Impact of Internet Shutdown on Cashew Auctions in Tanzania
The recent internet shutdown in Tanzania, which lasted from October 29 to November 3, 2025, has significantly affected the country’s agricultural sector. As a result, the auction of raw cashew nuts (RCN) has been postponed by one week. Originally scheduled to begin on Friday, October 31, the auctions will now take place starting on Friday, November 7.
Cashew is a major crop in Tanzania, cultivated across more than 13 regions. The southern areas, including Mtwara, Lindi, Coast, and Ruvuma, are the primary production zones. This crop plays a vital role in the national economy, serving not only as a traditional cash crop but also as a strategic commodity that contributes substantially to export revenues.
According to the Bank of Tanzania’s Monthly Economic Review for March 2024, the country earned over $616 million (Sh1.5 trillion) from cashew exports during the 2024/25 season. This figure was achieved after producing 528,260 tonnes of RCN. This represents a significant increase compared to the previous year, where earnings stood at $221.3 million (Sh575 billion) from 254,500 tonnes of RCN.
Looking further back, the Ministry of Agriculture’s Budget Speech for 2024/25 revealed that in the 2022/23 fiscal year, Tanzania earned Sh282.59 billion from exporting 106,430.55 tonnes of RCN. In the 2021/22 financial year, Sh350.23 billion was generated from 146,155.56 tonnes, while Sh269.99 billion was collected from 115,155.95 tonnes in the 2020/21 Financial Year.
These figures mark a record-breaking performance for the 2024/25 season, surpassing the previous high set in the 2017/18 season, when $575 million was earned from 313,000 tonnes of RCN.
For the upcoming 2025/26 season, the Cashew Nut Board of Tanzania (CBT) has projected a harvest of 700,000 tonnes, with the goal of reaching one million tonnes by 2030. However, the planned auctions have been delayed due to the ongoing internet disruptions.
Reasons Behind the Postponement
The CBT issued a public notice dated October 30, 2025, signed by Director General Francis Alfred, explaining the postponement. According to the notice, some auction warehouses were unable to receive RCN from farmers due to the nationwide internet shutdown. This disruption has impacted the online processes involved in the cashew trade.
Mr. Alfred emphasized that the entire process, from receiving the nuts in warehouses to transporting them to the auction, is conducted through an online platform. Specifically, the auctions are held via the Tanzania Mercantile Exchange (TMX) online system, similar to the 2024/25 season.
The one-week delay aims to ensure a stable network for buyers worldwide to participate effectively. It also allows for the smooth receipt of raw cashew nuts in warehouses, along with the issuance of buying licenses and transportation permits.
Steps Being Taken to Mitigate the Impact
Mr. Alfred urged all stakeholders within and outside the country to remain patient during this period. He noted that the network is expected to stabilize by Monday, November 3, 2025. This will enable warehouse operators to continue receiving RCN from Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Societies (Amcos) in preparation for the first auction on November 7.
He also called on assistant registrars in cashew-growing regions and cooperative unions to continue educating and supporting farmers in collecting and transporting their produce to auction warehouses. Additionally, he directed the Warehouse Receipts Regulatory Board (WRRB) to make proper arrangements for trucks that have already arrived at warehouses.