The future of Africa’s cocoa sector took center stage today as the leaders of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana convened for the high-level Cocoa Initiative summit. On June 16, 2026, President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire and President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana jointly declared their unwavering dedication to fostering a sustainable cocoa economy that benefits both nations and the entire continent.

In a joint statement, President Ouattara emphasized the critical importance of the cocoa industry to the economic sovereignty, social stability, and shared prosperity of both countries. “With my brother, President John Dramani Mahama, we stand united in our resolve to build a fair, thriving, and sustainable cocoa economy for Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and all of Africa,” he declared. The cocoa sector underpins the livelihoods of millions in rural communities, generating vital income, creating jobs, and funding essential development programs.

Overcoming sector challenges

The leaders acknowledged significant progress achieved through the Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative but stressed that critical challenges remain. Fluctuating global prices, climate change impacts, and increasingly stringent international regulations on sustainability and traceability demand urgent attention. President Ouattara called for the formation of a unified African coalition of cocoa-producing nations to amplify the continent’s voice in global cocoa governance.

President Mahama echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for continued investment in the sector to ensure its growth and resilience. “Our priority is to equip farmers with the tools and resources needed to sustain high-quality cocoa production,” he stated. Strengthening institutional collaboration between the two countries was identified as a key strategy to enhance sector resilience.

Global production dominance

With combined production exceeding 60% of the world’s cocoa supply—and African nations contributing nearly 80%—the Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana alliance holds immense influence over the global cocoa market. This leadership position underscores the importance of their collaborative efforts to set sustainable standards and drive positive change across the industry.