Bissau, March 13, 2026. The private sector of Guinea Bissau is taking a decisive step in valorizing its agricultural resources. The Constituent General Assembly (AGC) and the first session of the Board of Directors of the Cashew Company of Guinea-Bissau (SOCA GB) SA were held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 in Bissau, formalizing the creation of the company and the appointment of its first directors.
Supported by a financial contribution from the West African Development Bank (BOAD) amounting to 9.150 billion CFA francs, this initiative marks a desire for structural transformation. Beyond financing, the Bank demonstrates its commitment through a stake in the share capital of SOCA GB SA.
The project aims for ambitious objectives by 2030:
– Increase the local transformation rate of cashew nut production from the current 10% to 50%;
– Increase the income of stakeholders in the sector and generate sustainable jobs, especially for youth and women;
– Strengthen tax revenues and stabilize the rural economy.
The Constituent General Assembly was chaired by Mr. Mamadu Mudjetaba DJALO, Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Integration, representing the State of Guinea-Bissau. Also participating in the proceedings were: Mr. Toussaint BADOLO, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Agro-Industry, Mamadu DJALO, CEO of MAVEL SA, Mussa SAMBI, CEO of the Economy, and Youssouf TOURE, Resident Mission Chief of BOAD in Guinea-Bissau.
The Minister of Economy reaffirmed the government’s determination to capture more added value: “Our ambition is clear: to locally transform half of our production by 2030 so that the wealth created directly benefits our economy.”
For Mr. Toussaint BADOLO, this support illustrates the Bank’s mission: “BOAD remains committed to supporting the structuring of strategic sectors. The impact of our actions should be measured by the sustainable improvement of the living conditions of rural populations and the consolidation of public finances.”
Mr. Mamadu DJALO, CEO of MAVEL SA, praised an essential lever to revitalize the sector, strengthen local added value while improving producers’ income.
With over 250,000 tons of raw cashew nuts exported in 2025, Guinea Bissau has significant potential. The creation of SOCA GB SA, supported by BOAD and its partners, now positions the country as an emerging industrial player in the sector.
