The Burkinabé cashew industry is holding its third national forum in Bobo-Dioulasso to address the challenge of securing a steady supply of raw cashew nuts for local processing units. The forum, which took place on November 12-13, 2026, aims to promote dialogue among industry stakeholders to find concerted solutions to the difficulties faced by processing units. The industry's challenges are significant, with around 10 out of 20 processing units struggling to operate due to insufficient raw materials.
According to Dr. Ibrahim Sanfo, president of the Burkinabé Cashew Interprofessional Committee (CIAB), the industry's difficulties go beyond just the physical availability of raw materials. He emphasized that the quality and regularity of supply, marketing periods, purchase and payment conditions, financing, collection, storage, and transportation are all critical factors that need to be addressed. Dr. Sanfo called for a concerted effort from producers, processors, traders, and exporters to find solutions to these challenges.
Dr. Sanfo stressed that the solution to the industry's challenges must be endogenous, meaning it must come from within the industry itself. He encouraged stakeholders to work together to find solutions that balance the interests of all parties involved. The CIAB president also highlighted the need to preserve the interests of each professional category, as all are indispensable to the smooth functioning of the value chain.
The Burkinabé government has set ambitious targets for industrialization, and the cashew industry is a key sector. According to Ouémihié Clément Attiou, director-general of the Burkinabé Council for Agro-Pastoral and Fisheries Filières (CBF), the country's cashew production stands at 280,000 tons per year, while local processing units require around 70,000 tons annually. Attiou emphasized that it is possible to reconcile local transformation ambitions with commercialization and export activities.
The government has made significant investments in the industry, including the construction of the Burkina Cajou factory in Bobo-Dioulasso and a cashew apple processing unit in Péni. However, the effective operation of these units depends on a regular supply of raw materials. Souleymane Drabo, technical advisor to the governor of the Guiriko region, called on industry stakeholders to prioritize the collective interest over individual interests.
Drabo emphasized that the development of local processing units can contribute to job creation and poverty reduction. He encouraged stakeholders to work together to find solutions that benefit all parties involved. The forum's discussions are expected to lead to the establishment of a concerted supply mechanism, a consensual campaign schedule, and a roadmap with priority actions, responsible parties, and deadlines.
The Burkinabé cashew industry's search for a sustainable supply mechanism is a critical step towards ensuring the long-term viability of the sector. With the government's support, industry stakeholders are working together to address the challenges facing local processing units. The outcome of the forum will be closely watched, as it has the potential to shape the future of the Burkinabé cashew industry.
Key points
- The Burkinabé cashew industry requires a sustainable supply mechanism to ensure regular availability of raw cashew nuts for local processing units.
