Kufuor to Headline Africa Cocoa Forum at London Stock Exchange

Former President of Ghana, John Agyekum Kufuor, is set to deliver a keynote address at the maiden edition of the Africa Cocoa Finance & Investment Forum (ACFIF 2026), scheduled for May 6 at the London Stock Exchange.

The forum will bring together investors, policymakers and industry stakeholders from around the world to explore strategies for unlocking Africa’s cocoa potential.

Kufuor’s address, themed “Africa Cocoa Vision 2050 – Historical Reflections and Future Pathways,” is expected to shape discussions on the future direction of the continent’s cocoa industry.

Organisers say the former president will draw on his leadership experience in governance and agriculture to highlight how cocoa can support industrialisation, regional trade and sustained economic growth across Africa.

During his tenure from 2001 to 2008, Kufuor implemented key reforms in Ghana’s cocoa sector, including nationwide mass spraying programmes and fertiliser support schemes. These interventions contributed to a rise in cocoa production from about 300,000 tonnes to more than 750,000 tonnes, paving the way for Ghana’s record one million-tonne harvest in the 2010/11 season.

He also promoted value addition by attracting major international cocoa processors such as Cargill, Barry Callebaut and Olam, strengthening Ghana’s processing capacity.

The event will include a high-level panel discussion focused on opportunities for growth and transformation within the cocoa sector, featuring contributors such as Olasunkanmi Owoyemi and Alex Assanvo.

Another session will examine emerging areas in cocoa value addition, including chocolate production, nutraceuticals and pharmaceutical applications. Industry figures such as Patricia Poku-Diaby and Vishnu Kakra are expected to share insights.

A key highlight will be a presentation by Michel Arrion of the International Cocoa Organization, who will introduce plans for an African Cocoa Exchange aimed at improving pricing transparency and enhancing Africa’s position in global trade.

ACFIF 2026 marks the first edition of what organisers intend to establish as a major global platform for attracting investment and fostering partnerships in Africa’s cocoa industry.

The forum is being organised by Cocoa Trade & Invest Africa and DMA Invest, in collaboration with the Institute of Directors Africa Group.

With global demand for cocoa products continuing to rise, stakeholders say the forum presents a timely opportunity to reposition Africa as not only a leading producer of cocoa beans but also a major force in value-added production and international market leadership.