Meiji Holdings signs Ghana cocoa sustainability and circular economy agreement
The partnership brings Ghana, Japan and Meiji together to explore sustainable cocoa development and opportunities to create higher-value products from cocoa-related materials.
GHANA – Japanese confectionery company Meiji Holdings Co. Ltd. has signed a Letter of Intent with the Government of Ghana to strengthen cooperation on the sustainable development of the country’s cocoa industry and circular economy.
The agreement was signed in Accra on 14 September 2026 during an event marking the 100th anniversary of Meiji’s Milk Chocolate.
Ghana’s Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare signed the agreement on behalf of the Ghanaian government, while Japan’s Ambassador to Ghana Hiroshi Yoshimoto signed on behalf of the Japanese government. Meiji Holdings’ Chief Executive Officer also initialled the agreement for the company.
The agreement provides a framework for cooperation between Ghana, Japan and Meiji on sustainable cocoa development and circular-economy activities in Ghana. However, the government did not disclose specific investment commitments, project values or implementation timelines.
The partnership comes as Ghana seeks to increase value generated from its cocoa sector while addressing sustainability and waste-related challenges. Cocoa remains an important source of export earnings and rural livelihoods in the country.
Under the Letter of Intent, the parties will cooperate on activities related to sustainable cocoa development and the circular economy, including potential opportunities to convert cocoa-related materials into higher-value products.
The agreement also builds on the longstanding relationship between Ghana and Meiji, whose flagship Milk Chocolate product is celebrating its centenary.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, Meiji presented the Ghanaian government with 10,000 ballpoint pens made from cacao bioplastic. The company described the gesture as an expression of appreciation for Ghana’s longstanding partnership and friendship with Japan.
Ofosu-Adjare congratulated Meiji on reaching its 100th anniversary and wished the company continued growth and success.
Chief of Staff at the Office of the President Julius Debrah urged government institutions involved in the partnership to work together and focus on delivering results.
Debrah said the government viewed Meiji’s contribution in the spirit of friendship and partnership between Ghana and Japan.
The Letter of Intent does not establish specific financing arrangements, cocoa projects or measurable targets. Details on implementation and future projects were not disclosed at the signing ceremony.
The agreement nevertheless establishes a framework for further cooperation between the three parties on sustainable cocoa development and circular-economy initiatives in Ghana.
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