This paper examines the potential for developing a macadamia nut value chain within Southern Africa, while also exploring the potential for incorporating smallholder producers into the macadamia nut industry. Using the country case studies of South Africa, Mozambique and Malawi, the paper examines the development of the macadamia nut sector in each country, highlighting the challenges faced and positive developments made in incorporating smallholders into the sector, and examining the role of African markets and producers in the international trade in macadamia nuts. The paper concludes with an understanding of the specific requirements policymakers would need to implement if a regional value chain were to be developed for the macadamia nut industry.