From an economy based on the export of raw materials, Benin is moving to an economy based on the processing of its agricultural products. This economic model desired by the government of President Patrice TALON, and implemented through the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone, is now a reality. 32 tonnes of cashew processed in the processing units already operational in the industrial free zone were exported to Dubai on Wednesday July 19, 2023.
This transformation according to the Director General of SIPI-BENIN, has a double advantage. In terms of environmental impact, there is a reduction in the carbon footprint sought by European, American and other consumers around the world, indicated Létondji BEHETON. According to him, Africa is responsible for 67% of the annual production of raw cashew nuts, but only 6% of this production is processed.
Benin, as far as it is concerned, produces about 200,000 tons of cashew nuts, with a processing capacity of 40,000 tons. Of these 40,000 tons, only 20,000 tons are actually processed, explained DG SIPI-BENIN. The government's ambition, according to him, is to reverse the trend, and to manage to transform within the GDIZ, at least 100,000 tons of cashew production, and gradually, cross the bar of 200,000 tons per year, he announced convinced of being able to increase the value generated by raw cashew nuts. “Today we are at roughly US$468 million for our raw cashews. When we move on to processing, we will be able to generate approximately $1 billion. Today, the cashew nut trades between 1 and 1.5 dollars when it is not processed; and 8.5 and 13.5 dollars”, explained the general manager of SIPI-BENIN, reassuring about the value of cashew when it is processed (20 dollars / Kg). “The best approach is to process cashew nuts,” insisted Létondji BEHETON.
Operational capacities of cashew factories at GDIZ
A total of 05 cashew processing units are being installed at GDIZ. Of the 05 units, 02 are already operational, with a processing capacity of 20,000 tons of raw cashew each. After shelling in these factories, the cashew shells will be used for the manufacture of "liquid kashew kernels", a valuable oil which, according to the DG of SIPI-BENIN, is used in aviation. After the extraction of the oil, the residues will also be transformed into coal for the production of energy, added Létondji BEHETON announcing a production of 100,000 tons in the next three months.
Translated from: La GDIZ exporte une première cargaison de 32 tonnes de cajou vers Dubaï - 24 Heures au Bénin (24haubenin.info)
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