Ghana has renewed calls for greater investment in Africa’s cocoa value chain, with the Cocoa Marketing Company (Ghana) Limited emphasising the need to move beyond raw bean production towards processing, manufacturing and higher-value cocoa products.
The call was made by the Marketing Director of the Cocoa Marketing Company, Mr. Wisdom Dogbey at the Africa Cocoa Investment Forum (ACFIF) in New York, he participated in panel discussions on unlocking bankable investment opportunities across Africa’s cocoa industry.
The forum comes amid growing pressure on African cocoa-producing countries to capture a greater share of the value generated from the global chocolate and cocoa products market.
Mr. Dogbey mentioned that, although West Africa remains the centre of global cocoa production, much of the processing, manufacturing and branding that generate additional value takes place outside the continent
“Africa must move beyond producing cocoa to capturing greater value from it,” he mentioned.
Closing Africa’s Value Addition Gap
Africa’s cocoa investment challenge extends beyond increasing production. It also involves expanding domestic processing capacity, attracting capital for industrial infrastructure, strengthening supply chains and developing the technical expertise required to manufacture competitive cocoa products.
Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire dominate global cocoa production, making the two countries strategically important to the international chocolate industry. However, their position as leading suppliers of cocoa beans does not automatically translate into equivalent influence over the higher-value segments of the market.
The World Cocoa Foundation and the International Cocoa Organization have highlighted the importance of sustainability, productivity, farmer livelihoods and value-chain development in shaping the industry’s long-term prospects.
These priorities are particularly significant for African producers seeking to improve their economic returns from cocoa.
Greater investment in local processing could enable producing countries to supply cocoa liquor, butter, powder and other semi-finished products to international manufacturers.
Further development of domestic manufacturing could also create opportunities for producing finished chocolate and other consumer goods for African and overseas markets.
The objective is to connect its established cocoa production base with a more diversified industrial economy.
Also, expanding processing and manufacturing could support employment, strengthen domestic businesses and increase the contribution of cocoa to export earnings.
Investment Must Deliver Farmer Benefits
The investment agenda also raises questions about how additional value generated within the cocoa industry will benefit farmers, who remain central to the sector’s productivity and long-term sustainability.
The International Cocoa Organization’s work on global production, consumption and market developments underscores the importance of understanding the relationship between supply, demand and prices.
At the farm level, productivity improvements, access to agricultural inputs, effective extension services and climate-resilient farming practices are essential to sustaining production.
The Cocoa Marketing Company (Ghana) Limited, which operates within Ghana’s cocoa marketing system, has a role in connecting the country’s cocoa supplies to international commercial markets.
Its engagement with investors and industry stakeholders can help strengthen relationships between Ghana’s cocoa sector and businesses seeking dependable sourcing arrangements.
Marketing Director of C.M.C, Mr. Wisdom Dogbey
“We remain committed to fostering partnerships that strengthen Ghana’s cocoa industry, improve farmer livelihoods, create jobs, and retain more value within Africa.”
The emphasis on partnerships reflects the need for coordinated investment across different stages of the value chain. Processors require dependable raw material supplies, farmers need viable markets, and manufacturers need the infrastructure and commercial relationships to compete internationally.
Building a Competitive Cocoa Industry
Active participation in ACFIF offers Ghana an opportunity to position its cocoa industry before international investors and explore partnerships capable of supporting industrial expansion.
However, converting investor interest into bankable projects requires credible business proposals, transparent commercial arrangements and a clear understanding of market demand.
Investors must be able to assess the costs of production, availability of raw materials, regulatory requirements and potential returns before committing substantial capital.
Regional cooperation could also strengthen the investment case. Ghana and other African cocoa-producing countries could explore opportunities to improve processing efficiency, coordinate infrastructure development and expand access to markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
A larger integrated market could provide additional opportunities for cocoa processors and manufacturers seeking to serve consumers across the continent.
Nevertheless, realising these benefits would depend on effective trade facilitation, competitive production costs and the ability of African businesses to meet international quality and sustainability standards.
The representative’s participation in the New York forum also illustrated how industry engagement can connect domestic development priorities with international investment discussions, even as public responsibilities continue at home.
“The future of African cocoa must be built on investment, innovation and shared prosperity.”
Marketing Director of C.M.C, Mr. Wisdom Dogbey
Ghana’sability to secure greater economic benefits from cocoa will depend on how effectively it converts its production advantage into industrial competitiveness.
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