnes in 2024. This rebound comes after a challenging year marked by a 23% decline in production. Farmers are hopeful that the improved field-side purchase price for cashew nuts, set at 425 CFA francs ($0.66) per kilogram, will attract more participants to the sector. This represents a 54.5% increase from last year’s price of 275 CFA francs ($0.43). While production levels are set to rise, the government is also pushing for greater local processing of cashew nuts. The authorities aim to supply 400,000 tonnes to local manufacturers in 2025, a 16.3% increase from 2024.Despite this progress, only 34.7% of the expected harvest will be processed locally, falling short of the government’s target of 50% by 2030. Efforts to expand local processing capacity have included partnerships with international firms. Last November, the Cotton and Cashew Council (CCA) finalised an agreement with the Emirati company Rosyson, among other initiatives. These collaborations aim to strengthen Ivory Coast’s position in the global cashew market while increasing the sector’s economic impact at home. Adjoumani acknowledged the need for further investment. The announcement comes just months after Ivory Coast secured USD 28.7 million in investments aimed at enhancing the processing industry. At the Cashew Sector Investment Forum held in Abidjan, three foreign companies pledged their support: TORQ Commodities of the UK committed USD 10 million, India’s Zantye Agro Industries and Austria’s Münzer pledged USD 11.2 million, and UAE-based Agricas Global invested USD 7.5 million. These investments are expected to create jobs and help Ivory Coast move closer to its processing target. The nation currently processes only 21% of its cashew harvest locally. However, with sustained international partnerships and domestic reforms, industry leaders are optimistic about achieving the long-term goal.