By Awyetu Asabe Hope
Nigeria and other cocoa-producing African countries have adopted the Abuja Declaration, committing to expand local cocoa processing, improve farmers’ incomes and strengthen Africa’s position in the global cocoa value chain.
The Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday following the recently concluded Cocoa Value Addition Summit in Abuja.
Enoh said the declaration seeks to reduce Africa’s reliance on raw cocoa exports by promoting local processing, value addition and a coordinated approach to global cocoa trade.
He noted that signatory countries also agreed to improve standards and traceability across the cocoa supply chain and prepare for compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation, which takes effect on December 30, 2026.
According to the minister, the initiative is expected to boost earnings for cocoa farmers, support local processors, create jobs and enhance the competitiveness of African cocoa products in global markets.
The declaration forms part of wider efforts by Nigeria and other African cocoa producers to drive industrialisation, diversify exports and secure a greater share of the multibillion-dollar global cocoa industry.
