ACA AFRICA CASHEW ALLIANCE

  ACA UNVEILS NEW STRATEGIC PLAN TO MAKE AFRICA'S CASHEW INDUSTRY SELF-RELIANT


By Anita Mensah.


 Trade Minister announces two new cashew factories as Alliance President Ibrahim Sanfo says sustainable supply needs policy, investment and partnership


The President of the African Cashew Alliance (ACA) Board of Directors, Mr. Ibrahim Sanfo, has announced a new Strategic Plan to transform the Alliance into a self-reliant, industry-owned organization.

Mr. Sanfo made the announcement at the official opening of the 2026 ACA Annual Cashew Conference and Expo at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra on Tuesday, September 16, 2026. The four-day conference, running from September 15 to 18, is on the theme: _"Sustainable Cashew Supply through Policy, Investment and Partnership."

High Table: Hon. Eric Opoku, Minister of Food and Agriculture - Guest of Honour; Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry; Mr. Ibrahim Sanfo, President, ACA Board; Dr. Rich Kofi Kofituo, Deputy CEO (Operations), TCDA; Mr. Moussa Saleh Batraki, Secretary General, OACPS; Ms. Leonie Reese, Deputy Head of Mission, German Embassy; Representative of Afreximbank; and Mr. Ernest Mintah, Managing Director, ACA.

Sanfo's Message

"Sustainable supply cannot be achieved through production alone. It requires the right policy environment, responsible and long-term investment, stronger processing capacity, competitive markets and meaningful partnerships across the value chain," Mr. Sanfo said.

He said Africa produces about 58% of the world's raw cashew but processes only 20%. While thanking development partners, he said donor support cannot sustain the industry body long-term.

The new Plan will open direct membership to companies across the value chain - producers, processors, traders, exporters and buyers.

Ofosu-Adjare: Two New Factories, Value Addition is Key

Delivering her address, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare said Ghana can no longer continue exporting raw cashew while importing processed kernels.

She disclosed that Cabinet has approved the establishment of two new cashew processing factories in the Bono and Bono East Regions, as part of government's industrial transformation agenda.

"Ghana's ambition to increase non-traditional export earnings to $10 billion will depend largely on our ability to process more of our agricultural produce locally and retain greater value within the economy. Increased production alone will not be enough if Ghanaian products cannot enter and remain in competitive markets," she stated.

She stressed that the Ministry is working with the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), and TCDA to improve certification, traceability, packaging and quality standards to meet AfCFTA and global market requirements.

She added that government will work with stakeholders to implement a 10-year Cashew Development Plan to increase production and attract strategic investors.

Govt Pushes Value Addition

Hon. Eric Opoku, in a speech read on his behalf, said Africa must stop exporting raw nuts for others to add value. He said government sees cashew processing as a rural development tool that will create jobs in cashew-growing regions.

Dr. Rich Kofi Kofituo said TCDA is now enforcing regulation under Act 1010, promoting farmer pricing, and reserving portions of raw nuts for local processors.



Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare (left) and Minister of Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku (right) with ACA Board President Ibrahim Sanfo (middle) at the opening of the 2026 ACA Conference in Accra on Tuesday.

Mr. Ibrahim Sanfo delivering his welcome address. With him are dignitaries including Dr. Rich Kofi Kofituo and Ms. Leonie Reese.

A section of the over 600 delegates and an exhibitor showcasing made-in-Ghana cashew products at the Expo.


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