Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana move to Harmonise Cocoa Farmgate Prices

Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana have announced a major policy shift to harmonise their farmgate cocoa pricing systems, a move aimed at improving farmer incomes and strengthening their influence in the global cocoa market, the B&FT reported.

The agreement was formalised in a Joint Declaration issued by President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire and President John Dramani Mahama during the Côte d’Ivoire–Ghana High‑Level Summit on the Future of the Cocoa Economy held in Abidjan.

The two leaders emphasised that their countries collectively produce about 60 percent of the world’s cocoa and therefore share a responsibility to shape the future of the sector.

They stressed that aligning cocoa farmgate price policies is essential for ensuring fair remuneration for farmers and promoting long‑term sustainability in cocoa‑growing communities.

Harmonisation to Reduce Market Distortions and Strengthen Bargaining Power

Under the new agreement, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana will synchronise farmgate cocoa price announcements, align crop season calendars, and coordinate origin premiums.

The harmonisation effort is expected to reduce cross‑border price distortions, discourage smuggling, and enhance the countries’ collective bargaining position in international cocoa negotiations.

Both governments reiterated that predictable and equitable farmgate cocoa pricing is central to achieving economic justice for farmers who form the backbone of the cocoa value chain.

Progress Under the Côte d’Ivoire–Ghana Cocoa Initiative

The declaration highlighted the achievements of the Côte d’Ivoire–Ghana Cocoa Initiative (CIGCI), including the introduction of the Living Income Differential (LID), progress in harmonising marketing systems, and joint efforts to improve traceability and sustainability standards.

These reforms have strengthened the two countries’ ability to influence global cocoa pricing and advocate for farmer welfare.

However, the leaders acknowledged that the cocoa sector continues to face significant challenges.

These include global price volatility, the spread of illegal gold mining, climate‑related threats, the increasing use of cocoa substitutes, and tightening international sustainability regulations.

Beyond Farmgate Cocoa Prices: Scientific and Industrial Cooperation

Beyond price alignment, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana agreed to deepen scientific cooperation, particularly in combating Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease (CSSVD), which continues to devastate farms across West Africa.

They also committed to expanding domestic cocoa processing, promoting regional consumption of cocoa products, and enhancing value addition to retain more revenue within the continent.

Plans to Expand the Cocoa Initiative Across Africa

In a forward‑looking move, the two countries announced plans to expand the CIGCI to other African cocoa‑producing nations.

The goal is to strengthen regional cooperation, harmonise sector policies, and build a unified African front capable of exerting greater influence in the global cocoa economy.

By broadening the initiative, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana aim to reinforce Africa’s collective voice on issues such as farmgate cocoa policy, sustainability requirements, and market transparency.