The government of Burkina Faso recently decided to ban the export of raw cashew nuts until further notice. This measure, which came into effect on March 28, 2025, is primarily aimed at ensuring a sufficient supply of raw materials for local processing units, which are struggling to operate at full capacity.
Helping Producers Increase Their Incomes
Burkina Faso has opted to retain all cashew nuts within its territory, with the aim of increasing the value of this sector. This decision was implemented without delay, according to the ministerial statement published last Wednesday. The objective of this decision is to generate added value, create jobs, and consolidate economic sovereignty, in line with the vision of the Burkinabe Cashew Council.
However, the price of cashew nuts is set at 385 CFA francs (approximately 0.62 USD) per kilogram, compared to 310 CFA francs in 2024. This increase could help producers increase their income thanks to this 75 CFA franc increase. This contributes to the growth of the national economy, particularly with an average production of 200,000 tons each year for the past five seasons.
Context and Objectives
Strengthening the local industry: Burkina Faso aims to boost its local processing industry, which processed only 16,000 tons of cashew nuts in 2024, or approximately 10% of its harvest, despite its installed capacity of 30,000 tons.
Value Added Creation: The objective is to create more value added in the region by encouraging local industries to process raw nuts before export.
Support for Producers: The minimum purchase price for raw nuts has been set at 385 CFA francs per kilogram, compared to 310 CFA francs in 2024, to support planters.
Impact on Exports: This decision directly affects cashew nut exports, which represent a significant portion of the country’s revenue.
Absorption Challenge: The success of this initiative depends on the ability of industrial units to absorb supply and offer competitive prices to producers.
Measures Taken by the Government
Stopping Export Authorizations: Special Export Authorizations (ASEs) are no longer issued, and operators with valid ASEs have seven days to complete their procedures.
Sanctions for Non-Compliance: Failure to comply with this measure exposes violators to sanctions.
By promoting local processing, Burkina Faso seeks to strengthen its economic sovereignty by limiting its dependence on raw exports and creating a more independent and sustainable economy. This measure could also help stabilize the market price of cashew nuts by ensuring a more stable supply and reducing fluctuations related to exports.
