COFAAA pledges commitment to improving welfare of cocoa farmers in Africa
In a bold move to reform Africa’s cocoa sector, the Cocoa Farmers Alliance Association of Africa (COFAAA) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting economic justice, sustainable innovation, and farmer empowerment. At its maiden global webinar, COFAAA President and Global Coordinator, Comrade Adeola Adegoke, called for deeper collaboration among governments, global cocoa institutions, and industry stakeholders to improve the livelihoods of African cocoa farmers.
Adegoke criticized the current global cocoa value chain where African farmers—despite producing over 70% of the world’s cocoa—receive disproportionately low returns. He stressed the urgency of reversing this inequality through sustainable production practices, youth inclusion, traceability systems, and increased local processing to retain more value within the continent.
The webinar brought together key voices in the cocoa sector, including representatives from the Cote d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative (CIGHCI), World Cocoa Foundation, and national cocoa boards across Africa. Tawiah Agyarko-Kwarteng, speaking on behalf of CIGHCI Executive Secretary Alex Assanvo, emphasized that cocoa sustainability must go beyond rhetoric to deliver tangible benefits in pricing, productivity, and environmental resilience.
COFAAA outlined its vision of raising Africa’s cocoa productivity to 4 million metric tonnes with improved farming practices, agroforestry, climate-smart agriculture, and a strong pan-African farmer network to speak with one voice on global cocoa trade policies.
Source- Tribune Online
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
COFAAA’s advocacy is timely and necessary for rebalancing the cocoa value chain in favor of African producers. For stakeholders in the agri-food ecosystem, here are key considerations:
- Policy-Driven Economic Inclusion
African governments and regional institutions must align on policies that guarantee better farmgate pricing, protect smallholders from market shocks, and promote fair trade practices within international cocoa trade.
- Strengthening Local Processing Capacity
Increasing Africa’s share of cocoa processing is critical to value retention. Governments should incentivize investment in cocoa processing zones and offer financing support to SMEs engaged in value addition.
- Enhancing Traceability & Premium Quality
Global markets increasingly demand traceable and ethically sourced cocoa. African cocoa stakeholders need to invest in digital traceability systems and farmer training to meet premium market requirements.
- Climate Resilience & Cocoa Agroforestry
Climate change poses a major threat to cocoa yields. Encouraging agroforestry models, drought-resistant varieties, and integrated pest management will help ensure long-term sustainability.
- Regional Farmer Cooperation
COFAAA’s role as a unified voice for smallholder cocoa farmers is pivotal. Regional coordination can strengthen negotiation power in global markets, promote shared learning, and shape global cocoa policies that reflect African realities.
- Youth Engagement & Capacity Building
Sustaining the cocoa industry depends on attracting the next generation. Structured youth programs, access to land, financing, and modern tools will secure the future of African cocoa.
With global cocoa supply chains under pressure, Africa has an opportunity to lead not just in production but in redefining the value structure. COFAAA’s pan-African approach may just be the catalyst needed to drive inclusive growth and long-term sustainability in the sector.
