The cashew industry in Sine-Saloum is in danger: Processors denounce the lack of state support

On November 2, 2026, in Karang Poste, the Sine-Saloum Sub-College of Cashew Processors shared an important message. In the Kaolack, Fatick, and Kaffrine regions, stakeholders in this sector expressed their outrage and profound disappointment at the Senegalese government's complete abandonment of the local cashew processing industry. The current situation is extremely difficult for workers and their families.

For over two years, all of their processing plants have been completely shut down. According to industry professionals in the region, this dramatic situation is a direct consequence of the lack of concrete measures from the Ministry of Industry and Trade to support and protect local processing.

On the ground, the consequences of this crisis are severe. Those involved in the sector lament the shutdown of all their processing plants for over 24 months. They also regret the loss of several thousand direct jobs, primarily for women and young people in the Sine-Saloum region. Furthermore, this is causing enormous losses for their cooperatives and the local economy. Finally, they denounce the massive export of raw cashew nuts at the expense of domestic added value.

While Senegal champions industrial sovereignty and job creation, how can we understand that local processing, which is the only way to create wealth and sustainable employment, is left to languish? This is the question workers are asking.

To break this deadlock, Papa Soumah, president of the Sine-Saloum Cashew Processors Sub-College, is making clear demands. The processors are calling for the urgent implementation of measures to protect raw cashew nuts at their facilities. They are requesting a support and recovery fund for local processing. Finally, they are calling for inclusive consultations with all key stakeholders in the processing sector, for which Sine-Saloum is the historical cradle of cashew production.

In conclusion, the transformers make a solemn appeal to the President of the Republic and the Minister of Industry to save thousands of families.