Initiatives in Togo's Cocoa Industry

Aug 26, 2024

Conference on the Cocoa Industry in Togo

General Context

  • Africa, rich in natural resources, often sees the benefits of these resources go abroad.
  • Post-colonial globalized economy: enrichment of the rich, continued poverty of the poor.
  • Example of struggle in Togo: innovative project to produce chocolate locally.

Local Chocolate Project in Togo

  • Project led by local entrepreneur, Komi Agbokou, after learning his trade in Italy.
  • Project aims to transform local cocoa into chocolate, contrary to the current economic model where African producers receive a tiny share of the value chain.
  • The global chocolate industry is worth more than 100 billion dollars per year.

Situation of Cocoa Producers in Togo

  • Many farmers live below the poverty line.
  • Fluctuations in cocoa prices affecting local producers.
  • Local cooperatives trying to stabilize farmers' incomes.
  • Importance of quality over quantity to remain competitive.

Strategies of Komi Agbokou

  • Highlighting the organic assets of Togolese cocoa to achieve better prices.
  • Importance of local industrialization to increase income.
  • Raising villagers' awareness of the consumption of local products.

Social and Economic Impact

  • Komi's priority to provide jobs for women, an example of economic empowerment.
  • Personal success allowing local families to achieve dreams like building houses.
  • Demonstration of chocolate making to encourage young people to stay in the country.

Challenges and Aspirations

  • Difficulty in convincing Togolese of the value of local products.
  • Many young people leave the country in search of a better life abroad.
  • Inspiring example of what can be done to change things in Africa.