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International Partnerships

Securing the future of cocoa communities

Driving sustainable growth in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Cameroon

Keeping the value of the harvest local

For generations, families in Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana and Cameroon have been the heartbeat of the global cocoa economy. Now is the time for local empowerment to take root through sustainable farming and improved standards. Promoting local processing is a key priority, keeping jobs, skills, and value right where cocoa is grown.

Two farmers have a conversation during the cocoa pod harvest, production of chocolate in Africa
© Shutterstock

Putting the people behind cocoa first

Real progress means fostering a fairer system, which starts with securing fair prices, strengthening local cooperatives, and ensuring that the dedication of every farmer is not only valued but also fairly rewarded.

The Sustainable Cocoa Initiative and 'Cocoa Talks' help shape this vision, focusing on three interlinked pillars: securing decent incomes, safeguarding children's rights and education, and protecting local forests.

These initiatives are already revitalising rural economies and creating tangible opportunities for young people.

  

Boosting farmer incomes

Better training, stronger partnerships and reforms across the cocoa sector are supporting farmers and cooperatives in building more sustainable businesses and improving their livelihoods. Fair incomes and sustainable cocoa production go hand in hand, together helping to secure the future of cocoa.

Supported by a global partnership

The European Union, through the EU Sustainable Cocoa Programme and together with Team Europe partners – including Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and France – is supporting the transformation of the cocoa sector in Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana and Cameroon under its Global Gateway investment strategy. Together, these partnerships have already mobilised more than €223 million, including €100 million in European Investment Bank loan financing for the sector in Côte d’Ivoire.

Proud smiling African cocoa picker shows off a large yellow pod from the basket in his hand
© Shutterstock

Progress in action

Watch this video to see how Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana and Cameroon are building a prosperous cocoa future.