The Cocoa Farmers Alliance Association of Africa (COFAA) has called on African Heads of State to address the persistent challenges hindering cocoa development across the continent.
In a statement signed by its President and Global Coordinator in Nigeria, COFAA emphasized the need for policies that prioritize the welfare of cocoa farmers while driving sustainable growth in the sector.
The association commended the Executive Secretary of the Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative, Mr. Alex Assanyo, for his successful engagement with Ghana’s President, John Mahama, highlighting the importance of cooperative efforts in strengthening the industry.
COFAA noted that despite the sector’s vast potential, cocoa farming in Africa—particularly in West Africa—continues to grapple with environmental and economic challenges that threaten farmers’ livelihoods.
The statement underscored the urgency of strategic interventions to unlock opportunities for growth, given that the global cocoa market is projected to reach $79 billion by 2032, with an annual growth rate of 5%.
The association expressed satisfaction with the commitment of stakeholders in tackling these issues, reaffirming its support for initiatives such as the Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative, Conseil Café-Cacao, and Ghana Cocobod. COFAA acknowledged their efforts in promoting fair trade, improving farmers’ working conditions, and boosting income levels.
“By fostering collaboration and implementing sustainable policies, we can build a cocoa industry that benefits all stakeholders—especially the farmers who form the backbone of the value chain. COFAA remains committed to supporting these initiatives and working with key partners to drive long-term growth and prosperity in the sector,” the statement concluded.