Africa, often hailed as the cradle of cocoa, stands at the heart of the global chocolate industry. The continent’s lush, tropical climate and fertile soils create the perfect environment for cultivating cocoa, a crop that not only fuels a multi-billion dollar industry but also sustains millions of livelihoods. From the bustling cocoa farms in Côte d’Ivoire to the serene plantations in São Tomé and Príncipe, Africa’s contribution to the world’s cocoa supply is nothing short of monumental. In this article, we delve into the “Top 10 Largest Cocoa Producing Countries in Africa,” highlighting the nations that dominate the cocoa landscape and drive the continent’s economic pulse. Each country, with its unique blend of tradition, innovation, and resilience, plays a pivotal role in ensuring that Africa remains a powerhouse in the global cocoa market. Join us as we explore the rich stories behind these cocoa giants and their enduring impact on both the local and international stages.
Top 10 Largest Cocoa Producing Country in Africa
1. Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire, also known as Ivory Coast, proudly holds the title of the world’s leading producer and exporter of cocoa, contributing approximately 45% of the global supply. The nation’s cocoa industry is a vital component of its economy, shaping the livelihoods of millions and underpinning its export earnings. With an annual cocoa bean production ranging between 2.10 to 2.15 million tonnes, Côte d’Ivoire plays a dominant role in the global market, ensuring its position at the forefront of the cocoa industry.
Cocoa cultivation is widespread across the country, with significant production coming from regions like Soubré, which is recognized as the largest cocoa-producing area despite facing environmental challenges such as deforestation. Other notable regions include San-Pedro, Divo, and Gagnoa, each contributing substantially to the nation’s cocoa output.
Economically, cocoa is a cornerstone of Côte d’Ivoire’s financial stability, accounting for about 40% of its national export income. The sector supports millions of livelihoods, from smallholder farmers to workers in cocoa processing and export industries. Recent trends indicate a significant increase in domestic cocoa grinding, reflecting efforts to boost local processing capacities and add value to the raw commodity.
However, Côte d’Ivoire’s cocoa industry is not without its challenges. Climate change, marked by heavy rainfall, has affected the development of cocoa flowers and pods, prompting adjustments in production forecasts. Moreover, there are ongoing concerns about the income and welfare of cocoa farmers. Initiatives are underway to promote sustainable farming practices, ensure fair pricing, and improve the overall livelihoods of those dependent on this critical sector.
Despite these challenges, Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to sustainability and innovation ensures that it will maintain its leadership in the global cocoa market, while continuously striving to improve the conditions for its farmers and industry.
2. Ghana
Ghana stands as the world’s second-largest producer of cocoa, with this crop deeply embedded in the nation’s cultural and economic fabric. The phrase “Ghana is cocoa, cocoa is Ghana” aptly captures the significance of cocoa to the country’s identity and prosperity.
Ghana’s cocoa production has experienced fluctuations in recent years. In the 2022/2023 crop year, the country produced approximately 2.24 million metric tons of cocoa beans. However, challenges such as disease outbreaks and adverse weather conditions have led to significant declines, with reports indicating that output has nearly halved in certain periods.
Cocoa cultivation in Ghana is predominantly carried out by smallholder farmers, with average farm sizes ranging from 2 to 5 hectares. The western part of the country, including regions like Western North and Ashanti, serves as the primary hub for cocoa production.
Cocoa is a cornerstone of Ghana’s economy, contributing significantly to its GDP and foreign exchange earnings. The sector employs approximately 800,000 farm families and generates over $2 billion annually through export revenues. In 2021, cocoa contributed about GHS3.1 billion ($533 million) to the country’s GDP, accounting for over 10% of the total.
The Ghanaian cocoa industry faces several challenges, including aging farms, disease outbreaks, and the impacts of climate change. Approximately 25% of cocoa farms are past their productive peak, necessitating replanting and rehabilitation efforts. Additionally, issues such as illegal gold mining and smuggling have adversely affected production. To combat these challenges, the Ghana Cocoa Board (Cocobod) has implemented measures such as raising farmgate prices by nearly 45% and introducing new funding models to support farmers.
Despite these obstacles, Ghana remains committed to revitalizing its cocoa sector through sustainable practices, improved farmer support, and strategic reforms aimed at maintaining its pivotal role in the global cocoa market.
3. Nigeria
Nigeria ranks as the fourth-largest producer of cocoa globally, contributing approximately 6.5% to the world’s cocoa production.
In the 2023/2024 season, Nigeria’s cocoa production is projected to reach about 270,000 metric tons, reflecting a steady increase from previous years.
Cocoa cultivation in Nigeria is predominantly carried out by small-scale farmers, with the southwestern region being the primary hub for production. States such as Oyo and Ogun jointly contribute a significant portion to Nigeria’s cocoa output, with production capacities of about 33,000 and 30,000 metric tons respectively.
The cocoa industry is a vital component of Nigeria’s economy, serving as the seventh most exported product in 2022. In that year, Nigeria exported $489 million worth of cocoa beans, with major destinations including the Netherlands, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Despite its significant contributions, Nigeria’s cocoa sector faces several challenges. Farmers often grapple with issues such as aging farms, limited access to modern agricultural practices, and inadequate financial and extension support.
Additionally, the prevalence of pests and diseases, along with the impacts of climate change, pose ongoing threats to production.
4. Cameroon
Cameroon is a significant player in the global cocoa industry, ranking among the top five cocoa-producing countries worldwide. In the 2023/2024 season, the country’s cocoa production reached approximately 266,725 metric tons, marking a modest increase from the previous season’s output.
The primary cocoa-producing regions in Cameroon include the Centre, South-West, and Littoral areas, where favorable climatic conditions and fertile soils support cocoa cultivation. Smallholder farmers dominate the sector, with many relying on cocoa as their main source of income.
Cocoa is a vital component of Cameroon’s economy, contributing significantly to export revenues. In 2023, cocoa bean and derivative exports generated total revenue of CFA512 billion, up 10.4% from CFA463.6 billion in 2022. This figure represents a substantial portion of the country’s export earnings, underscoring the importance of cocoa to Cameroon’s economic landscape.
Despite its contributions, Cameroon’s cocoa sector faces several challenges. Farmers often contend with pests and diseases, such as the black pod disease, which can significantly reduce yields. Additionally, climate change poses threats through unpredictable weather patterns, affecting production stability. Security concerns, including theft of cocoa beans, have also been reported, prompting farmers to take measures to protect their crops.
To address these challenges and align with international standards, Cameroon has initiated efforts to enhance traceability within its cocoa supply chain. In August 2024, the country launched a platform to provide geolocation data of cocoa farms, aiming to comply with new European Union regulations that require products to be free from deforestation links. This initiative is expected to bolster the credibility of Cameroonian cocoa in international markets and ensure continued access to key export destinations.
Through these measures, Cameroon seeks to strengthen its cocoa sector, improve farmer livelihoods, and maintain its position as a leading cocoa producer on the global stage.
5. Togo
Togo, a West African nation, has a modest yet significant presence in the global cocoa industry. In 2022, the country produced approximately 14,000 metric tons of cocoa beans, marking a 40% increase from the previous year.
The majority of cocoa cultivation in Togo is carried out by smallholder farmers, with the southwestern regions benefiting from favorable climatic conditions and fertile soils. Despite the increase in production, Togo’s cocoa sector faces challenges such as limited access to modern agricultural practices and financial resources.
In 2022, Togo exported $25 million worth of cocoa beans, with the Netherlands, China, and Italy being the primary destinations.
To address these challenges and enhance the sector’s sustainability, Togo is implementing initiatives to improve cocoa quality and traceability, aiming to strengthen its position in the global market.
6. Uganda
Uganda is a notable cocoa producer in Africa, ranking among the top five cocoa-producing countries on the continent. In recent years, Uganda’s cocoa production has seen a steady increase, with over 30,000 tonnes of cocoa beans produced annually.
The southwestern region of Uganda, particularly the districts of Kisoro, Kabale, and Rukungiri, is renowned for its favorable climatic conditions and fertile soils, making it ideal for cocoa cultivation. Smallholder farmers dominate the sector, with many relying on cocoa as their primary source of income.
Uganda’s cocoa is highly regarded for its fine flavor, making it competitive on the international market. The country’s cocoa beans are often sought after by chocolate manufacturers seeking high-quality raw materials.
Despite its successes, Uganda’s cocoa industry faces several challenges. Farmers often grapple with issues such as pests and diseases, limited access to modern agricultural practices, and inadequate financial and extension support.
To address these challenges, there are ongoing efforts to revitalize the sector through sustainable farming practices, improved infrastructure, and better access to financial resources. The Ugandan government and various stakeholders are working towards enhancing the productivity and profitability of cocoa farming, aiming to strengthen Uganda’s position in the global cocoa market.
7. Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone, a West African nation, has a modest yet significant presence in the global cocoa industry. In 2019, the country produced approximately 14,648 metric tons of cocoa beans, ranking it 18th globally.
The majority of cocoa cultivation in Sierra Leone is carried out by smallholder farmers, predominantly in the Eastern region, including districts such as Kailahun, Kenema, and Kono. The country’s tropical climate, characterized by a dry season from October to March and a rainy season from May to October, provides favorable conditions for cocoa production.
In 2022, Sierra Leone exported $38.4 million worth of cocoa beans, making it the 18th largest exporter of cocoa beans in the world. The main destinations for these exports were the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Sierra Leone’s cocoa is highly regarded for its organic quality. In 2020, the European Union ranked Sierra Leone as the third-largest exporter of organic cocoa, following the Dominican Republic and Peru. This recognition highlights the country’s commitment to organic farming practices and the growing demand for organic cocoa in international markets.
To further enhance the cocoa sector, Sierra Leone inaugurated its first cocoa processing factory in 2021. This facility has the capacity to process up to 4,000 tonnes of cocoa beans per year, representing about a quarter of the country’s annual output. The establishment of this factory aims to add value to the raw cocoa beans and boost the local economy.
Despite these advancements, the cocoa industry in Sierra Leone faces challenges such as fluctuating yields and the need for improved infrastructure. Ongoing efforts are being made to address these issues and strengthen the sector’s contribution to the nation’s economy.
8. Liberia
Liberia, a West African nation, has a modest yet significant presence in the global cocoa industry. In 2022, the country exported approximately $44.6 million worth of cocoa beans, with the Netherlands, Malaysia, and Indonesia being the primary destinations.
The majority of cocoa cultivation in Liberia is carried out by smallholder farmers, predominantly in the southeastern regions, including counties such as Grand Gedeh, River Gee, and Maryland. The country’s tropical climate, characterized by a dry season from November to April and a rainy season from May to October, provides favorable conditions for cocoa production.
Despite its potential, Liberia’s cocoa sector faces several challenges. Years of civil unrest and the 2014 Ebola epidemic significantly impacted the country’s cocoa output. Additionally, farmers often lack access to modern agricultural inputs, such as pesticides and fertilizers, leading to low yields and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases.
To address these challenges, various initiatives have been implemented to revitalize the cocoa sector. The Liberia Cocoa Sector Improvement Program (LICSIP), funded by the European Union, aims to create a vibrant, competitive, and profitable cocoa economy driven by farmer groups and private enterprises.
Furthermore, stakeholders have identified key areas for improvement, including creating an enabling policy environment, strengthening trade and investment-support institutions, building the capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises, and expanding trade linkages.
In recent years, there has been a concerted effort to enhance the quality of Liberian cocoa, with a focus on organic and fair-trade certifications. These initiatives aim to increase the competitiveness of Liberian cocoa in international markets and improve the livelihoods of farmers.
Despite these efforts, the sector continues to face challenges, including limited access to financing, inadequate infrastructure, and the need for capacity building among farmers. Addressing these issues is crucial for Liberia to fully realize the potential of its cocoa industry and improve the livelihoods of its farmers.
9. Tanzania
Tanzania, located in East Africa, has a growing presence in the global cocoa industry. In 2022, the country exported approximately $30.1 million worth of cocoa beans, making it the 22nd largest exporter globally. The primary destinations for Tanzania’s cocoa exports include Indonesia, Malaysia, India, the United States, and Singapore.
The Tanzanian cocoa sector is predominantly supported by smallholder farmers, with an estimated 25,000 farmers and their families involved in cocoa cultivation.
The country’s cocoa production is estimated to range between 10,000 and 15,000 metric tons annually, positioning Tanzania around the 20th largest producer of cocoa worldwide.
Despite its potential, the Tanzanian cocoa industry faces several challenges. Many farmers lack access to modern agricultural practices and inputs, leading to suboptimal yields. Additionally, the sector is hindered by inadequate infrastructure and limited access to financial resources.
To address these challenges, various initiatives have been implemented to enhance the quality and sustainability of cocoa production in Tanzania. These efforts aim to improve farmers’ livelihoods and strengthen the country’s position in the global cocoa market.
10. São Tomé and Príncipe
São Tomé and Príncipe, an island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, has a rich history in cocoa production, which remains a cornerstone of its economy. In 2022, the country exported approximately $13.2 million worth of cocoa beans, making it the 28th largest exporter globally.
The nation’s cocoa industry is predominantly supported by smallholder farmers, with the largest producer being the Cooperativa de Produção e Exportação de Cacau Biológico (CECAB). Founded in 2004, CECAB is a cooperative of smallholders’ associations that sell organic cocoa to high-end chocolate manufacturers, such as Kaoka.
Historically, São Tomé and Príncipe was a leading cocoa producer, earning the nickname “the Chocolate Islands” in the early 20th century. However, the industry faced challenges due to labor issues and pests, leading to a decline in production. In recent years, there has been a concerted effort to revitalize the sector by focusing on organic and fair-trade cocoa production, aiming to improve quality and sustainability.
In 2021, the country produced approximately 1,650 tonnes of cocoa, a 40% increase from the previous year. This growth is attributed to the efforts of cooperatives like CECAB, which have been instrumental in promoting organic farming practices and improving the livelihoods of cocoa farmers.
Despite these advancements, the cocoa industry in São Tomé and Príncipe continues to face challenges, including fluctuating yields and the need for improved infrastructure. Ongoing initiatives aim to address these issues and strengthen the sector’s contribution to the nation’s economy.
Conclusion
Africa remains at the heart of global cocoa production, with many of its countries contributing significantly to the industry’s growth. From the well-established giants like Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana to the emerging players like São Tomé and Príncipe, each country has its unique strengths and challenges. While cocoa remains a vital economic resource for many African nations, the industry faces obstacles such as fluctuating yields, access to modern farming techniques, and infrastructure limitations. However, ongoing efforts to promote sustainable and organic farming, improve local economies, and increase global competitiveness show promise for the future of cocoa production on the continent. As demand for high-quality cocoa continues to rise, these nations’ continued investment in the cocoa sector will be key to securing their place in the global market.
