Tanzania opens the 2025/26 cashew harvest and marketing season today with the country projecting to collect 700,000 tonnes of raw cashew nuts, an increase from last season’s output of 528,000 tonnes.
The Cashew Board of Tanzania (CBT) Chief Executive Officer, Francis Alfred, said more than 45 licensed companies have registered to buy cashew nuts during auctions set to take place across producing regions, mainly in the southern zone.
He said the board expects improved efficiency in buying arrangements, adding that all preparations to facilitate a smooth marketing season have been finalised.
The official opening auction will be held at Mchichira Village in Tandahimba District, under the Tandahimba and Newala Cooperative Union (TANECU).
TANECU General Manager, Mohamed Mwinguku, said the union plans to collect 120,000 tonnes from farmers this season, emphasizing that storage and grading facilities are ready to handle the crop.
The Mtwara, Masasi and Nanyumbu Cooperative Union (MAMCU) will begin its first auction on November 10, 2025, at Nanyamba District Council.
MAMCU General Manager, Biadia Matipa, said the union targets 130,000 tonnes this season, noting that farmer mobilization and warehouse preparations are ongoing.
Cashews remain one of Tanzania’s top foreign exchange-earning crops, contributing significantly to household incomes in Mtwara, Lindi, Ruvuma and parts of Coast Region.
The government has in recent years intensified efforts to strengthen the value chain, including promoting local processing and cooperative reforms.
As the auctions commence, analysts say market performance will depend on international demand trends, quality of the crop and competitiveness among registered buyers.