Ghana will host the 2026 African Cashew Alliance (ACA) Annual Cashew Conference and Expo. This event will gather over 600 stakeholders from the global cashew industry in Accra.
The conference, scheduled for September 15-18, 2026, aims to attract new investments and promote local processing. Stakeholders expect to strengthen Ghana’s role as a major player in Africa’s cashew sector. It will feature discussions on sustainable cashew production and value addition.
This is the second time Ghana will host the ACA conference, following the 2013 event. The cashew industry is crucial to Ghana's agricultural economy, contributing significantly to exports and rural livelihoods. Efforts to boost local processing align with broader government goals to add value to raw materials before export. This strategy seeks to increase foreign exchange earnings and create domestic jobs across the processing chain.
Ibrahim Sanfo, President of the ACA Board of Directors, stated the conference offers a chance to highlight Ghana’s progress. He noted it will attract investments and promote local processing and value addition. Mr. Sanfo also explained the event will reinforce Ghana’s position as a key player in Africa’s cashew industry.
The conference will address critical challenges facing the global cashew sector, including improving supply reliability. It will also focus on strengthening industry competitiveness through sustainable solutions. Discussions will cover financing opportunities, policy frameworks, market trends, and food safety standards. Participants will also explore climate resilience strategies and foster strategic partnerships.
The event is a partnership between the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Tree Crops Development Authority. Support comes from the European Union (EU), the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), and the GIZ/MOVE Project. These collaborations underscore the international importance of developing the cashew sector. Such large-scale international gatherings often lead to tangible investment commitments and policy changes.
The ACA Expo, running alongside the conference, will showcase new cashew products and technologies. It will also highlight innovations and services from various organisations globally. This exhibition creates direct business-to-business (B2B) opportunities. These B2B meetings are vital for forming new partnerships and expanding investment prospects within the sector. Analysts will watch for concrete investment pledges and agreements from these interactions.
The African Cashew Alliance, established in 2006, works to promote a competitive cashew industry across the continent. Its members include producers, processors, traders, and international buyers. The conference's success will depend on its ability to translate discussions into actionable strategies and secure robust financial commitments. These outcomes could significantly impact Ghana's agricultural exports and economic diversification efforts.