Nigeria has taken the lead in shaping Africa’s economic future as top officials, including the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun have accompanied President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the 38th AU Summit in Addis Ababa.
The Summit played host to African leaders in Addis Ababa for the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government
With a focus on accelerating the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the summit highlighted key issues such as economic stability, health financing, and the establishment of an Africa Credit Rating Agency to align with Nigeria’s economic priorities.
Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga in a statement indicated that Nigeria’s active participation reaffirmed its commitment to driving economic integration and sustainable development across the continent.

The statement explained that with the AU Summit setting the stage for a more integrated and prosperous Africa, Nigeria’s active participation underscored its commitment to driving economic growth and development across the continent.
With the AfCFTA at the forefront of the agenda, Nigeria is poised to play a leading role in shaping Africa’s economic future.

The Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative (CIGCI) is making waves in the global cocoa industry with a renewed commitment to securing fairer prices and better livelihoods for African cocoa farmers. A recent high-level meeting between CIGCI Executive Secretary, Mr. Alex Arnaud Assanvo, and Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has further solidified this mission, drawing praise from stakeholders across the continent.
The Cocoa Farmers Association Alliance of Africa (COFAAA) has hailed the initiative as a transformative push toward economic justice for millions of smallholder farmers who form the backbone of the industry.
“Beyond policy dialogues, this collaboration represents a crucial fight for fairness, dignity, and sustainability in cocoa farming,” said Comrade Adeola Adegoke, COFAAA President and Global Coordinator. “For too long, African cocoa farmers have been at the mercy of fluctuating global prices and exploitative trade practices. Now, with Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana leading the charge, we are seeing real efforts to shift the power dynamics in favor of producers.”
At the core of the initiative is a drive to stabilize cocoa prices, reduce exploitation by middlemen, and ensure that African farmers receive a greater share of the wealth generated from their labor. Institutions such as Conseil Café-Cacao and Ghana Cocoa Board (Cocobod) are working alongside CIGCI to strengthen Africa’s bargaining position in the global cocoa trade, moving beyond being mere suppliers to becoming key decision-makers in the industry.
“We are not just producers; we are stakeholders in the global cocoa economy,” said Nana Yaw Rueben, COFAAA’s Public Relations Officer. “Our goal is to create a future where cocoa farming is a viable and rewarding profession, not a cycle of hardship.”

As consumers and international markets increasingly demand ethically sourced cocoa, the Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana alliance is setting a precedent for African agricultural sectors to demand fairer terms. Through farmer-centered policies, transparency in pricing, and collective action, this initiative is redefining Africa’s role in the global value chain.

With COFAAA throwing its weight behind this movement, the message is clear: Africa’s cocoa industry is no longer willing to accept the status quo. By standing united, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and the broader African cocoa community are laying the foundation for an industry that truly benefits those who cultivate its most valuable commodity.

Nigeria is set to officially launch its Cocoa Farmers Alliance Association of Africa (COFAAA) chapter on February 12, 2025, at the NUT Guest House, Samonda, Oyo State.
This landmark event aims to foster regional cooperation among African cocoa-producing countries, ensuring a more sustainable and farmer-focused cocoa industry.

The launch will follow the General Assembly meeting of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN) at the same venue, bringing together key stakeholders, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss the future of cocoa farming in Africa.
Global Coordinator of COFAAA and National President of CFAN, Comrade Adeola Adegoke, in a statement issued on Monday and made available to the NationalUpdate emphasized the importance of African cocoa farmers joining forces to maximize their 70% share of global cocoa production.

“With COFAAA, we are creating a unified front for smallholder cocoa farmers across Africa. Our goal is to develop strategies that will enhance sustainability, improve farmers’ livelihoods, and strengthen Africa’s influence in the global cocoa market,” Adegoke said.

COFAAA seeks to empower smallholder cocoa farmers, promote fair trade practices, and establish a strong support system for better productivity and market access.

All cocoa stakeholders in Nigeria and across Africa are invited to participate in this historic event, which will mark a new chapter in the collective advancement of the African cocoa industry.