At the opening of the high-level summit of the Ivory Coast-Ghana Cocoa Initiative, Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara made a passionate appeal for cooperation with Ghana. Alongside his Ghanaian counterpart, John Dramani Mahama, the head of state stressed the urgent need to jointly address the structural challenges facing the cocoa economy.

A united front in the face of major challenges

Although Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana dominate the market, accounting for over 60% of global production (with Africa representing nearly 80%), the sector remains vulnerable. Alassane Ouattara listed the main obstacles threatening the future of cocoa:

1. The high volatility of global prices.
2. The severe impact of climate change and the aging of plantations.
3. The scourge of illegal gold mining.
4. The new strict international requirements for sustainability and traceability.

“The farmer must be placed at the heart of all policies, as a key player in the value chain.” – Alassane Ouattara

The strategic areas of response

To reverse this trend, the Ivorian president has drawn up a clear roadmap based on three priorities:

1. Securing incomes: Strengthening price stabilization mechanisms in the market.
2. Industrialize: Intensify the local processing of beans.
3. Conquering new markets: Promoting the consumption of chocolate and related products in Africa and internationally.

Towards an “African Cocoa Coalition”

While acknowledging the achievements of bilateral cooperation initiated in 2018—which notably led to the implementation of the Decant Income Differential (DID) to better compensate producers—Alassane Ouattara has a broader vision. He aims to consolidate the Cocoa Initiative and expand it to other producing countries on the continent to establish a genuine African coalition capable of wielding significant influence in the global governance of the sector.

Describing the two nations as "twin" countries linked by a historical fraternity, the Ivorian head of state said he was fully optimistic about the conclusions of this summit, which should lead to concrete commitments for a fairer, more competitive and sustainable cocoa economy.