The inauguration of the new cashew processing plant in Péni on May 22, 2025, marks a transformative moment for Burkina Faso’s agricultural sector and its broader vision for industrial self-reliance. With a total investment of $11.5 million (approx. CFA 6.65 billion), this project reflects the country’s growing commitment to value addition, economic empowerment, and reducing dependency on raw exports.
Processing Capacity and Production Goals
The plant is designed to process 5,000 tonnes of raw cashew nuts annually. While this is a promising start, it’s important to note that Burkina Faso’s overall cashew nut production stood at approximately 161,000 tonnes in 2024. Despite having an installed capacity of 30,000 tonnes since 2021, only about 10% (roughly 16,000 tonnes) was processed locally. This new plant therefore represents both a much-needed capacity expansion and a renewed focus on local value capture.
A Focus on Cashew Apple Utilization
What truly sets the Péni facility apart is its commitment to producing diversified cashew-based products. In addition to traditional kernel processing, the plant aims to manufacture:
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Cashew juice
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Cashew vinegar
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Cashew wine
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Cashew-based ethanol (alcohol)
This innovation is crucial, as Burkina Faso produces nearly 2 million tonnes of cashew apples each year — most of which goes to waste due to the absence of processing infrastructure. By tapping into this underutilized resource, the new plant will not only minimize waste but also open up access to higher-value consumer markets. The long-term target is to process 20,000 tonnes of cashew apples annually by 2030, turning what was once discarded into profitable, exportable goods.