For decades, African cocoa farmers have toiled in the shadows, producing the raw materials that fuel a global multi-billion-dollar chocolate industry while remaining the least rewarded players in the value chain. But that narrative is about to change.
On February 12, 2025, a historic movement was born in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria—the Cocoa Farmers Alliance Association of Africa (COFAAA)—an initiative designed to give African cocoa farmers a voice, economic power, and control over their industry.
The launch, held at the NUT Guest House, Samonda, Ibadan, drew key agricultural stakeholders, policymakers, and cocoa farmers from across Nigeria.
At the heart of it all was Comrade Adeola Adegoke, National President of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN) and now Global Coordinator of COFAAA.
Adegoke, in a rousing speech, painted a future where cocoa farmers no longer struggle under unfair pricing, government neglect, and middlemen exploitation.
“Africa produces 70% of the world’s cocoa, yet our farmers remain poor. That ends today!” he declared.
He stressed that COFAAA is not just an organization, but a revolution, a movement dedicated to ensuring that cocoa farmers receive fair compensation, benefit from industry policies, and adopt sustainable farming practices to increase productivity and income.
Nigeria, for instance, currently produces 300-450kg per hectare, far below its potential. COFAAA, he explained, will push for innovations that increase yields, open access to international markets, and empower farmers to negotiate better trade deals.
The unveiling of COFAAA was met with enthusiastic support from major industry stakeholders such as Otunba Felix Oladunjoye, President of the Cocoa Processors Association of Nigeria (COPAN), called for urgent reforms, condemning excessive NAFDAC charges on cocoa exports, which stifle local processors.
Another supporter, Mr. Nene Akwerty, Chief of Party, USDA-LWR Trace Project, praised COFAAA’s commitment to sustainability and highlighted ongoing partnerships in cocoa-growing states.
Alhaji Wasiu Adebayo, representative of the Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN) President, reaffirmed support for COFAAA and called for deeper collaboration across the value chain.
Hon. Olagunju, Chairman, Oyo State House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture, assured farmers of government protection for their investments.
A defining moment at the event was the official launch of COFAAA’s membership registration, led by Hon. Olagunju. Cocoa farmers from various states eagerly signed up, symbolizing their commitment to taking control of their industry.
“This is more than a registration—this is a declaration of independence for African cocoa farmers,” Adegoke remarked.
With COFAAA now at the forefront, the cocoa industry in Africa is poised for a transformation—one where farmers are no longer pawns in a global game, but powerful players shaping their own destiny.