As Nigeria’s cashew season begins, industry stakeholders are calling for renewed efforts to strengthen the sector through sustainable farming practices, value addition, and enhanced market access. With Nigeria ranking among the world’s largest producers of cashew, the industry has long been identified as a potential driver of economic growth, yet challenges such as limited local processing, informal trading, and inconsistent quality control continue to hinder its full potential. In response to these issues, various initiatives have emerged aimed at improving cashew production and expanding its value chain. One such effort is the recent push spearheaded by Witford Agro Services to cultivate three million cashew trees in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, over the next five years. The project, which began in early 2024, focuses on equipping farmers, particularly women and young people, with the necessary skills and resources to improve cashew yields and adopt sustainable farming methods. Industry experts have emphasized the importance of positioning cashew as more than just an export commodity, noting that increased investment in processing and technology could significantly boost its contribution to Nigeria’s economy. Tobiloba Olagbende, CEO of Witford Nigeria Limited and a key player in the sector, has spoken about the role of cashew in driving economic development and strengthening trade within and beyond Nigeria. According to him, the potential for cashew to serve as a catalyst for enterprise is significant, particularly in the Southwest region where cultivation is widespread. “The Nigerian cashew industry presents enormous opportunities, not only for farmers but for investors willing to explore the full value chain,” Olagbende noted. “To compete globally, there is a need for improved farming techniques, better access to financing, and the expansion of local processing to ensure that more value is retained within the country.” Recent projections indicate that Nigeria could earn approximately ₦792 billion ($480 million) in 2024 from exporting 400,000 tonnes of cashew nuts, with Vietnam and India among the major buyers. (According to The Supply Chain Report, 2024). However, industry analysts point out that a significant percentage of these exports occur through informal channels, resulting in lost foreign exchange earnings and reduced economic impact. There have also been calls for policy reforms to encourage local processing and reduce dependence on raw exports. As conversations around the cashew industry continue, attention is shifting to the role of technology in improving efficiency and meeting international market standards. Encouraging farmers to adopt modern agricultural practices has been identified as a key step toward ensuring long-term sustainability and competitiveness. “Many Nigerian farmers still rely on traditional methods, which limits their output and quality,” he said. “By integrating modern techniques, leveraging data, and improving post-harvest handling, we can significantly increase productivity and ensure that Nigerian cashew meets global standards. He also highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between the private sector and policymakers to unlock the full potential of the industry. “The cashew sector requires structured investment and government support. If we create the right environment—through access to credit, better infrastructure, and training programs—Nigeria has the capacity to become a major player in the global cashew trade.” While challenges remain, ongoing efforts to expand cashew cultivation and enhance processing capacity signal a growing recognition of the sector’s potential in Nigeria’s economic landscape.