African cocoa farmers warn market volatility threatens sector growth

AFRICA – The Cocoa and Coffee Farmers Alliance Association of Africa (COCEFAAA) has identified persistent market volatility as one of the most significant challenges facing Africa’s cocoa sector, warning that fluctuating prices continue to threaten farmers’ livelihoods, discourage investment and slow long-term industry development. 

In a statement issued ahead of the Cocoa & Coffee Fiesta Lagos, Nigeria 2026, COCEFAAA Global President Adeola Adegoke said African cocoa farmers have continued to demonstrate resilience despite years of unstable market conditions that have negatively affected incomes and productivity across the value chain. 

Africa remains the world’s leading cocoa-producing region, accounting for approximately 70% of global cocoa output. However, according to the association, many farmers continue to face low and unpredictable returns despite their critical contribution to global supply. 

“Market volatility remains a major threat to cocoa development across Africa. The constant fluctuations in prices have created uncertainty for farmers, discouraged investment and affected the long-term sustainability of the sector,” Adegoke said. 

The association noted that major cocoa-producing countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Cameroon and Nigeria, have sustained global cocoa supplies for decades, yet producers often bear the greatest impact of market shocks and price instability. 

“Despite the critical role African farmers play in supplying cocoa to the world, many continue to face unstable livelihoods due to factors beyond their control. This situation calls for stronger collaboration among governments, industry players and development partners to protect farmers’ incomes and investments,” the association stated. 

COCEFAAA said the upcoming fiesta will serve as a platform for stakeholders to examine practical solutions to challenges affecting both the cocoa and coffee industries. Key discussions are expected to focus on price volatility, sustainability, market access and regulatory compliance. 

The event will also address issues including farmer income frameworks, de-commoditisation strategies, agroforestry expansion, carbon credit opportunities, integrated soil management and compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation. 

Adegoke said the gathering would showcase Africa’s commitment to strengthening the sustainability of its cocoa and coffee sectors while highlighting efforts to revive coffee production in Nigeria through public-private partnerships and the Nigeria Coffee Revival Initiative. 

He added that stakeholders from Africa and international markets are expected to participate in the event alongside global industry partners. 

According to COCEFAAA, stronger regional cooperation among cocoa-producing countries is essential to addressing shared economic, social and environmental challenges. 

The event will also mark the official launch of COCEFAAA as the first pan-African membership organisation dedicated to representing cocoa and coffee farmers across the continent. 

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