The International Cocoa Diplomacy (ICD) has called for stronger collaboration to enhance the quality of African cocoa production and increase the value of cocoa exports. Speaking at a joint briefing with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) ahead of the International Trade Fair and Eko Chocolate Show, ICD Convener HRM Queen Angelique-Monet Thompson highlighted a striking statistic: although Africa produces around 70% of the world’s cocoa, less than 2% is processed into finished products or chocolate.

Thompson emphasized that ICD’s participation in the Lagos International Trade Fair aims to showcase the power of collaboration and partnerships for knowledge exchange, global trade growth, and the creation of a value-added, sustainable cocoa economy. “Our goal is to bridge the gap between Africa’s cocoa production dominance and the continent’s low share in value-added chocolate manufacturing through strategic partnerships, knowledge transfer, and market development,” she said.

She further noted that the global chocolate market, currently valued at $140.12 billion and projected to reach $172.89 billion by 2030, presents a huge opportunity for Africa. In particular, Nigeria can benefit from the growing premium chocolate segment, which is expanding at 7.2% annually, with 83% of consumers preferring ethically sourced cocoa, boosting demand for African origin-specific chocolate products.

The Eko Chocolate Show 2025 will serve as Africa’s premier chocolate industry event, combining cultural celebration, economic development, and international trade. Thompson explained that the event will feature a world-class chocolate exhibition, a Stakeholders Forum, the Royal Cocoa International Film Festival, and the Royal Cocoa Symphony Orchestra Concert, creating Africa’s first integrated chocolate-culture-commerce platform.

Other exhibition zones will include the Chocolate Marketplace, Innovation Hub, Cultural Heritage Zone, Royal Premium Products, Artisan Chocolates, and international brands, positioning Lagos as the continent’s chocolate and trade capital.

Supporting the initiative, Shola Oluwadare, Director of LCCI Trade Promotions, said the Fair will showcase Nigeria’s cocoa potential and help reduce the revenue gap for farmers in the international market. LCCI Trade Promotions Chairman, Abimbola Olasore, described the Fair as both specialized and celebratory, noting that partnering with quality companies through ICD would contribute to turning around Nigeria’s economy.