Burkina Faso: President Traoré Inaugurates Burkina Cajou Cashew Processing Plant

Bobo-Dioulasso, December 20, 2025 - The President of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, officially inaugurated the Burkina Cajou cashew nut processing plant on Saturday, marking a major step in the country’s industrial development.

Situated in the Bobo 2010 industrial zone, Burkina Cajou was founded by Ms. Masso So/Traoré, whose vision of processing cashew nuts locally rather than exporting raw materials has now become a reality with government support.

President Traoré highlighted the state’s involvement: “She presented her project to us, which was facing difficulties, and we decided to support it with public funds.” The project received 25% support from the Burkinabe Council for Agricultural Sectors, the Dumu Ka Fa Fund, the Burkinabe Fund for Economic and Social Development (FBDES), and the Commercial Bank of Burkina Faso (BCB).

The plant, equipped with modern technology, has a processing capacity of 150,000 tons of cashew nuts per year and represents a total investment of 9.743 billion CFA francs, creating an estimated 1,700 direct and indirect jobs.

Minister of Industry, Trade, and Handicrafts, Serge Gnaniodem Poda, stressed the strategic importance of the cashew sector for Burkina Faso’s economy. President Traoré encouraged domestic processing, stating that the government stands ready to support exporters returning to local production, promoting industrial growth and employment opportunities for young Burkinabè.