05/02/2026
A positive Step so far...
Ivory Coast launches cocoa buyback scheme to support farmers
Ivory Coast’s Coffee and Cocoa Council (CCC) has launched a government-backed initiative to buy cocoa beans in a bid to ensure producers are paid, as stocks continue to pile up in cooperatives across the country.
The move comes amid a growing crisis in the cocoa sector, driven by logistical challenges at ports and a shortage of liquidity within the commercial supply chain.
Speaking on the situation, CCC Director General Yves Brahima Koné said delays at the Port of Abidjan have prevented ships from arriving on time to collect available production. He added that liquidity problems have disrupted payments throughout the marketing chain, slowing cocoa sales nationwide.
Exporters have also reduced purchases following a drop in global cocoa prices, worsening the backlog of unsold beans.
The government’s buyback programme aims to prevent a potential social crisis, as millions of Ivorians depend on cocoa farming for their livelihoods.
Koné assured growers that the scheme would guarantee payment at the official farm-gate price set by the government.
The initiative is expected to cost about 280 billion CFA francs, with authorities planning to purchase up to 100,000 tonnes of cocoa by the end of March.
Officials said the first phase will focus on buying and storing the beans, while the second phase will involve exporting the stockpiled cocoa. The CCC says it is ready to sell quickly if international buyers show renewed interest.
