Former President John Agyekum Kufuor is set to headline a major international forum on Africa’s cocoa industry, where he will deliver a Special Address expected to influence discussions on the sector’s future.
The event, the Africa Cocoa Finance & Investment Forum 2026, will take place at the London Stock Exchange on May 6, bringing together global investors, policymakers, and industry leaders.
Held under the theme “Africa Cocoa Vision 2050 – Historical Reflections and Future Pathways,” Mr Kufuor is expected to draw on his experience as a former president and cocoa farmer to reflect on Africa’s cocoa journey and future prospects.
“[This address] bridges Africa’s cocoa legacy with the imperatives of future growth,” organizers noted, adding that it will “outline a forward-looking vision for repositioning cocoa as a driver of industrialization, regional integration, and sustainable economic development.”
During his presidency from 2001 to 2009, Ghana’s cocoa production rose significantly—from about 340,563 tonnes in the 2001/02 season to over 700,000 tonnes by the late 2000s, reaching around 710,639 tonnes in the 2008/09 season.
This growth was supported by key interventions such as the Mass Cocoa Spraying Programme, fertiliser support schemes, and broader sector reforms that improved farmer incentives and production conditions.
Organizers also highlighted Mr Kufuor’s push for value addition in the cocoa sector, noting that his administration attracted major global processors such as Cargill and Barry Callebaut, as well as Niche Cocoa.
“[These reforms laid] the foundation for Ghana’s modern cocoa processing industry,” they emphasised, adding that they contributed to Ghana’s record one million tonne cocoa output in the 2010/11 season.
The forum will continue with panel discussions on investment, regional cooperation, and how Africa can strengthen its cocoa value chains and global competitiveness.
Speakers will include Sunbeth Global Concepts Managing Director Olasunkanmi Owoyemi and Cote d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative Executive Secretary Alex Assanvo, who will focus on financing and regional collaboration.
Another session, “Reimagining Cocoa Value Addition: Financing Chocolate Manufacturing, Nutraceuticals & Pharmaceutical Innovation,” will explore opportunities to expand cocoa into chocolate production, health products, and pharmaceuticals.
Industry figures such as Patricia Poku-Diaby of Plot Enterprises and Vishnu Kakra of Johnvents are expected to share strategies for scaling up and entering new markets.
A key highlight will be a presentation by International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) Executive Director Michel Arrion, who will propose an African Cocoa Exchange (AfCX) aimed at improving price transparency and boosting Africa’s influence in global cocoa trade.
Organizers say the forum marks the start of a broader effort to transform Africa’s cocoa industry.
“ACFIF 2026 marks the first edition of what is set to become a premier global platform dedicated to mobilising finance and partnerships for Africa’s cocoa economy,” they said.
The forum ultimately aims to close the gap between available investment and untapped opportunities in Africa’s cocoa sector.
