At the high-level summit on the Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative held on June 16, 2026, Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara and Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama reiterated their shared resolve to advance a sustainable cocoa economy.

“Together with my brother, President John Dramani Mahama, we renew our commitment to building a fair, prosperous, and sustainable cocoa economy for Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Africa as a whole,” declared Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara.

For both nations, the future of the cocoa sector represents a critical pillar of economic sovereignty, social stability, and collective prosperity. Cocoa sustains millions in rural communities, driving household incomes, job creation, and funding essential for development policies.

President Ouattara highlighted significant progress achieved through the Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative but cautioned that challenges remain. Price volatility, climate change impacts, and tightening global sustainability regulations pose ongoing threats to the industry. He called for the formation of a unified African cocoa-producing coalition to amplify the continent’s voice in global sector governance.

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama emphasized the need for increased investment in the cocoa sector to ensure its growth. He stressed that Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana must strengthen institutional collaboration to bolster bilateral ties and enhance the sector’s resilience. “Our goal is to equip farmers with every tool needed to sustain cocoa bean production,” he stated.

Together, the two countries contribute over 60% of global cocoa production, with Africa supplying nearly 80% of the world’s cocoa.