The Cocoa Farmers Alliance Association of Africa (COFAAA) has commended cocoa stakeholders across Africa, especially Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria, Uganda etc., for their proactive steps towards meeting the requirements of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which takes effect in 2025.
COFAAA praised the concerted efforts of cocoa companies, farmer cooperatives, and sustainability organisations for embracing traceability, environmental stewardship, and farmer support systems that align with EUDR’s mandate to ensure cocoa entering the EU market is deforestation-free and legally produced.Recognised contributors include global cocoa players: Barry Callebaut, Cargil, Nestlé, Mondelez International, Olam International, Ferrero Group, Meiji Holdings, Ezaki Glico, Lotte Confectionery, Johnvents Group, Cocoa Marketing Company Ghana Ltd. FTN Cocoa Processors Plc, Tulip Cocoa Processing Ltd, Omas Commodities, Touton S.A, AMP Logistics, Arasa Africa, Sunbeth Global Concepts, Saro Agro-Allied, Starlink Global & Ideal Ltd, Agro Traders Ltd, Berveek Limited, Theobroma Nigeria Ltd, Multi-Trex Integrated Foods Plc, Atlantic Cocoa Corporation (ACC) Niche Cocoa Industry, Hans Nef Cocoa Ghana, Afrotropic Cocoa Processing Ltd (ACPC), Golden Leaves Ghana, Plot Ghana, Société Coopérative Simplifiée Holy Price: JS Cocoa, CINPA, Dorado Ivory, Tan Ivoire SA, Soc Coop Djiguiya des Agriculteurs du Zanzan, Groupement des Exportateurs et Professionnels de P (GEX), Moi Foods Ivory Coast Limited, Sic Cacaos, Telcar Cocoa, Cocoa Mude Cameroon, Africa Processing Company and FODECC etc.Regulatory institutions such as the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Cote d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative (CIGCI), National Cocoa Management Committee (Nigeria), Conseil du Café-Cacao (Côte d’Ivoire), National Cocoa and Coffee Board (Cameroon), and Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) were also commended for their leadership in policy formulation, farmer education, and compliance frameworks.
Sustainability-focused partners including the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF), International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO), Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Croplife, International Labour Organisation (ILO), Lutheran World Relief (LWR) and Rainforest Alliance, continue to play a vital role in guiding the sector towards compliance, especially in farm mapping, supply chain transparency, and regenerative cocoa farming practices.
EUDR compliance is not just a regulatory obligation, it is a commitment to protecting our forests, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for our farmers. The Africa Cocoa Summit and Awards will be a platform to showcase the innovations, partnerships, and leadership driving this transformation.
The Africa Cocoa Summit and Awards will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and farmers to address EUDR readiness, sustainability best practices, and future opportunities for the cocoa sector. The highlight will be the Africa Cocoa Awards, celebrating outstanding contributions to sustainability, innovation, and industry advancement.
Award Nomination Process
COFAAA has established a transparent selection process:Submission of Nominations: Stakeholders may submit entries highlighting impactful projects, leadership, and sustainability initiatives through the nomination website:
Evaluation by Awards Committee:
An independent panel of experts will assess entries based on innovation, sustainability, community impact, and industry advancement.Shortlisting: Only shortlisted nominees will be contacted and recognised as award recipients during the Summit.
The journey to EUDR compliance is a collective effort. By working together, we can not only meet global standards but also strengthen Africa’s position as the world’s most sustainable and competitive cocoa-producing region. COFAAA encourages all eligible stakeholders to submit nominations and participate in the Summit, which promises to be a landmark event in shaping the future of cocoa in Africa.
E-signed:
Comrade Adeola Adegoke
Global President
