The verdict in three sentences
A cashew buyer in Rotterdam or Mumbai will never contract off a plain Facebook page: they want a credible English-language site with quality sheets and per-lot traceability. For a Korhogo cooperative, two tiers are enough: a bilingual 6-page export showcase (400,000-650,000 FCFA, 10-15 days) or a platform with a lot catalog and a wholesale purchase form (1,300,000-2,000,000 FCFA, 28-40 days). In both cases the target isn't local: it's the international buyer who validates your seriousness in 30 seconds.
Two tiers, two ambitions
The choice depends on your export maturity. A young cooperative that wants to be found and contacted starts with the showcase; a union already managing several lots and certifications moves to the platform.
| Criterion | Export showcase | Catalog platform |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 price FCFA | 400,000 – 650,000 | 1,300,000 – 2,000,000 |
| Delivery | 10 – 15 days | 28 – 40 days |
| Pages | 6 (intro, quality, contact) | Dynamic lot catalog |
| Languages | FR / EN | FR / EN (+ ES option) |
| Traceability | PDF sheet per campaign | Per-lot sheet, lot number |
| Wholesale buying | Inquiry form | Structured form + RFQ |
| Hosting | 25,000 – 45,000 FCFA/month | 35,000 – 60,000 FCFA/month |
The showcase answers "are you credible?". The platform answers "which lots do you have, at what quality, in what quantity?".
What the international buyer checks
An importer scans a few signals before writing to you. Your site must show them plainly.
| Signal checked | Why it's decisive | Estimated impact |
|---|---|---|
| Full English version | The buyer doesn't read French | +40 % foreign inquiries |
| Per-lot traceability sheet | Compliance and quality trust | Fewer email back-and-forths |
| Grade and sizing (KOR, defects) | Cashew pricing criterion | Faster quotes |
| Certifications (organic, fair trade) | Access to premium markets | Higher price per kg |
| WhatsApp Business link | Fast negotiation channel | Reply in minutes |
| Load time < 3 s | Slow connection on Africa side | No abandonment |
Technical goal: Lighthouse 93+ and load under 3 s even on a slow connection, because your lot photos must stay sharp without weighing down the page.
Mini case study
The Korhogo Cashew Producers' Union, led by Adama, exports 800 tonnes per campaign but gets its contacts only by word of mouth. It invests 1,600,000 FCFA in the bilingual catalog platform with per-lot traceability sheets.
From the first campaign, the English version generates +40 % foreign buyer inquiries. If it leads to a single extra 50-tonne contract negotiated at a slightly better price thanks to the quality sheets, the site pays for itself in one transaction. Hosting at 50,000 FCFA/month stays marginal against the exported volume.
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FAQ
Why not just a Facebook page for export?
Because an international importer judges your credibility on a professional site with quality sheets, not on a social network. A bilingual site can generate up to +40 % foreign buyer inquiries.
Is the English version really essential?
Yes. Your target buyers are in Europe and Asia and don't read French. A full English version, not a rushed translation, is the first credibility filter.
How much is annual hosting?
Expect 25,000 to 60,000 FCFA/month depending on the tier, i.e. 300,000 to 720,000 FCFA/year. That is marginal against the value of a single export campaign.
Is per-lot traceability hard to manage?
No: each lot gets a sheet with number, grade, sizing and origin. On the platform you update the catalog each campaign without touching the code.
How long until the site is delivered?
The export showcase ships in 10 to 15 days, the catalog platform in 28 to 40 days, depending on the availability of your content and lot photos.
Let's talk about your project. We build your bilingual export showcase with per-lot traceability to attract international cashew buyers. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
