The Cocoa Farmers Alliance Association of Africa (COFAAA) has announced the Africa Cocoa Summit and Awards, a two-day event scheduled to take place from October 22 to 23, 2025, at the ISSER Conference Centre, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra.
In a statement on Monday, the Global President of COFAAA, Comrade Adeola Adegoke, said the summit is being organised to address long-standing structural challenges facing Africa’s cocoa producers. According to him, despite contributing over 70 per cent of global cocoa supply, African farmers continue to earn minimal returns compared to other actors in the $130 billion industry.
“The time has come for Africa’s cocoa farmers to speak with one voice. This summit is not just a conference; it is a platform for action,” Adegoke stated.
Themed “One Voice, One Future – For a Thriving Africa,” the summit will focus on advocating for transparent pricing, fair trade practices, and improved market access for farmers. Discussions will also cover deforestation-free production methods, supply chain traceability, and sustainable farming practices.
Adegoke noted that farmers across Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Cameroon, and other producing countries are being mobilised to participate. “We are building a continental front to ensure cocoa production lifts communities out of poverty, not perpetuates it,” he said.
According to the organisers, the summit will also address emerging threats such as the development of synthetic cocoa by multinational firms, which could disrupt traditional markets and undermine Africa’s agricultural exports.
The event will feature keynote addresses by African agricultural policymakers, international trade experts, and farmer association leaders. Strategy sessions and technical panels will explore policy frameworks for regional cooperation, climate-resilient production, and innovation in the cocoa value chain.
A major feature of the summit will be the inaugural COFAAA Cocoa Awards Ceremony, which will recognise individuals and organisations driving sustainability, innovation, and leadership in the sector.
“With global cocoa prices at record highs, this is a crucial moment for Africa to demand reforms that reflect the real value of our labour and our land,” Adegoke said.
COFAAA called on African governments, development partners, cocoa buyers, and the private sector to support the summit and engage in meaningful partnerships that prioritise farmer welfare and economic justice.
Founded as a pan-African platform, COFAAA represents cocoa farmers across multiple African countries and advocates for structural transformation within the industry.
