Former President John Agyekum Kufuor will deliver a pivotal Special Address at the Africa Cocoa Finance & Investment Forum 2026 in London on May 6, aiming to shape the future of Africa’s cocoa economy by linking its historical legacy to ambitious growth strategies. The event, held at the London Stock Exchange, will convene global investors, policymakers, and industry leaders.
Vision for Africa’s Cocoa Economy
Under the theme “Africa Cocoa Vision 2050 – Historical Reflections and Future Pathways,” Kufuor, drawing on his experience as a former leader and a cocoa farmer, is expected to articulate a vision that repositions cocoa as a catalyst for industrialization, regional integration, and sustainable development across the continent.
Organisers highlighted that Kufuor’s message will bridge Africa’s rich cocoa heritage with the demands of future expansion. The address is intended to outline concrete pathways for achieving this repositioning.
Historical Foundation for Value Addition
Kufuor’s administration is credited with implementing policies that fostered value addition in the cocoa sector. These reforms included incentives that successfully attracted major international processors such as Cargill, Barry Callebaut, and Niche Cocoa to establish operations in Ghana.
These initiatives are seen as laying the groundwork for Ghana’s modern cocoa processing industry. The success of these policies was underscored by Ghana’s record one million tonne cocoa harvest during the 2010/11 season.
Forum Discussions on Growth and Transformation
The forum will feature a high-level panel discussion titled “Africa Cocoa Vision 2050: Opportunities for Regional Growth & Transformation.” This session will delve into strategies for increasing investment, enhancing value chain efficiency, and improving Africa’s competitive standing in the global market.
Key figures participating in the discussions include Olasunkanmi Owoyemi, Managing Director of Sunbeth Global Concepts, and Alex Assanvo, Executive Secretary of the Cote d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative. They are expected to offer insights into financing mechanisms and the importance of regional cooperation.
Expanding Beyond Raw Cocoa Production
A significant focus of the forum will be on moving beyond raw cocoa and basic processing. The session “Reimagining Cocoa Value Addition: Financing Chocolate Manufacturing, Nutraceuticals & Pharmaceutical Innovation” will explore opportunities in higher-value sectors.
Participants like Patricia Poku-Diaby of Plot Enterprises and Vishnu Kakra of Johnvents are slated to share strategies for scaling up production and penetrating these emerging markets, including chocolate manufacturing, nutraceuticals, and potential pharmaceutical applications of cocoa.
Introducing the African Cocoa Exchange
Michel Arrion, Executive Director of the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO), will introduce the concept of an African Cocoa Exchange (AfCX). This proposed platform aims to enhance price transparency and bolster Africa’s influence in the international cocoa trade negotiations.
The Africa Cocoa Finance & Investment Forum 2026 is positioned as the inaugural event in a series designed to become a leading global platform for mobilizing finance and forging partnerships for Africa’s cocoa sector.
Addressing the Investment Gap
At its core, the forum seeks to bridge the persistent gap between available investment capital and the tangible opportunities present within Africa’s cocoa-producing nations. Organisers aim to foster a more robust and financially supported cocoa ecosystem on the continent.
Looking Ahead
The discussions initiated at ACFIF 2026 are expected to drive concrete actions and policy changes aimed at unlocking the full economic potential of Africa’s cocoa industry. The introduction of the AfCX and the focus on advanced value addition signal a strategic shift towards greater economic self-sufficiency and global market influence for African cocoa producers.
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