West Africa produces nearly 70% of the world’s cocoa, yet smallholder farmers in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire continue to face chronic underpayment, volatile markets, and limited access to financing.
In a report, Olasunkanmi Owoyemi, Managing Director at SGC–SunBeth Global Concepts, provided insight into cocoa producers’ core issues.
“The biggest challenge remains access to affordable credit,” said Owoyemi. “Without financing, farmers can’t invest in better tools, practices, or even proper storage, which impacts quality and income.”
Many smallholders cannot scale operations or adopt improved practices due to a lack of affordable loans.
This limitation affects production quality, reduces profitability, and undermines the long-term sustainability of cocoa farming.
Sustainability challenges remain high, with child labour and gender inequality still widespread in cocoa-producing communities.
Owoyemi noted SGC’s efforts to address these issues through women’s empowerment programs, education support, and transparent sourcing systems.
While the continent collectively anticipates a 4% growth rate in 2025, East Africa is outpacing the rest, posting a projected 5.9% growth rate, one of the highest in the world.
East Africa is experiencing strong growth, driven by investments in infrastructure and energy, rapid expansion in sectors like technology, fintech, and tourism, as well as improved regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania spearhead the momentum.
Experts say policy consistency, public-private partnerships, and macroeconomic stability are helping the region defy global headwinds.
Meanwhile, coffee, once a key export crop, is facing collapse in the Central African Republic.
Once a lifeline for thousands of families, the industry has been devastated by insecurity, cross-border smuggling, and a lack of government support.
Many growers have abandoned their farms due to armed conflict and plummeting prices.
Still, a few resilient producers continue cultivating coffee in areas like Boali and Berbérati, holding onto hope for better days.
“We grow because we believe coffee can still be a path to dignity,” said one farmer.
International aid, institutional reform, and agritech investment are possible solutions to sustain the sector.
