Ferrero launches initiative to protect children in Côte d’Ivoire cocoa communities 

IVORY COAST – Italian confectionery group Ferrero has partnered with Save the Children and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) to launch a long-term initiative to safeguard children and adolescents in cocoa-farming communities in Côte d’Ivoire. 

The initiative, running until 2030, builds on a pilot programme started in 2017 by Save the Children with Ferrero’s support. The expanded programme will continue to be co-financed by Ferrero and benefit from funding provided by Italian Cooperation, following a competitive selection process managed by AICS. 

The project focuses on strengthening child protection systems and promoting children’s rights in cocoa-producing areas. It will implement measures to reduce the risks and root causes of child labour, which remain closely tied to socio-economic challenges faced by farming families. 

Planned interventions include improving access to schools and healthcare services, enhancing civil registration, supporting women-led enterprises, and promoting alternative sources of income for households dependent on cocoa farming. 

Ferrero’s global chief procurement officer, Isabel Hochgesand, highlighted the importance of the initiative, saying: “This new phase of collaboration with Save the Children and the Italian Cooperation marks a significant step towards a more sustainable cocoa ecosystem.” 

“By working together across the entire cocoa value chain, we aim to build a transparent, inclusive, and lasting supply chain—capable of generating meaningful impact for both communities and our business.” 

Côte d’Ivoire and neighbouring Ghana account for around 60% of global cocoa production. However, more than 1.5 million children are estimated to be involved in the sector across the two countries.  

Cocoa from both nations has been listed by the US Department of Labour since 2009 as being produced with child or forced labour, with limited progress reported in reducing child labour despite repeated industry pledges. 

Daniela Fatarella, CEO of Save the Children Italy, emphasised the importance of multi-stakeholder action. “True change is not the result of isolated actions, but of transformative, long-term alliances. This partnership focuses on cross-cutting actions involving multiple actors to deliver sustainable results,” she said. 

The initiative underscores ongoing efforts to promote responsible cocoa sourcing and address long-standing social challenges in cocoa-producing regions. 

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