By Patricia Amogu
Nigeria and Vietnam have entered into a strategic partnership to boost cashew production, processing, and trade, according to the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN).
NCAN stated that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with the Vietnam Cashew Association (VINACAS) during the 14th VINACAS Golden Cashew Rendezvous 2025 held in Hanoi, Vietnam.
The association said the three-day event, from Oct. 26 to Oct. 28, marked the 35th anniversary of VINACAS and brought together global stakeholders in the cashew value chain.
According to a joint communiqué issued after the signing, the agreement will promote bilateral trade, technology transfer, and collaboration to strengthen both countries’ positions in the global cashew industry.
The communiqué indicated that the MoU was signed by Mr Pham Van Cong, President of VINACAS, and Dr Ojo Joseph-Ajanaku, President of NCAN, representing Vietnam and Nigeria respectively.
VINACAS said the partnership would focus on promoting trade in raw and processed cashew, exchanging processing technologies, encouraging joint investments, and developing sustainable cashew farming practices in both countries.
Pham said VINACAS, with more than 500 member companies, would share its industrial experience and technological expertise with Nigeria to help build local capacity and improve product quality.
He reaffirmed VINACAS’ commitment to enhancing cooperation with Nigeria to drive mutual growth and strengthen global competitiveness in the cashew sector.
Speaking on behalf of Nigeria, Ajanaku said the agreement was a milestone for Nigeria’s agricultural and non-oil export economy.
Ajanaku said Nigeria exported cashew worth 420 million dollars to Vietnam in 2025, adding that the partnership would improve production efficiency and expand market access for Nigerian products.
He said the collaboration would also boost value addition through modern processing technologies and product diversification, including cashew-based beverages and by-products.
According to Ajanaku, Kogi cashew was specially recognised at the Hanoi conference as the most nutritious globally, a recognition the new partnership seeks to leverage through innovation and research.
He added that machinery and expertise from Vietnam would help Nigeria expand its processing capacity, create rural jobs, and strengthen economic diversification efforts.
Providing background, NCAN said Nigeria is among Africa’s top cashew producers, contributing over 500,000 metric tonnes annually and exporting mainly to Vietnam and India.
The association added that increased processing capacity could raise Nigeria’s cashew export earnings to more than 500 million dollars annually, creating thousands of jobs across rural communities.
The communiqué said both associations agreed to establish a joint working committee to monitor implementation of the MoU and report progress annually.
The event also attracted key Nigerian stakeholders, including Muhammed Usman, Director, Federal Department of Agriculture, and Mr Babagana Musti, representative of NEXIM Bank.
Others in attendance were Jude Osilama and Evidence Iyamu, NCAN exporters, as well as Mr Victor Omofaiye, Director-General of the Kogi State Commodity Exchange, Export Promotion, and Market Development Agency (KOSCEPA).
Also present were Alhaji Muhammed Kabir, NCAN Financial Secretary, and Tchidi Zacchaeus, a merchant farmer. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
