Ivory Coast and Ghana Strengthen Cocoa and Cashew Cooperation
Ivory Coast, also known as Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana have announced a commitment to enhance their collaboration in the cultivation, processing, and marketing of cocoa and cashew nuts, two vital agricultural products for both nations. This agreement was reached during the first summit of the heads of state under the “Strategic Partnership Agreement between Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana,” held in Abidjan on Friday.
At the summit, Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara and Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo recognised the strategic significance of both cashew nuts and cocoa in driving their agricultural economies. An official statement from the summit indicated that the leaders have tasked their respective ministers with working to boost the competitiveness and sustainability of these industries. The goal is to enhance the livelihoods of local farmers and foster economic growth in both countries.
Côte d’Ivoire is currently the world’s leading producer of raw cashew nuts, with an impressive output of 1.2 million tonnes in 2023, significantly surpassing Ghana’s production of approximately 180,000 tonnes. In terms of cocoa, Côte d’Ivoire also holds the title of the top global producer, yielding over 2 million tonnes of cocoa beans, while Ghana produces less than 500,000 tonnes. Together, these two West African nations account for nearly 60 per cent of the world’s cocoa production, highlighting their crucial role in the global agricultural landscape.
The strengthened cooperation between Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana is expected to have positive implications for local farmers. By focusing on improving the processing and marketing of cocoa and cashew nuts, both governments aim to enhance the economic viability of these crops, which are essential for many families in rural areas.
As both countries continue to collaborate, the hope is that their combined efforts will lead to increased productivity and sustainability in their agricultural sectors, ultimately benefiting farmers and contributing to broader economic development.
This agreement marks a significant step towards solidifying the strategic partnership between Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, ensuring that both nations can leverage their agricultural strengths for mutual benefit and regional growth.