African cocoa-producing countries are intensifying efforts to secure a larger share of the global cocoa industry's economic value, with policymakers, regulators and private-sector leaders using the upcoming Africa Cocoa Finance & Investment Forum (ACFIF), New York 2026, as a platform to advance discussions on financing, market access and value addition across the continent's cocoa sector.
Although Africa accounts for the majority of global cocoa production, much of the industry's value continues to be captured outside producing countries through processing, manufacturing, branding and retail activities.
The New York forum, scheduled for October 26 at 48, 2026, Wall Street, will bring together government officials, commodity traders, financiers and industry executives to examine how African producers can increase participation across the broader value chain.
The gathering reflects a growing consensus among industry stakeholders that the long-term sustainability of cocoa-producing economies depends not only on exporting raw beans but also on attracting investment into processing, logistics, risk management and higher-value cocoa products.
"ACFIF is part of a broader conversation about how Africa can participate more meaningfully in the economics of the cocoa industry," said Fuad Abubakar Mohammed, Lead Convenor of the Africa Cocoa Finance & Investment Forum (ACFIF).
"The continent's role in cocoa production is well established.
The question now is how to create the conditions for greater investment, stronger commercial partnerships and increased value retention within producing countries."
The agenda features several figures who have been influential in shaping policy and commercial discussions across the global cocoa sector.
Value addition
Among them is H.E. Ambassador Aly Touré, Permanent Representative of Côte d'Ivoire to International Commodity Organisations and spokesperson for cocoa-producing countries, who is expected to deliver a keynote address on strengthening farmer incomes, value addition and international partnerships.
His participation underscores the increasing importance of cocoa diplomacy as producing nations seek greater influence in global commodity discussions and trade relationships.
Also playing a central role is Dr Ransford A. Abbey, Chief Executive of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), who will present on Ghana's cocoa reforms, financing initiatives and partnership opportunities.
His session is expected to provide insight into efforts by one of the world's leading cocoa-producing nations to modernise sector financing and improve the industry's long-term competitiveness.
Beyond policy discussions, the forum will examine practical mechanisms for attracting capital into the sector.
Sessions are scheduled to address investment partnerships, commodity risk management, revenue enhancement strategies and market access opportunities in the United States, bringing together representatives from financial institutions, commodity trading companies and chocolate manufacturers.
Industry participants say such discussions are becoming increasingly important as cocoa-producing countries seek to reduce their exposure to commodity-price volatility while capturing more value from global demand for cocoa and chocolate products.
For many stakeholders, the challenge is no longer simply increasing production, but ensuring that a greater share of investment, processing and commercial returns remains within Africa.
The New York forum is likely to serve as a gauge of how far that agenda has progressed, and whether closer cooperation between governments, investors and industry players can help reshape Africa's position within the global cocoa economy.
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