Ivory Coast and Ghana unite to reinforce cocoa sector sustainability
The Presidents of Ivory Coast and Ghana have jointly reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a more sustainable and equitable cocoa industry during a high-level summit in Abidjan. Alassane Ouattara and John Dramani Mahama convened to address critical challenges facing West Africa’s cocoa-producing nations and to strengthen cooperation between their countries.
Strategic decisions for a resilient cocoa economy
At the presidential palace in Abidjan-Plateau, the two leaders outlined measures to build a stronger cocoa economy that benefits producers, national economies, and the broader African continent. Key priorities include:
- Price stabilization at farm gate to ensure fair compensation for cocoa farmers
- Enhanced value addition through local processing and industrialization
- Expansion of collaborative frameworks to include additional African cocoa-producing nations
Protecting Africa’s cocoa heritage
As the world’s top two cocoa producers, Ivory Coast and Ghana supply over 60% of the global cocoa market, with Africa accounting for 80% of production. President Ouattara emphasized the sector’s vital role in funding development policies while highlighting its social and sovereignty significance.
The Ivorian leader stressed that cocoa farmers – the backbone of this industry – must remain central to all policy decisions, noting that coordinated action between the two nations has already demonstrated positive impact on global cocoa pricing through the implementation of a decent income differential.
Addressing industry challenges
The summit also addressed persistent obstacles facing the cocoa sector:
- Price volatility in international markets
- Climate change impacts and aging cocoa trees
- Crop diseases and illegal gold mining encroachment on farmland
- Emerging competition from alternative products
- International sustainability standards, particularly those set by European markets
Ghana’s vision for empowered farmers
President Mahama echoed these priorities, emphasizing the need to empower cocoa farmers through better access to financing, technology transfer, and knowledge sharing. The Ghanaian leader called for sustained continental collaboration to maintain Africa’s dominant position in global cocoa markets.
The two presidents highlighted the importance of exchanging best practices between their countries while encouraging other African cocoa producers to join their sustainability initiative.
Milestone achievements since 2018
President Ouattara reflected on progress since the landmark Abidjan Declaration of March 26, 2018, when both nations first agreed to coordinate their efforts to influence cocoa prices. The implementation of income differentials has already improved farmer remuneration and demonstrated the effectiveness of joint state action in shaping global market dynamics.
