Former President John Agyekum Kufuor will deliver a special address at the inaugural Africa Cocoa Finance & Investment Forum (ACFIF 2026). The address, titled "Africa Cocoa Vision 2050 – Historical Reflections and Future Pathways," is scheduled for May 6, 2026, at the London Stock Exchange.
Mr. Kufuor's speech will highlight cocoa's role in driving industrialisation, regional integration, and sustainable economic development across Africa. He will share insights from his past advocacy for agricultural growth and his experience as a cocoa farmer. This perspective aims to bridge Africa’s cocoa legacy with future growth imperatives.
During his presidency from 2001 to 2008, Ghana’s cocoa sector witnessed significant reform. Cocoa production rose from approximately 300,000 tonnes in 2001 to about 750,000 tonnes by the 2003/04 season. This boost resulted from nationwide mass cocoa spraying and new hi-tech fertiliser support programmes. These reforms paved the way for Ghana’s record 1 million tonne cocoa harvest in the 2010/11 season.
Key partners Sunbeth Global Concepts and Johnvents Industries Limited (Nigeria) support ACFIF 2026 technical discussions. Their senior representatives will participate as panellists, offering expertise on financing frameworks and market development. Other distinguished panellists include Olasunkanmi Owoyemi, Managing Director of Sunbeth Global Concepts, and Alex Assanvo, Executive Secretary of the Cote d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative.
The forum will include a high-level panel discussion on "Africa Cocoa Vision 2050: Opportunities for Regional Growth & Transformation." This session will explore ways to unlock investment and boost value addition. It will also examine how to strengthen Africa’s position in global cocoa markets. A second session, "Reimagining Cocoa Value Addition," will focus on financing chocolate manufacturing and pharmaceutical innovations. Participants like Patricia Poku-Diaby of Plot Enterprises and Vishnu Kakra of Johnvents will discuss scaling value-added production.
Michel Arrion, Executive Director of the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO), will deliver a keynote address on the African Cocoa Exchange (AfCX). This proposed platform aims to improve market transparency and price discovery. It seeks to strengthen Africa's standing within global cocoa trade systems. ACFIF 2026 serves as a crucial platform to connect investment capital with viable opportunities. It also fosters dialogue on policy and innovation within the cocoa sector.
Ghana’s economic growth has historically relied heavily on cocoa exports. Efforts to boost local processing and value addition are vital for job creation and increased export revenue. ACFIF 2026 could shape future investment into Ghana's cocoa sector, potentially leading to stronger economic benefits. Ghana's cocoa sector recorded GHS 4.2 billion in export earnings in 2023, underscoring its economic significance. Policy continuity and strategic partnerships remain crucial for achieving the 2050 vision.