The Cocoa and Coffee Farmers Alliance Association of Africa (COCEFAAA) has raised alarm over the continued volatility in global cocoa prices, describing it as a major challenge affecting the growth and sustainability of Africa’s cocoa industry.

Speaking ahead of the Cocoa & Coffee Fiesta Lagos 2026, scheduled to hold on October 7 and 8, the Global President of COCEFAAA, Adeola Adegoke, said African cocoa farmers have remained resilient despite years of unstable market conditions that have negatively impacted earnings, productivity and overall sector development.

According to Adegoke, Africa contributes about 70 per cent of the world’s cocoa production, yet many farmers across the continent continue to face uncertain and often inadequate returns on their investments.

He noted that persistent price fluctuations have created an unpredictable business environment, making it difficult for farmers to plan effectively, attract investment and sustain long-term growth.

“Market volatility remains one of the biggest obstacles to cocoa development in Africa. Constant changes in prices create uncertainty, discourage investment and threaten the sustainability of the sector,” he said.

The association observed that cocoa-producing nations such as Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Cameroon and Nigeria have remained key suppliers to the global market for decades, but farmers frequently bear the consequences of market instability and external economic shocks.

COCEFAAA stressed that despite their crucial contribution to global cocoa supply, many African farmers continue to struggle with unstable incomes due to factors beyond their control.

The group therefore called for stronger collaboration among governments, industry stakeholders and development partners to protect farmers’ livelihoods and promote sustainable growth within the sector.

According to the association, the upcoming Cocoa & Coffee Fiesta will serve as a platform for industry players to explore practical solutions to challenges affecting the cocoa and coffee value chains, including price instability, market access, sustainability concerns and regulatory requirements.

Adegoke revealed that key discussions at the event would focus on improving farmers’ income frameworks, promoting de-commoditisation strategies, expanding agroforestry initiatives, exploring carbon credit opportunities, enhancing integrated soil management and addressing compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation.

He added that the gathering would showcase Africa’s commitment to the sustainability of its cocoa and coffee industries while highlighting Nigeria’s efforts to revive coffee production through the Nigeria Coffee Revival Initiative.

According to him, public-private partnerships and targeted interventions aimed at boosting cocoa productivity through integrated soil management approaches are expected to contribute significantly to the growth of the sector.

He explained that these initiatives would help diversify Nigeria’s export base, create employment opportunities for young people and women, increase foreign exchange earnings, strengthen rural economies and improve farmers’ incomes through diversification and climate-resilient practices.

Adegoke noted that stakeholders from across Africa and other parts of the world are expected to participate in the event alongside global partners in the cocoa and coffee industries.

He maintained that although African producers have continued to sustain cocoa and coffee value chains despite years of market instability, prolonged price fluctuations have slowed development and contributed significantly to the economic challenges faced by farmers.

The association also emphasized the importance of stronger cooperation among cocoa-producing countries, saying regional collaboration is essential for addressing the shared economic, environmental and social challenges confronting the sector.

COCEFAAA stated that African countries must work together to safeguard the interests of farmers and value chain participants, adding that a united approach would help build more resilient and sustainable cocoa and coffee industries capable of delivering better returns to producers.

The organisation further disclosed that the Fiesta will feature the official launch of COCEFAAA as the continent’s first pan-African membership body dedicated specifically to cocoa and coffee farmers.

According to the association, its objectives include amplifying the voices of farmers, promoting sustainable production practices, advocating fair pricing, improving market access, empowering women and youth, and strengthening climate resilience in cocoa and coffee-growing communities.

Participants expected at the event include farmers, processors, exporters, researchers, policymakers, investors, development partners and international industry leaders from across Africa and beyond.