Arabfields, Nadia Fatima Zahra, Arabfields, Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast — Côte d’Ivoire’s cashew industry is increasingly looking beyond raw nut exports and kernel processing as companies seek new ways to generate value from agricultural residues. The latest focus is biochar, a carbon-rich material produced from cashew shell waste that is gaining attention for its agricultural and environmental applications.

As the world’s largest producer of raw cashew nuts, Côte d’Ivoire harvested an estimated 1.3 million tonnes in 2026. The expansion of local processing activities has also increased the volume of shells and other by-products generated by factories across the country.

Rather than treating those residues as waste, processors are investing in technologies that convert cashew shells into biochar, renewable energy products and industrial inputs. Industry officials say the approach could help diversify revenues while improving the environmental footprint of the sector.

At a processing facility near Abidjan, workers who once handled large volumes of discarded shells are now seeing those materials transformed into commercial products. Plant operators report growing interest from agricultural producers seeking soil-enhancing solutions capable of improving water retention and crop productivity.

“The value of a cashew nut no longer ends with the kernel,” said a local processing manager involved in a biochar project. “Every part of the product can potentially generate income if the right technology is available.”

The development comes as Côte d’Ivoire continues to promote domestic processing. Industry estimates indicate that more than 30 processing facilities are now operating across the country, creating opportunities to collect and transform large quantities of shell residues.

Market analysts note that global demand for biochar has been rising steadily, supported by interest in sustainable agriculture, carbon management and circular economy initiatives. Several African countries are exploring similar projects, but Côte d’Ivoire is positioning itself as one of the leading hubs for cashew-based biochar production.

The economic implications could extend beyond processors. Farmers may benefit from improved soil quality, while local communities could gain access to new industrial jobs linked to waste collection, processing and logistics.

Looking ahead, sector observers expect investment in biochar and related technologies to accelerate over the next five years. If current processing expansion plans continue, Côte d’Ivoire’s biochar output from cashew residues could increase by more than 60 percent by the early 2030s. Additional growth may come from emerging carbon-credit markets and demand for sustainable agricultural inputs.

Experts believe that transforming agricultural waste into marketable products will become an increasingly important part of the country’s agribusiness strategy. As competition intensifies in global cashew markets, value creation beyond traditional exports may prove essential for maintaining growth and strengthening producer incomes.

For many participants in the industry, the shift represents a broader transformation of the sector. What was once considered a low-value by-product is gradually becoming a new source of revenue, investment and innovation for Côte d’Ivoire’s cashew economy.