ARTICLE

Cocoa Beans in Africa

Written by

Edited by afrorama

Last updated:

February 11, 2025

The cocoa bean, the key ingredient in chocolate, is one of Africa’s most significant agricultural exports. Africa dominates the global cocoa industry, with Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana alone producing over 60% of the world's supply. The continent's cocoa economy supports millions of smallholder farmers.

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Origins and Spread of Cocoa Cultivation

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) is native to the Amazon Basin in South America, particularly present-day Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Brazil, but was introduced to Africa in the 19th century by Portuguese traders initially introduced cocoa to São Tomé and Príncipe in the 19th century, with British and Spanish colonial administrators later expanding its cultivation to Ghana, Nigeria, and Equatorial Guinea. The primary impetus behind its introduction was economic: European powers sought to establish a reliable and large-scale supply chain for chocolate production, capitalising on Africa’s favourable climate and cheap labour. The plant thrived in West and Central Africa’s humid tropical climate, leading to widespread cultivation in countries such as Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon.

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Key Cocoa-Producing Countries

Côte d'Ivoire: The world’s largest cocoa producer, accounting for about 40% of global production.
Ghana: The second-largest producer, accounting for approximately 20% of global production, known for its high-quality beans.
Nigeria and Cameroon: Significant producers, though with smaller global market shares.
Emerging Producers: Countries such as Uganda and Tanzania are gradually expanding their cocoa production.

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Key Cocoa-Consumption Countries

The largest consumers of cocoa and chocolate products are the United States, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, with China and India demonstrating growing demand. In Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa lead in cocoa consumption, driven by rising urbanisation and an expanding middle class. The European Union, collectively, remains the largest importer of cocoa, underpinned by its well-established chocolate industry.

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African Chocolate Brands

While Africa is the largest producer of cocoa, much of the chocolate-making process takes place outside the continent. However, several African chocolate brands have emerged, aiming to add value locally:

Ghana: 57 Chocolate (https://57chocolategh.com)
Madagascar: Chocolaterie Robert (https://chocolaterierobert.com)
Nigeria: Loshes Chocolate (https://losheschocolate.com)
South Africa: Afrikoa (https://afrikoa.com)

These brands are part of a growing movement to retain more of the economic benefits from cocoa production within Africa.

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Economic and Social Impact

Cocoa farming is a critical source of income for millions, particularly in rural West Africa. However, the industry faces major challenges:

Low Farmer Income: Many farmers earn less than $1 per day.
Child Labour: Reports indicate that hundreds of thousands of children work in cocoa farms, raising ethical concerns.
Environmental Concerns: Deforestation and soil depletion are growing problems.
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Challenges in Exporting Cocoa

African cocoa-producing countries face significant barriers when exporting to international markets, including the European Union, North America, and Asia:

Stringent Regulations: Many importing countries demand proof that cocoa is ethically sourced and not linked to deforestation or child labour.
Traceability Issues: Smallholder farms often lack formal land documentation, making it difficult to meet certification standards.
High Compliance Costs: Farmers and cooperatives must invest in sustainability initiatives, monitoring systems, and certifications, which can be financially burdensome.
Market Access: Farmers who fail to meet strict requirements risk being excluded from lucrative international markets.

To overcome these barriers, governments and industry stakeholders are investing in digital traceability programs, land tenure reforms, and sustainability initiatives to ensure market competitiveness.

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Sustainable Cocoa Initiatives

Efforts to improve sustainability include certification schemes such as Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance, as well as initiatives from governments and chocolate manufacturers aimed at improving farmer livelihoods.

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