Ghana
Cocoa sector on tenterhooks after John Dramani Mahama's election victory

The New Guard
Ghana, South Africa, Algeria

Every Wednesday, Africa Intelligence spotlights a new generation of movers and shakers in business and politics.

GhanaJohn Abdulai Jinapor, the new oil expert

South AfricaAshor Sarupen, a cooperative deputy finance minister

AlgeriaHabib Brahmia, a crestfallen opponent

Ghana
Head of Accra Initiative considers quitting

A key architect of the regional security cooperation framework, Benedict Dere recently informed Ghanaian authorities that he wants to leave. Yet since the fight against terrorism remains a priority for the country, the military is doing its best to hold on to him.

Ghana
New defence minister looks into Air Force's needs

Just appointed head of the Ministry of Defence, Edward Omane Boamah has inherited the files of his predecessor, which include the potential purchase of transport and attack aircraft for the Ghana Air Force.

Ghana
Why IFC is supporting cocoa trade via local bank

The International Finance Corporation, the World Bank’s private investment arm helmed in Africa by the Franco-Portuguese Sérgio Pimenta, is due on 17 February to consider a $40m loan to Societe Generale Ghana, a 57%-owned subsidiary of the French bank Société Générale.

Ivory Coast
Cargill loses its cocoa pole position

The American trading giant is now only the third-largest exporter of beans from Ivory Coast.

Ivory Coast
Cargill and Barry Callebaut cocoa plants may grind to halt

Most of the major traders had anticipated a production drop of between 20% and 25%. However, almost 50% of the volumes sold by the Conseil Café-Cacao will not materialise before the end of the 2023-2024 harvest.

Ivory Coast
Abidjan keeps up cocoa pressure on Brussels

As the start of the 2023-2024 cocoa season approaches, the Conseil Café-Cacao is stepping up pressure on the EU by continuing its blockade of forward sales of cocoa beans.

Ivory Coast
Abidjan stings Cargill with hefty tax fine

Faced with a tax adjustment of over CFA Francs 100bn, the US group, the largest exporter of Ivorian cocoa beans, is trying to negotiate with the Ivorian authorities through the US Chamber of Commerce in Ivory Coast.

Ivory Coast
Power struggle between big business and Abidjan slows cocoa campaign

International traders and chocolate manufacturers are limiting purchases of cocoa beans in Ivory Coast. The local regulatory board is requiring them to acquire 20% from local exporters, and they are unable to find enough 'sustainable' material locally.

Spotlight | Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria
Cameroon and Nigeria's talks with cocoa cartel bear fruit

Details have emerged about Yaoundé et Abuja's talks in Abidjan to join the Ivory Coast-Ghana Cocoa Initiative, set up to defend the interests of the world's two largest cocoa producers.