African Cashew Alliance, AICA sign MoU to strengthen cashew sector collaboration
The African Cashew Alliance (ACA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the All India Cashew Association (AICA) to deepen cooperation and promote transparency in the global cashew industry.
The agreement, signed by ACA Board President, Ibrahim Sanfo and AICA President, Pham Van Cong, took place on the sidelines of the 2nd AICA Cashew Convention in Mahabalipuram, India. It is expected to serve as a framework for addressing key industry challenges and fostering sustainable growth across the cashew value chain.
Key focus areas include standardising quality control for raw cashew nuts (RCN), developing dispute resolution and arbitration mechanisms, facilitating trade, advocating for industry interests, and enhancing information sharing.
“There has always been a cordial relationship between the ACA and AICA. We already collaborate in several ways, and this MoU now formalizes our partnership and sets clear parameters for deeper engagement,” Mr. Sanfo noted.
Mr. Cong expressed optimism that the agreement would pave the way for effective cooperation to address emerging issues and safeguard stakeholder interests.
Founded in 2006, ACA is a pan-African platform representing nearly 130 member companies involved in cashew production, processing, trade, and export. The AICA, established in 2023, brings together state-level associations, processors, buyers, and producers in India’s cashew sector.
India remains the world’s largest cashew market, importing over one million tonnes of RCN annually from Africa, which accounts for more than 57 percent of global cashew production.
This agreement marks a significant step toward building a transparent, inclusive, and mutually beneficial cashew industry that supports both African producers and Indian processors.
