African Cocoa and Coffee Stakeholders Adopt Lagos Pact to Protect Farmers and Challenge Emerging Market Threats

By Simpson Global Media News Desk

Lagos Declaration Sets Out a Common African Position

African cocoa and coffee stakeholders have adopted a new policy framework in Lagos aimed at protecting farmers’ livelihoods, strengthening the continent’s influence in global commodity negotiations and ensuring that producers receive greater benefits from the industries they sustain.

The Lagos Pact on Commodity Integrity, announced by the Cocoa and Coffee Farmers Alliance Association of Africa (COCEFAAA), sets out three principal proposals: reserving the terms “cocoa” and “coffee” for farm-grown products, introducing mandatory labelling for cell-cultured products through the international food standards system, and imposing a proposed one per cent adaptation levy on revenue from cell-cultured cocoa and coffee products to support African smallholders.

The proposals emerged from the Africa Cocoa and Coffee Conference held at NECA House in Ikeja, Lagos, on October 7 and 8, 2026. The two-day meeting brought together more than 200 delegates from producing countries, government institutions, research organisations, development agencies, commodity associations and private businesses.

The conference concluded with the adoption of two documents: the Lagos Declaration 2026, outlining commitments for stronger cocoa and coffee value chains, and the Lagos Pact on Commodity Integrity, which the organisers intend to present as a common African position at the African Union Summit in February 2027. <Cite refs={["turn881597view0","turn154039search3","turn154039search0"]}/>

COCEFAAA Global President Adeola Adegoke said African producing countries needed to act collectively rather than approach international commodity negotiations as separate national interests.

The initiative reflects growing concern among agricultural stakeholders that Africa’s importance as a source of cocoa and coffee does not automatically translate into proportionate income for farmers, stronger processing industries or greater control over the value of finished products.

The pact also raises questions about how established agricultural commodities should be identified as new production technologies emerge, including cell-cultured alternatives designed to reproduce aspects of conventional cocoa or coffee without relying entirely on traditional farming.

For Nigeria, which participated in hosting the conference alongside African industry stakeholders, the discussions connect directly with agricultural exports, rural employment, value addition and the need to make commodity production more profitable for farmers.

The proposals remain recommendations from the conference rather than binding international rules. Their implementation will require further engagement with the African Union, relevant international standards bodies, national governments and other stakeholders.

Why African Producers Want a Stronger Voice

Cocoa and coffee support millions of farming households across Africa and supply raw materials to major food and beverage industries around the world.

Cocoa-producing countries in West Africa play a particularly important role in supplying the global chocolate industry, while coffee production supports farming communities in several African regions, including East Africa.

Despite this production base, much of the processing, manufacturing, branding and retail activity associated with finished products takes place beyond the farms where the raw commodities are grown.

That separation between agricultural production and downstream commercial activity is central to the debate in Lagos.

Farmers bear the costs and risks associated with growing crops, including labour, fertiliser, pest control, changing weather conditions and the maintenance of productive farms. Their income, however, depends on prices, market access, production costs and the terms under which they sell their harvests.

When more processing and product development occur outside producing countries, a significant share of the final commercial value may also be captured elsewhere.

The conference declaration therefore calls for greater African ownership of cocoa and coffee value chains. Its proposals include expanding local processing, strengthening African brands, improving market access and investing in research and agricultural extension. <Cite refs={["turn881597view0","turn154039search0"]}/>

Adegoke argued that the continent needed to move beyond simply supplying raw materials and establish stronger mechanisms for coordinating its commercial and policy interests.

The aim is not to prevent international trade. Rather, the organisers want producing countries and farmers to obtain better returns from their participation in the global economy.

For Nigeria, this could involve strengthening domestic processing capacity, improving the quality and traceability of agricultural products, supporting producer organisations and encouraging businesses to develop higher-value cocoa and coffee products.

However, achieving those objectives requires investment in infrastructure, reliable electricity, access to finance, technical expertise and markets capable of absorbing processed products.

A common negotiating position could improve Africa’s ability to advocate for farmers, but it cannot by itself guarantee higher incomes. The effectiveness of the proposals will depend on how governments, companies and farmer organisations implement them.

The Three Main Proposals in the Lagos Pact

The Lagos Pact on Commodity Integrity identifies three measures that its proponents want African countries to advance in international discussions.

1. Reserve “cocoa” and “coffee” for farm-grown products

The first proposal calls for the terms “cocoa” and “coffee” to be reserved for products derived from conventional agricultural production.

The issue has gained attention as companies explore new methods of producing food ingredients, including cell-cultured alternatives intended to replicate characteristics of conventional agricultural products.

Supporters of the proposal argue that consumers should be able to distinguish products originating from farm-grown crops from alternatives produced through different processes.

Clear product descriptions could help consumers understand what they are purchasing and allow conventional farmers to maintain a recognisable identity in the marketplace.

The debate is also connected to the economic interests of producing countries. If alternative products enter markets traditionally supplied by agricultural commodities, farmers and exporters may face new forms of competition.

The pact’s proponents want international standards to recognise these differences in a way they believe will protect farmers and preserve transparency.

The proposal does not establish that existing food-labelling rules are inadequate in every market, nor does it automatically change the legal definition of cocoa or coffee. Any new requirements would need to be considered through the relevant national and international processes.

2. Require clear labelling for cell-cultured products

The second proposal calls for mandatory “cell-cultured product” labelling through the Codex Alimentarius system, the international framework used to develop food standards and related guidance.

Codex standards are developed through international cooperation and help inform food safety and fair practices in food trade. They do not automatically function as a single global law; national and regional authorities determine how applicable standards are implemented within their jurisdictions.

The pact’s supporters want consumers to receive clear information about whether a product comes from conventional farming or a cell-cultured process.

They argue that transparent labelling would help consumers make informed choices and allow farmers and producers to understand the competitive environment in which their products are sold.

For conventional farmers, the concern is that products made using alternative production methods could compete in markets without consumers clearly understanding the differences between them.

However, the broader policy discussion must also consider food safety evidence, scientific assessment, product characteristics and the need for rules that can be applied consistently across countries.

The Lagos proposal is therefore a call for further international standard-setting discussions, not confirmation that Codex has already adopted the requested labelling rule.

3. Introduce a proposed one per cent adaptation levy

The third proposal calls for a one per cent levy on revenue from cell-cultured cocoa and coffee products, with the proceeds intended to support African smallholders through the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC).

The organisers describe the proposed levy as an adaptation measure that could help traditional producers respond to changes in technology, market demand and production conditions.

Potential areas of support could include farm renewal, research, climate resilience, improved productivity and assistance to communities affected by changes in commodity markets.

The pact does not establish an existing levy or a completed funding mechanism. Its adoption would require further negotiations over the legal basis, collection arrangements, eligibility, oversight and distribution of any funds.

Questions would also need to be resolved about which products and revenues would qualify, how payments would be verified and how contributions would reach farmers in different countries.

If the proposal advances, transparent governance would be essential to ensure that the resources support their intended beneficiaries and produce measurable outcomes.

For now, the one per cent levy remains one of the central demands that COCEFAAA intends to promote through continental and international engagement. <Cite refs={["turn881597view0","turn154039search2"]}/>

Cell-Cultured Alternatives Raise New Questions for Farmers

The growing interest in alternative food production has created new questions for agricultural industries around the world.

Cell-cultured production generally involves growing selected cells under controlled conditions to produce biological material with particular characteristics. In food applications, the technology is being explored as one possible way to create products or ingredients that resemble conventional agricultural outputs.

Its commercial potential, cost, scale and environmental effects vary according to the technology and product concerned. It would be inaccurate to assume that all cell-cultured alternatives are already commercially competitive with farm-grown cocoa or coffee.

Nevertheless, the possibility of new production methods has prompted traditional producers to consider how future market demand might change.

Cocoa farmers depend on demand from chocolate manufacturers and other users of cocoa-derived ingredients. Coffee farmers similarly depend on demand from roasters, beverage manufacturers and consumers.

If alternative ingredients become widely available and commercially viable, they could alter the competitive landscape in some market segments. The scale of that effect would depend on product quality, production costs, consumer preferences, regulation and the ability of conventional producers to remain competitive.

The Lagos Pact seeks to address these uncertainties before they become more pronounced, according to the conference organisers.

Its proponents want policy discussions to consider the interests of farmers who have invested in land, trees, labour and agricultural infrastructure over many years.

At the same time, governments and standards bodies will need to assess emerging technologies using reliable evidence and fair regulatory processes.

Innovation and traditional agriculture do not necessarily have to be treated as mutually exclusive. New technologies may create opportunities in food production, while conventional farming will continue to support livelihoods, rural communities and agricultural supply chains.

The central question for policymakers is how to establish transparent rules and ensure that the transition to new production methods does not ignore the people and communities already sustaining the industry.

What the Lagos Declaration 2026 Covers

Alongside the pact, conference participants adopted the Lagos Declaration 2026, a wider set of commitments intended to strengthen African cocoa and coffee value chains.

The declaration identifies eight broad areas for action, covering planning and coordination, governance, farmers’ welfare, productivity, sustainability, traceability, value creation and finance, and the protection of people working in the sector. <Cite refs={["turn881597view0","turn154039search2"]}/>

Under planning and coordination, participants called for African strategies with clear responsibilities, action programmes, timelines, expected outcomes and measurable indicators.

The document also proposes a technical working group to coordinate implementation, monitor progress and report on results.

These measures are intended to turn conference discussions into an ongoing process rather than leaving the commitments as a one-off declaration.

On governance, the declaration calls for stronger cooperation among African producing countries, more effective institutions and legal frameworks that protect farmers’ rights.

The farmers’ welfare section emphasises dignity, better incomes and stronger cooperatives. The productivity component calls for farm renewal, research, innovation and agricultural extension.

Environmental sustainability is another priority. Participants committed to protecting forests, strengthening climate resilience and supporting responsible production.

Traceability and product identity also feature prominently. The declaration calls for reliable systems that allow commodities to be tracked through supply chains, while supporting fair compliance requirements and protecting farmers’ data rights.

The value-creation and finance section focuses on expanding processing within Africa, strengthening national brands and making greater use of trade opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

It also proposes mobilising an innovation and resilience fund to support enterprises from product development to market entry, with particular attention to opportunities for women and young people.

The declaration further calls for protection of children and workers, decent working conditions and improved healthcare for farmers.

These commitments reflect an attempt to link the commercial future of cocoa and coffee with the welfare of the people who produce them.

However, the declaration does not itself provide proof that funding has been secured for all the proposed activities. Implementation will depend on further planning, institutional responsibilities and resources.

Why Traceability and Product Identity Matter

Traceability is becoming an important consideration in international agricultural trade because buyers, regulators and consumers increasingly seek information about where products originate and how they are produced.

A traceability system can help connect a finished product to its supply chain, allowing relevant parties to identify farms, suppliers, processing facilities and other stages of production.

For farmers, reliable systems may help demonstrate the origin of their produce, support quality assurance and improve access to buyers who require documented information.

For businesses, traceability can help manage supply-chain risks and respond to product-quality concerns. It may also support compliance with applicable market requirements.

But traceability can be difficult for smallholders when systems are expensive, technical or poorly adapted to local farming conditions.

Farmers may need support with registration, record keeping, digital tools and the collection of reliable farm data. Cooperatives and producer organisations can help by coordinating information and reducing the burden on individual growers.

The Lagos Declaration recognises that traceability should be accompanied by fair compliance arrangements and protection for farmers’ data.

That is important because digital records can contain commercially valuable information about farm locations, production volumes and supplier relationships. Farmers should understand how such information is collected, shared and used.

If traceability systems are designed without considering the cost to smallholders, they could create additional barriers to market access rather than improving it.

African stakeholders therefore face the task of developing systems that satisfy legitimate market requirements while remaining practical and affordable for producers.

Climate Resilience and the Renewal of Farms

Climate resilience is another major element of the declaration.

Cocoa and coffee production depends on environmental conditions, including rainfall patterns, temperatures, soil quality and the health of perennial crops.

Changes in weather can affect flowering, fruit development, pest pressure, harvest timing and yields. Farmers may need to adapt through better soil management, improved planting materials, shade management, water conservation and other practices appropriate to local conditions.

The declaration calls for farm renewal and investment in research, innovation and extension services.

Farm renewal can include replacing unproductive trees, improving planting systems and supporting growers with suitable agricultural advice. The effectiveness of these interventions depends on local conditions, access to resources and the quality of the planting material used.

Research institutions can help identify varieties and management approaches that respond to local climate and disease pressures. Extension services can then help farmers understand and apply the findings.

For smallholders, the costs of replacing old trees or adopting new practices can be significant. Trees may take years to reach productive maturity, meaning farmers can face a period of reduced income while a renewed farm becomes established.

Financial support, phased replanting and reliable access to improved planting material may therefore be necessary to make farm renewal feasible.

The Lagos Declaration’s emphasis on climate resilience and productivity recognises that better market rules alone will not secure the future of African cocoa and coffee.

Farmers also need the capacity to continue producing quality crops under changing environmental and economic conditions.

Capturing More Value Through African Processing

A central objective of the conference was to encourage greater African ownership of cocoa and coffee value chains.

Raw commodity exports can generate income and foreign exchange, but producing countries may capture additional value by expanding suitable processing and manufacturing activities.

In cocoa, possible value-added activities include processing beans into cocoa liquor, butter and powder, as well as producing chocolate and other finished goods.

Coffee value addition can include roasting, packaging, branding and the development of consumer products for domestic and export markets.

These activities can create opportunities for investment, technical employment, logistics, packaging and business development.

They can also help African companies build brands that connect consumers with the regions where the crops are grown.

However, processing is not automatically more profitable than exporting raw commodities. Businesses must consider energy costs, equipment, quality standards, access to finance, logistics and the ability to compete with established international manufacturers.

Expanding processing therefore requires a supportive business environment and investment in the infrastructure needed to produce consistent quality at commercially viable costs.

The declaration’s call for stronger African brands and greater use of AfCFTA markets reflects the possibility of building regional demand alongside exports to other parts of the world.

For Nigeria, developing cocoa and coffee value chains could provide opportunities for farmers, processors, exporters and small businesses. The results would depend on investment, policy consistency and the ability to link producers with reliable buyers.

Nigeria’s Role in the Continental Effort

Nigeria hosted the Africa Cocoa and Coffee Conference in partnership with COCEFAAA and the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), bringing government officials, industry representatives and other stakeholders together in Lagos.

The conference drew representatives from several Nigerian states and from cocoa- and coffee-producing countries across the continent. The reported participants included delegates associated with Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia and Kenya, alongside research organisations, development partners and private-sector businesses. <Cite refs={["turn881597view0","turn154039search3"]}/>

Nigeria’s participation is relevant because its agricultural sector includes cocoa production, emerging coffee-related initiatives and businesses involved in processing and trade.

The conference also creates an opportunity for Nigerian institutions to connect research, agricultural policy and private investment with wider African discussions.

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and CRIN were among the institutions associated with the event, while representatives from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council and state governments also participated.

These links could help translate continental commitments into practical work on farm productivity, market development, traceability and local processing.

Nevertheless, participation in a conference does not automatically mean that every proposal has been adopted as national policy. The pact and declaration require further engagement and implementation steps.

Nigeria’s contribution will be measured by the actions taken after the conference, including any policies, programmes or partnerships established to support farmers and strengthen the value chains.

The Road to the African Union Summit in February 2027

COCEFAAA intends to use the Lagos Pact as a common position for African cocoa and coffee stakeholders at the African Union Summit scheduled for February 2027.

The period before the summit gives the alliance and participating organisations time to refine the proposals, build support and engage relevant institutions.

A common position could help producing countries coordinate their arguments on commodity identity, labelling, farmer welfare and the treatment of emerging production technologies.

However, the outcome will depend on whether governments and other stakeholders endorse the proposals and determine which institutions should take them forward.

The labelling proposal, for example, would require engagement with the appropriate food standards processes. The proposed levy would require detailed discussions about legal authority, collection and distribution. The proposal concerning product names would also need to be assessed within relevant trade and regulatory frameworks.

These are substantial policy questions that cannot be settled by a conference declaration alone.

The proposed technical working group could provide a mechanism for tracking progress, clarifying responsibilities and preparing recommendations. Its effectiveness would depend on a clear mandate, participation from relevant institutions and the ability to report measurable results.

The declaration’s call for defined timelines and expected outcomes could help establish accountability if those commitments are put into practice.

For farmers, the most important test will be whether the discussions lead to tangible benefits, including improved incomes, better access to markets, stronger support services and more opportunities to participate in value-added production.

Challenges That Could Slow Implementation

Despite the broad participation at the conference, several challenges could affect the pace of implementation.

The first is coordination. African countries have different agricultural systems, regulatory frameworks, production volumes and trade priorities. Reaching agreement on common rules will require sustained engagement.

The second is financing. Research, farm renewal, traceability, processing and climate adaptation require investment. The declaration proposes an innovation and resilience fund, but the available conference report does not establish that the fund has been fully financed or that disbursement arrangements are in place.

The third is the cost of compliance. Traceability and environmental requirements can be difficult for smallholders to meet without assistance. If requirements are introduced without suitable support, some farmers could find it harder to sell into certain markets.

The fourth is the need for reliable data. Decisions about farmer incomes, production, environmental impact and market changes require credible information. Better agricultural statistics and transparent reporting would help policymakers assess whether the proposed interventions are working.

The fifth is balancing farmer interests with technological development. Policymakers must consider the possible effects of new production methods while applying evidence-based standards and ensuring that consumers receive accurate information.

These challenges do not make the initiative unworkable, but they demonstrate why a shared declaration must be followed by careful planning and practical action.

What the Pact Could Mean for Farmers

If its proposals gain support and are implemented effectively, the Lagos initiative could contribute to stronger farmer representation in policy discussions and encourage more attention to the distribution of value across the cocoa and coffee industries.

Clear product identity rules could help consumers distinguish between products made through different production methods. Better traceability could support market access, while greater investment in processing could create additional commercial opportunities within producing countries.

The proposed adaptation levy, if adopted through an appropriate legal and administrative framework, could provide a source of funding for farmers affected by technological or market changes. However, the amount of money it might generate and the way it would be distributed remain uncertain.

Farmers would also benefit from practical measures that improve productivity and resilience, including suitable planting materials, extension services, access to finance and reliable markets.

The declaration’s emphasis on cooperatives could help producers strengthen their bargaining position and coordinate access to services.

But farmers should not be promised immediate income gains solely because the pact has been announced. Changes in prices, production costs and market access depend on many factors, including global demand, exchange rates, weather and competition.

The value of the initiative will ultimately depend on whether its commitments lead to measurable improvements in the circumstances of farming households.

From Declaration to Delivery

The Lagos Pact marks an attempt by African cocoa and coffee stakeholders to establish a common negotiating position on commodity identity and emerging production technologies.

The accompanying declaration broadens the agenda to include farmer welfare, climate resilience, traceability, local processing, research, finance and stronger regional cooperation.

Together, the documents set out a programme that links the future of African agricultural exports with the livelihoods of the people who produce the crops.

The next phase will require governments, industry organisations, research institutions and development partners to clarify priorities and establish practical mechanisms for implementation.

COCEFAAA’s planned engagement ahead of the February 2027 African Union Summit provides a timeline for further discussions, but the proposals will need to move through the appropriate continental and international processes before they can become enforceable rules.

For Nigeria, the opportunity is to use the momentum from hosting the conference to strengthen its own cocoa and coffee value chains while contributing to a wider African effort.

The central message from the gathering is that production alone is not enough. African farmers and businesses need the infrastructure, policies, investment and negotiating capacity to capture more value from the commodities they supply.

Whether the Lagos Pact achieves that objective will depend on the commitments made after the conference—and on whether those commitments deliver practical, measurable benefits for farmers.

Simpson Global Media will continue to follow developments in African agriculture, including the implementation of the Lagos Declaration and the proposed common position on cocoa and coffee ahead of the African Union Summit in February 2027.