Kufuor to address Africa Cocoa Forum in London

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor is set to deliver a keynote address at the inaugural Africa Cocoa Finance & Investment Forum (ACFIF 2026), scheduled to take place on May 6, 2026, at the London Stock Exchange.

A statement issued to the Ghana News Agency by the ACFIF Secretariat, said the former Ghanaian leader will speak on the theme: “Africa Cocoa Vision 2050 – Historical Reflections and Future Pathways.”

It said the high-level gathering is expected to bring together global investors, policymakers, development institutions, and private sector leaders to examine opportunities within Africa's cocoa value chain.

Former President Kufuor's address is anticipated to set the tone for discussions at the forum, drawing on his leadership experience and longstanding advocacy for agricultural development.

Organisers say his perspective will bridge Africa's cocoa heritage with future growth strategies, positioning cocoa as a catalyst for industrialisation, regional integration and sustainable economic development.

The statement highlighted Kufuor's achievements during his presidency from 2001 to 2008, noting a significant increase in cocoa production from about 300,000 tonnes in 2001 to approximately 750,000 tonnes by the 2003/04 season.

It added that this was driven by initiatives such as mass cocoa spraying and fertiliser support programmes.

“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 statement said.

A key highlight of the forum will be a panel discussion on “Africa Cocoa Vision 2050: Opportunities for Regional Growth & Transformation,” where panelists will explore strategies to unlock investment, boost value addition, and enhance Africa's competitiveness in global cocoa markets.

The panelists include Olasunkanmi Owoyemi of Sunbeth Global Concepts and Alex Assanvo, the first Executive first Executive Secretary of the Cȏte d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative.

The statement said another session will focus on “Reimagining Cocoa Value Addition,” examining financing opportunities in chocolate manufacturing, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceutical innovation.

It added that Michel Arrion of the International Cocoa Organization is expected to deliver a keynote address on the proposed African Cocoa Exchange (AfCX), a platform aimed at improving market transparency and price discovery within the cocoa trade.

The statement describes the ACFIF 2026 as a landmark initiative that will serve as a premier global platform for mobilising finance and partnerships in Africa's cocoa sector.

“The forum seeks to bridge the gap between investment capital and viable opportunities while promoting dialogue on policy, trade, and innovation,” it added.

The event is convened by Cocoa Trade & Invest Africa and DMA Invest, in collaboration with the Institute of Directors Africa Group.

ACFIF aims to drive a more sustainable, inclusive, and value-added cocoa economy across the continent.

GNA