In early February 2026, a major financial milestone was reached to address one of the most significant gaps in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. GuarantCo, a member of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), provided a 100% credit guarantee to back a $75 million debt facility for Robust International Pte Ltd.
This investment is specifically earmarked for the construction of a state-of-the-art cashew nut processing plant in Ogun State, signaling a decisive move from exporting raw materials to capturing high-value industrial processing.
1. Doubling Down on Processing Capacity
The new facility is designed to fundamentally change Robust International’s operational footprint in Nigeria:
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Capacity Surge: The plant will more than double the company’s existing processing capacity from 100 metric tonnes (MT) per day to 220 MT per day.
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Closing the Gap: Nigeria is a top global producer, generating 250,000 to 300,000 tonnes of raw cashew nuts annually. However, currently less than 10% is processed locally.
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Value Capture: By exporting raw nuts, Nigeria loses up to 80% of the potential export value. This plant aims to retain that wealth within the country.
2. Socio-Economic Impact and Gender Focus
The project is not just about industrial output; it is a major social intervention supported by the UK-backed PIDG.
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Job Creation: The plant is expected to create up to 900 new jobs.
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Gender Empowerment: A staggering 78% of the roles are projected to be held by women. Robust also aims to increase its procurement from women farmers to 25% by 2028.
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Farmer Livelihoods: The facility will procure nuts from approximately 10,000 smallholder farmers, most of whom are low-income earners, injecting stability into the rural economy.
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Environmental Innovation: The plant will feature technology to convert waste by-products into biomass and biofuel, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.
3. The Financing Structure: A Global Collaboration
The deal is a masterclass in “crowding in” private capital for underfinanced sectors:
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The Guarantee: Provided by GuarantCo, which is funded by the UK, Netherlands, Switzerland, Australia, Sweden, and Canada.
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The Platform: Arranged via a Symbiotics bond platform.
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The Investor: Fully subscribed by M&G Investments, an institutional giant that gained the confidence to invest due to the 100% credit guarantee.
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The Revenue: The project is projected to generate roughly $335 million in export revenue over the lifetime of the guarantee.
Nigeria’s Cashew Economy: 2026 Snapshot
“By backing investment into local processing and value addition, this transaction supports jobs, exports, and more resilient agricultural supply chains.” — Jonny Baxter, British Deputy High Commissioner.
