COFAAA launches cocoa revolution to unite African farmers

The National President of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN) and now Global Coordinator of COFAAA, Adeola Adegoke, has described the grand unveiling of the Cocoa Farmers Alliance Association of Africa (COFAAA) in Ibadan, Oyo State, as a new dawn for Africa’s cocoa industry.

The launch, which took place on Wednesday at the NUT Guest House at Samoda, Ibadan, Oyo State, marked a significant milestone in the quest for farmer empowerment, fair trade, and industry-wide reforms. This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the COFAAA Nigeria secretariat and made available to The Guardian in Abuja.

Delivering his opening address, Adegoke set the tone for Africa’s cocoa future as he celebrated the transformation of Nigerian cocoa farmers under his leadership, turning them from a scattered, struggling group into a formidable voice in the industry.

“COFAAA is not just an organisation; it is a movement,” he declared passionately. “For too long, African cocoa farmers have laboured without reward while the world enjoys our produce. That changes today. We are uniting to reclaim our rightful place in the industry and secure prosperity for every cocoa farmer across Africa.”

With Nigeria producing 300-450 kg per hectare, a figure far below its potential, Adegoke emphasised the need for innovation, partnerships, and sustainable farming practices to increase yields and profits.

He pointed out that although Africa produces 70% of the world’s cocoa (4.7 million metric tonnes), farmers remain impoverished due to unfair trade practices and poor governance. COFAAA aims to change that.

The event saw enthusiastic support from key stakeholders, including the President of the Cocoa Processors Association of Nigeria (COPAN), Otunba Felix Oladunjoye, who called for industry-wide reforms and fairer policies.

He decried excessive NAFDAC charges on cocoa exports but commended recent policy changes benefiting local processors.
Another supporter, Mr Nene Akwerty, Chief of Party, USDA-LWR Trace Project, praised COFAAA’s collaboration in cocoa-growing states and stressed the importance of sustainability in the sector.

A representative of the Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN) President, Alhaji Wasiu Adebayo, reaffirmed CAN’s commitment to cocoa farmers’ welfare and called for deeper industry partnerships.

The Oyo State House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture, led by Hon. Olagunju, Chairman, assured farmers of government policies aimed at protecting agricultural investments.

One of the most inspiring moments of the event was the official launch of COFAAA membership registration, symbolising the collective strength of African cocoa farmers. Led by Hon. Olagunju, farmers from various states signed up, eager to be part of the movement that promises to transform their industry.

With COFAAA at the helm, the African cocoa industry is set for a historic shift, Comrade Adegoke emphasized. He said the new dawn is one where farmers are no longer at the mercy of middlemen, policy failures, and global exploitation. Instead, they will lead the industry, set their terms, and demand fair compensation for their hard work.

The event was attended by top agricultural stakeholders, traditional rulers, and cocoa farmers from across Nigeria.