Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC, has launched a Cashew Processors Directory as part of a renewed strategy to attract investment, enhance value addition, and boost revenue from cashew exports, one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing non-oil export commodities. The Executive Director/CEO of the Council, Nonye Ayeni, disclosed this on Tuesday at the official unveiling of the directory, held at the NEPC headquarters in Abuja. She said the initiative comes at a critical moment when Nigeria’s cashew sector is recording remarkable growth, both in output and export value. “In the first half of 2025 alone, cashew nut exports surged to $398.14 million—an 81.15% increase compared to $219.78 million recorded in the same period in 2024″, Ayeni stated. “These figures are not just statistics; they are a powerful signal that the time to invest, innovate, and scale the cashew value chain is now”. Cashew has emerged as Nigeria’s third most valuable export product in 2025 out of 234 documented items, up from fourth place in 2024. Cashew kernels, the processed form of the commodity, also posted impressive performance, rising in export ranking from 18th position in 2024 to 14th in the first half of 2025. Export earnings from kernels grew by over 40% to reach $26.85 million. Ayeni noted that Nigeria currently ranks fourth globally in raw cashew nut production, a position that reflects its growing relevance in the international cashew value chain. However, she emphasised that the country has barely scratched the surface of its processing and value-adding potential. “Rather than remain a raw material supplier, we are working to reposition Nigeria as a leading hub for premium, value-added cashew products”, she said. She explained that the Cashew Processors Directory, produced in collaboration with the German development agency GIZ was designed to serve as a reference tool for investors, processors, exporters, and policymakers. It contains detailed profiles of processing firms, production zones, and value chain linkages within the industry. “This directory is not merely a document; it is a comprehensive industry compass that offers valuable insights into market trends and key players in Nigeria’s cashew ecosystem”, Ayeni said. The NEPC boss noted that the global demand for cashew nuts and kernels continues to rise, driven by health-conscious markets in Europe, North America, and Asia. According to her, Nigeria is well-positioned to capitalise on this trend due to its vast arable land, favourable climate, and enterprising farming population. She, however, identified some of the major challenges facing the industry, including price volatility, climate change, quality control issues, and limited access to finance, especially for smallholder farmers. She called for stronger institutional frameworks and increased private-sector participation to overcome these obstacles. “At NEPC, we are committed to turning these challenges into catalysts for innovation. Real progress demands more than aspiration, it requires collaboration, investment, and strategic planning”, she said. She also commended GIZ for its consistent technical support in strengthening Nigeria’s non-oil export sectors, especially through capacity-building in the cashew value chain. Ayeni urged stakeholders across the value chain, including processors, farmers, exporters, and regulators, to take full advantage of the directory, adding that it could serve as a springboard for deeper engagement and smarter investment decisions. “The cashew industry holds immense untapped promise. By leveraging this directory and deepening our collective resolve, we can transform potential into prosperity for farmers, for businesses, and for our nation”, she said. The event was attended by representatives of government agencies, industry associations, and international partners, including the German Corporation for International Cooperation ,GIZ.