Business

Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire Join Forces to Empower Cocoa Farmers

Story Highlights
  • Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, the world's leading cocoa producers, have established a joint headquarters to boost their cocoa industries
  • With headquarters in Ghana, CIGCI will work on issues like pricing, traceability, regulations, and market outlook for cocoa.
  • The global cocoa market suffers from price volatility and a decline in real cocoa prices over the past decades.

Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, the world’s leading cocoa producers, have established a joint headquarters to boost their cocoa industries and improve the lives of cocoa farmers.

A Powerful Partnership

  • This collaboration, called the Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative (CIGCI), aims to address common challenges in the cocoa sector.
  • With headquarters in Ghana, CIGCI will work on issues like pricing, traceability, regulations, and market outlook for cocoa.

Shared Vision for a Prosperous Future

  • Leaders from both countries believe CIGCI is a significant step towards a more prosperous cocoa economy.
  • Their goals include:
    • Increased income for cocoa farmers
    • Modernization and industrialization of the cocoa industry
    • A sustainable cocoa sector that protects the environment and respects human rights

Revolutionizing the Cocoa Supply Chain

  • This initiative presents an opportunity to create a more valuable cocoa supply chain for both Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
  • The leadership of both countries is committed to working together to achieve CIGCI’s objectives.

Background: The Need for Change

  • The global cocoa market suffers from price volatility and a decline in real cocoa prices over the past decades.
  • Farmers receive a small fraction of the final cocoa product’s price, leading to poverty for many small-scale producers.
  • Environmental and social issues like deforestation and child labor further threaten the sustainability of the cocoa sector.

CIGCI: A Path Towards a Sustainable Future

  • Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, representing over 60% of global cocoa production, are determined to transform the cocoa business model.
  • CIGCI aims to achieve fair prices for cocoa farmers, improve environmental practices, and promote social responsibility.
  • The initiative is open to collaboration with other African cocoa-producing countries.

This joint effort by Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for the cocoa industry.

Related Articles