During the high-level summit on the Cocoa Initiative in Ivory Coast and Ghana on June 16, 2026, Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara and Ghanaian counterpart John Dramani Mahama underscored their shared resolve to advance a sustainable cocoa economy.

« Together with my brother, President John Dramani Mahama, we reaffirm today our determination to forge ahead in building a fair, prosperous, and sustainable cocoa economy for Ivory Coast, Ghana, and all of Africa, » declared President Ouattara.

For the Ivorian leader, the future of the cocoa sector represents a critical pillar of economic sovereignty, social stability, and shared prosperity for both nations. Cocoa sustains millions of rural livelihoods, driving income generation, job creation, and the financial resources needed for developmental policies.

President Ouattara highlighted significant progress achieved through the Ivory Coast-Ghana Cocoa Initiative but cautioned that challenges remain. Volatile global prices, climate change impacts, and tightening international regulations on sustainability and traceability demand collective action. He called for the gradual formation of an African coalition of cocoa-producing countries to amplify the continent’s voice in global cocoa governance.

Ghana’s President echoed the urgency of reinforcing investments in the sector’s growth. « Ivory Coast and Ghana must deepen institutional collaboration to strengthen bilateral ties, » he stated, emphasizing resilience and farmer empowerment as key priorities. « Our shared goal is to equip cocoa farmers with the tools they need to keep producing high-quality beans, » he added.

The two nations collectively account for over 60% of global cocoa production, with Africa supplying nearly 80% of the world’s supply.