Former President John Agyekum Kufuor will deliver the keynote address at the Africa Cocoa Finance & Investment Forum (ACFIF 2026). The event takes place on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the London Stock Exchange. Kufuor will speak on the theme, 'Africa Cocoa Vision 2050 – Historical Reflections and Future Pathways'.
The forum will gather investors, government officials, and private sector leaders. They will explore how Africa can strengthen its position in the global cocoa value chain. Organisers expect Kufuor's address to open discussions and provide insight from his leadership years. His experience includes strong support for agriculture in Africa.
This initiative aligns with Ghana's ongoing efforts to enhance its cocoa industry. Ghana remains one of the world's largest cocoa producers. The country seeks to boost value addition and attract more foreign direct investment. Such forums are crucial for shaping policy and market trends affecting cocoa farmers and processors across the nation.
A statement from the ACFIF Secretariat highlighted achievements during Kufuor's presidency from 2001 to 2008. Cocoa production significantly increased from about 300,000 tonnes in 2001 to around 750,000 tonnes by the 2003/04 season. The Secretariat stated, “These reforms, coupled with policies promoting value addition, attracted major industry players including Barry Callebaut, Olam, Cargill, Niche Cocoa, and CHOCOMAC, helping to lay the foundation for Ghana's cocoa processing industry.”
The Accra-based Ghana Cocoa Board (Cocobod) has ambitious plans for increasing local processing capacity. These plans aim to move Ghana beyond raw bean exports. Growing local processing also helps create jobs and improves Ghana's balance of trade. This strategic shift is vital for long-term economic stability and growth.
One major session will focus on 'Africa Cocoa Vision 2050: Opportunities for Regional Growth & Transformation'. Experts will discuss attracting investment and increasing value addition. This session also aims to strengthen Africa's position in the global cocoa market. Alex Assanvo, Executive Secretary of the Côte d'Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative, will participate.
Another key session, 'Reimagining Cocoa Value Addition', will explore financing in chocolate production. It will also cover nutraceuticals, which are food products providing health benefits, and pharmaceutical innovation. The proposed African Cocoa Exchange (AfCX) will also be discussed. Michel Arrion will deliver a keynote on AfCX, aiming to improve transparency and price discovery in cocoa trading. The AfCX could significantly impact how Ghana prices and trades its cocoa. This could lead to better returns for local farmers.
ACFIF 2026 is designed as a platform to attract investment into Africa’s cocoa sector. It connects funding with business opportunities. It also encourages discussions on policy, trade, and innovation. The forum is organised by Cocoa Trade & Invest Africa and DMA Invest. The Institute of Directors Africa Group partners in this event. It aims to build a more sustainable, inclusive, and value-driven cocoa industry across Africa. Ghana's participation is crucial for maintaining its leadership role and securing its economic future.