Mozambique is making a strong return as a major force in the global cashew industry. With a projected 23% increase in raw cashew nut (RCN) output in 2025 — reaching over 175,000 tonnes, up from approximately 143,000 tonnes in 2024 — the country is entering a robust growth phase. This data, released by the National Cashew Institute (INCAJU), cements Mozambique’s position as East Africa’s second-largest cashew producer and exporter, just behind Tanzania.
Once the world’s leading producer and exporter of cashew nuts in the 1970s, Mozambique’s industry collapsed due to civil war, political instability, and shifting policy. Today, it’s bouncing back. Cashew remains a critical crop for over 1.4 million rural producers, primarily smallholder farmers. Its growth is essential for poverty reduction and rural development.
The projected boost in cashew output is the result of targeted government action, partner programs, and favorable climate conditions. Here’s what’s driving it:
- Over 13,400 hectares of new orchards are being added, expanding Mozambique’s total cashew-growing area to 64,000 hectares.
- Many of these trees are now entering their productive phase, significantly lifting yield potential.
INCAJU aims to distribute 6.67 million seedlings in 2025 alone.
- This follows 4.4 million distributed in 2024, showing consistent investment in planting.
- Plans are underway to chemically treat 9.2 million cashew trees, a key move to protect against yield-damaging pests and diseases.
- The reference price for RCN has been increased from 35 to 45 meticais/kg, motivating farmers to boost output and improve quality.
- The northern provinces of Nampula, Zambezia, and Cabo Delgado — Mozambique’s “cashew belt” — offer excellent agro-ecological conditions for cashew cultivation.