Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria and other leading African cocoa-producing countries have adopted the Abuja Declaration, committing to expand local cocoa processing and strengthen regional cooperation to increase Africa’s share of the global cocoa value chain.
The agreement was reached at the recently concluded Cocoa Value Addition Summit in Abuja, according to a statement issued on Sunday by the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh.
Enoh said the Abuja Declaration commits participating countries to promoting value addition, improving supply chain standards and reducing dependence on the export of raw cocoa beans.
He described the agreement as a major step towards ensuring that African countries earn greater economic benefits from one of the continent’s most valuable agricultural commodities.
According to the minister, cocoa-producing nations have historically exported raw beans while most of the profits from finished chocolate and cocoa products have been generated outside Africa.
He said the declaration seeks to reverse that trend by encouraging greater investment in local processing, manufacturing, branding and industrial development.
Enoh added that participating countries also agreed to coordinate their approach to global cocoa trade, strengthen traceability systems and prepare for emerging international regulations, including the European Union Deforestation Regulation, which takes effect on 30 December 2026.
The minister said increased local processing would create new opportunities for cocoa farmers, processors and entrepreneurs while attracting investment into domestic industries.
He noted that expanding value addition is expected to improve farmers’ incomes, stimulate industrial growth, create employment and enhance the competitiveness of African cocoa products in international markets.
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