Kufuor to Lead London Cocoa Investment Forum 2026

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor will lead the Africa Cocoa Finance & Investment Forum 2026 in London, aiming to attract significant investment into Africa's cocoa industry. The event, scheduled for May 6 at the London Stock Exchange, will bring together global investors, policymakers, and industry leaders. Mr Kufuor will deliver a special address on the sector's future. He will discuss how to make cocoa a driver of industrialization, regional integration, and sustainable economic development.

This forum aims to bridge the gap between available investment and untapped opportunities in Africa's cocoa sector. It will highlight the potential for financial growth and innovation within the industry. Discussions will focus on boosting regional cooperation and strengthening cocoa value chains across the continent. Key players from the cocoa world will explore new financing models and market strategies.

Ghana's cocoa sector is a vital part of its economy, contributing significantly to national income and employment. During Mr Kufuor's presidency from 2001 to 2009, Ghana's cocoa production expanded markedly. Output rose from 340,563 tonnes in the 2001/02 season to 710,639 tonnes by the 2008/09 season. This growth resulted from key government interventions like the Mass Cocoa Spraying Programme and fertilizer subsidies. These policies improved farmer incentives and overall production conditions. Mr Kufuor's administration also attracted major global processors like Cargill and Barry Callebaut, thereby boosting value addition within the country. These reforms laid the groundwork for Ghana's modern cocoa processing industry, contributing to the record one million tonne output in the 2010/11 season.

Organizers of the forum noted that Mr Kufuor's address will connect Africa's cocoa past with future growth requirements. They emphasized his role in shaping a forward-looking vision for the industry. His experience as both a former president and a cocoa farmer gives him unique insights into the sector's challenges and opportunities. The forum aims to build on this legacy by fostering new partnerships and mobilizing essential financing.

The forum will include panel discussions on various topics critical to cocoa sector development. These include investment strategies, regional cooperation, and enhancing Africa's global competitiveness. Speakers such as Olasunkanmi Owoyemi of Sunbeth Global Concepts and Alex Assanvo of the Cote d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative will share their expertise. A dedicated session will explore innovative ways to add value to cocoa, including chocolate manufacturing, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals. Industry leaders like Patricia Poku-Diaby of Plot Enterprises will share strategies for expanding into new markets.

A significant presentation by Michel Arrion, Executive Director of the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO), will propose an African Cocoa Exchange (AfCX). This exchange aims to improve price transparency and increase Africa's influence in the global cocoa trade. The Africa Cocoa Finance & Investment Forum 2026 is designed as the first step in a broader initiative. Organizers expect it to become a leading global platform for driving finance and partnerships for Africa's cocoa economy. This demonstrates a concerted effort to transform the industry and unlock its full economic potential. Stakeholders will closely watch the potential establishment of the AfCX for its impact on global cocoa pricing and African farmer incomes.