Former President John Agyekum Kufuor will deliver a special address on “Africa Cocoa Vision 2050 – Historical Reflections and Future Pathways” at the inaugural Africa Cocoa Finance & Investment Forum (ACFIF 2026). The high-level event, scheduled for May 6, 2026, at the London Stock Exchange, will convene global investors, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore investment opportunities within Africa’s cocoa value chain.
ACFIF 2026 aims to foster strategic dialogue and unlock transformative potential across the continent’s cocoa sector. This forum represents the first of its kind, designed to become a leading global platform for mobilizing finance and forging partnerships for African cocoa economies.
Setting the Stage for Future Growth
Former President Kufuor’s address is anticipated to shape the discourse at ACFIF 2026, offering a unique perspective that links Africa’s rich cocoa heritage with the demands of future economic expansion. His insights will draw from his extensive leadership experience and personal involvement as a cocoa farmer.
The former President’s vision is expected to highlight cocoa’s role in driving industrialization, enhancing regional integration, and promoting sustainable economic development across Africa. This forward-looking perspective aims to reposition the crop as a vital engine for continental progress.
A Legacy of Transformation in Ghana’s Cocoa Sector
During his presidency from 2001 to 2008, Kufuor oversaw a significant period of growth and reform in Ghana’s cocoa industry. Production saw a substantial increase, rising from approximately 300,000 tonnes in 2001 to around 750,000 tonnes by the 2003/04 season.
Key policy interventions, including the widespread adoption of mass cocoa spraying and the introduction of advanced fertilizer support programs, were instrumental in this production surge. These initiatives laid the groundwork for Ghana’s eventual achievement of a historic 1 million tonne cocoa harvest in the 2010/11 season.
Furthermore, Kufuor prioritized value addition by implementing incentives that attracted major international and domestic processing companies. This strategic focus helped establish Ghana’s modern cocoa processing industry, with firms like Barry Callebaut, Olam, Cargill, Niche Cocoa, and CHOCOMAC establishing operations.
Exploring Pathways to Regional Growth and Value Addition
Following Kufuor’s address, a key panel discussion titled “Africa Cocoa Vision 2050: Opportunities for Regional Growth & Transformation” will take place. This session will bring together crucial stakeholders to identify practical strategies for attracting investment, increasing value addition, and improving Africa’s competitive standing in global cocoa markets.
Senior representatives from ACFIF 2026 partners, Sunbeth Global Concepts and Johnvents Industries Limited (Nigeria), will contribute their expertise to the technical discussions. Their participation will focus on financing frameworks, market development, and value chain transformation.
Notable panellists include Olasunkanmi Owoyemi, Managing Director of Sunbeth Global Concepts, and Alex Assanvo, Executive Secretary of the Cote d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative, both bringing significant insights to the discussion.
Innovating Beyond Primary Processing
A second panel, “Reimagining Cocoa Value Addition: Financing Chocolate Manufacturing, Nutraceuticals & Pharmaceutical Innovation,” will delve into opportunities beyond basic processing. This session will explore the industrial applications of cocoa and its derivatives.
Participants such as Patricia Poku-Diaby of Plot Enterprises and Vishnu Kakra of Johnvents will share strategies for scaling up value-added production and expanding into new market segments, including nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals.
Enhancing Market Transparency with the African Cocoa Exchange
Michel Arrion, Executive Director of the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO), will deliver a keynote address introducing the proposed African Cocoa Exchange (AfCX). This platform aims to boost market transparency, improve price discovery mechanisms, and strengthen Africa’s overall position in global cocoa trade systems.
ACFIF 2026 seeks to bridge the gap between available capital and viable investment opportunities. The forum will facilitate dialogue on crucial policy, trade, and innovation aspects impacting the African cocoa sector.
Looking Ahead
The insights shared at ACFIF 2026 are expected to influence investment strategies and policy development for the African cocoa sector in the coming years. The establishment of the African Cocoa Exchange could represent a significant shift in how African cocoa is traded globally. Stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the forum translates discussions into concrete actions and investments that drive sustainable growth and value creation across the continent’s cocoa value chain.
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