Cocoa giants Ivory Coast and Ghana join forces for sustainable future
Cocoa giants Ivory Coast and Ghana join forces for sustainable future
Leaders from Ivory Coast and Ghana reaffirm their commitment to building a sustainable cocoa economy amid global and climate challenges.
The high-level summit on the “Cocoa Initiative” between Ivory Coast and Ghana, held on June 16, 2026, saw both nations reaffirm their shared resolve to advance a sustainable cocoa economy. The leaders emphasized that this partnership is not just economic but a pillar for social stability and shared prosperity across the continent.
“Together with my brother, President John Dramani Mahama, we are once again affirming our unwavering commitment to build a fair, prosperous, and sustainable cocoa economy for Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Africa as a whole,” declared President Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast.
The future of the cocoa sector represents a critical economic sovereignty issue for both nations. It sustains millions in rural communities, drives employment, and fuels development funding. Ouattara highlighted the significant progress achieved through the Cocoa Initiative while warning of persistent challenges: price volatility, climate change impacts, and tightening international sustainability and traceability regulations. He called for the formation of a united African cocoa-producing coalition to amplify the continent’s voice in global cocoa governance.
President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for increased investment in the sector to ensure its growth and resilience. “Our shared goal is to equip farmers with the tools, resources, and knowledge to continue producing high-quality cocoa beans,” he stated.
The two countries dominate global cocoa production, contributing over 60% of the world’s supply, with Africa accounting for nearly 80%. This summit underscored their determination to leverage this dominance to drive sustainable practices and economic empowerment across the cocoa value chain.
