Unlocking the potential of Tanzania's cashew processing industry: A comparative analysis with Côte d’Ivoire and Mozambique

Abstract

Cashew processing is a vital contributor to economic growth in Tanzania, renowned for its cashew nut production. However, despite the country’s historical prominence in cashew production, only 5% of raw cashews undergo local processing, resulting in substantial economic losses. This paper explores the challenges and opportunities within Tanzania’s cashew processing industry, focusing on limited local processing capacity, inefficient tools, raw material availability, market access, and government support. Comparative insights from Côte d’Ivoire and Mozambique further enrich our understanding of the cashew sector. It recommends increasing local processing capacity, enhancing technical expertise through training, ensuring a reliable supply of high-quality raw materials, improving market access via information systems, and strengthening government support with tailored policy frameworks. Notably, the paper emphasizes regional collaboration among African cashew-producing nations as a crucial strategy for collective growth and knowledge exchange. By drawing upon their experiences, this study aims to provide guidance for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and investors to revitalize and sustain Tanzania’s cashew processing sector.