Persistent market volatility is one of the biggest threats to the sustainable development of Africa’s cocoa sector, the Cocoa and Coffee Farmers Alliance Association of Africa (COCEFAAA) has warned. Fluctuating prices continue to undermine farmers’ livelihoods and slow investment across the value chain.
Speaking ahead of the Cocoa & Coffee Fiesta Lagos, Nigeria 2026, scheduled for October 7 and 8, Global President of COCEFAAA, Adeola Adegoke, highlighted the remarkable resilience of African cocoa farmers despite years of unstable prices. Africa remains the world’s leading cocoa-producing region, accounting for about 70 per cent of global output, yet many farmers struggle with low and unpredictable returns.
“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 stated.
The association noted that while cocoa-producing countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Cameroon, and Nigeria have sustained global supply for decades, farmers often bear the burden of market shocks and price instability. This situation calls for stronger collaboration among governments, industry players, and development partners to protect farmers’ incomes and investments.
The forthcoming Fiesta aims to provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss practical solutions to challenges confronting the cocoa and coffee industries. Key discussion points include price volatility, market access, sustainability, regulatory compliance, African farmers’ income frameworks, de-commoditisation strategies, agroforestry expansion, carbon credit opportunities, integrated soil management, and compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation.
Adegoke added that the fiesta will showcase Africa’s strength and commitment to commodity sustainability, highlighting Nigeria’s efforts in reviving coffee production through public-private partnerships and boosting cocoa productivity via integrated soil management. This initiative seeks to expand Nigeria’s export portfolio, create employment, increase foreign exchange earnings, deepen rural prosperity, and support farmer income through diversification and climate resilience strategies.
Stakeholders from across Africa and beyond are expected at the event. COCEFAAA emphasized that strengthening regional cooperation among cocoa-producing countries is critical to addressing common economic, social, and environmental challenges. “Africa must speak with one voice in protecting the interests of its farmers and value chain actors. Through stronger regional collaboration, we can build more resilient and sustainable cocoa and coffee sectors that guarantee better returns for producers,” the association said.
The event will also witness the official launch of COCEFAAA as the first pan-African membership organisation dedicated to cocoa and coffee farmers on the continent. Its mission includes amplifying farmers’ voices, promoting sustainable production practices, advocating fair pricing, improving market access, empowering youth and women, and strengthening climate resilience.
