A young entrepreneur in Côte d’Ivoire is transforming the country’s cocoa industry by producing locally made chocolate. For decades, the world’s largest cocoa producer exported only raw beans while importing finished chocolate.
The new venture, based in the cocoa capital, aims to keep more of the value within the country. It trains local workers in chocolate processing and packaging, creating new jobs and boosting income. The initiative has inspired other small producers to follow suit, marking a shift from export dependence to local manufacturing. Consumers in Abidjan are beginning to enjoy Ivorian-made chocolate, once a rare treat.
Experts say this could help the nation diversify its economy and strengthen its global brand. The “sweet revolution” is now seen as a symbol of pride and innovation for Côte d’Ivoire’s cocoa sector.
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