Presidents Alassane Ouattara (Ivory Coast) and John Dramani Mahama (Ghana) are meeting this Tuesday in Abidjan. The objective of this presidential summit is to revitalize the Ivory Coast-Ghana Cocoa Initiative and forge a united front in the face of changes in the global market.

Prior to this meeting, the 7th ordinary meeting of the Initiative's Steering Committee was held on Monday at the Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire, co-chaired by the Ivorian Minister of Agriculture, Bruno Nabagné Koné, and the Ghanaian Minister of Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson. The conclusions of their work were transmitted to the two heads of state.

The 3 pillars of the recovery

For Ivorian Minister Bruno Nabagné Koné, the relaunch of this strategic cooperation, desired by the two heads of state after a period of slowdown, revolves around three absolute priorities:

1. Fair compensation for cocoa producers.
2. The sustainability of production methods.
3. Strengthening research to combat cocoa tree diseases and the impact of climate change.

"The guidelines under discussion will help strengthen the protection of the sector and sustainably improve the living conditions of producers in both countries."

— Cassiel Ato Forson , Ghanaian Minister of Finance.

Towards a harmonization of policies

To increase their influence on the international stage and adapt to new market demands (particularly environmental standards), Abidjan and Accra are focusing on greater convergence. Key discussions center on:

1. The harmonization of price-setting mechanisms .
2. Synchronization of agricultural campaign calendars .
3. The implementation of joint strategies to combat crop diseases .

The weight of the two giants in figures

The alliance between Ivory Coast and Ghana remains the central element of global governance of brown gold.

Indicator	Volume / Market share
Cumulative annual production	~ 3.8 million tonnes
Share of global supply	Nearly 60%

The decisions arbitrated by Presidents Ouattara and Mahama will be formalized at the end of the summit by a final communiqué eagerly awaited by all players in the chocolate industry.