Cocoa is far more than the key ingredient in chocolate; it is a source of untapped economic potential that could revolutionize industries beyond confectionery. As the world’s largest cocoa producer, Ivory Coast, alongside other West African nations such as Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon, stands at the crossroads of an opportunity to maximize the value of cocoa by-products. These materials, currently considered waste in many cases, could create entirely new industries in food, cosmetics, and beyond. However, to fully unlock this potential, it will require a unified effort from global investors, local entrepreneurs, governments, and innovators willing to share their knowledge and experience.
- 4 December 2024
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China’s ambitious goals to strengthen political and commercial ties with Africa have paved the way for African agribusinesses to explore the Chinese market. With its immense population and growing demand for agricultural products, China offers a lucrative opportunity for African exports, supported by initiatives like preferential shipping rates by COSCO and streamlined customs registration through the GACC. These efforts align with China's broader policy to diversify its agricultural imports while enhancing trade relations with Africa.
- 2 December 2024
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In the agribusiness sector, working with agricultural cooperatives through contract farming and enhancing seed quality through research partnerships are critical strategies for companies looking to stabilize supply chains, improve crop quality, and ensure sustainable growth. By combining contract farming with collaboration with public or private agricultural research institutes, agribusiness firms can effectively address challenges in sourcing, quality control, and crop resilience.
- 15 November 2024
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In PAD transactions, goods are shipped, and payment is due upon the buyer's presentation of shipping documents—typically handled through the banking system. However, with air cargo’s rapid turnaround, goods often reach the buyer before payment can be fully verified, creating a window for fraudulent activity.
Kosona Chriv - 4 November 2024
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West and East Africa’s fertile and diverse landscapes offer ideal conditions for producing a wide range of fresh fruits with immense export potential. By capitalizing on this agricultural strength, cooperatives in these regions have the chance to access lucrative global markets, fostering economic growth, sustainable development, and greater prosperity for their communities. To make this vision a reality, understanding the export landscape, ensuring consistent production, and building a value chain that prioritizes quality and reliability are crucial.
Kosona Chriv - 13 October 2024
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The booming demand for dried cassava chips in China, driven by the country’s growing needs for bio-ethanol production, food products, and animal feed, presents a golden opportunity for African cassava producers. Each manufacturer in China is willing to order between 50,000 to 100,000 metric tons (MT) of dried cassava chips per month, with contracts stretching between 3 to 5 years. However, several critical challenges have hindered African exporters from fully capitalizing on this opportunity.
Kosona Chriv - 11 October 2024
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West Africa is a region with a deep-rooted agricultural tradition, yet its contribution to the global coffee market remains relatively small. However, this doesn't reflect the region's potential. By turning its focus to coffee cultivation, particularly in areas suited for both Robusta and Arabica varieties, West African farmers and agricultural cooperatives can tap into lucrative export markets, enhance their economic resilience, and uplift entire communities. The global demand for coffee is growing, and West Africa could rise as a key player in this industry.
Kosona Chriv - 27 August 2024
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In recent years, shea butter has emerged as a golden opportunity for small producers and agricultural cooperatives in West Africa. As global demand for this natural treasure continues to soar, local communities have a unique chance to thrive in the international market. This article outlines key strategies and recommendations for West African shea butter producers to capitalize on this growing trend while promoting sustainable development, illustrated with real-world success stories.
Kosona Chriv - 21 July 2024
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White sesame seeds have become a highly sought-after commodity in the international market, particularly in South Korea, China, Japan, and India. This growing demand presents a significant opportunity for West African farmers. However, many small-scale producers in the region remain unaware of this export potential and often rely on local middlemen for the sale of their sesame seeds, thus missing out on the benefits of direct market access.
Kosona Chriv - 9 July 2024
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Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” This famous quote by Winston Churchill applies to many fields, especially agribusiness. Agribusiness is a complex and dynamic sector involving many actors, processes, and risks. Small farmers and agribusinesses often face challenges such as climate change, market volatility, competition, and regulation. However, they also have opportunities to improve their livelihoods, food security, and environmental sustainability.
Kosona Chriv - 9 July 2024
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The Sahel, a semi-arid region bordering the Sahara Desert, spans across countries such as Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Chad. Despite challenging environmental realities—desertification, drought, and poverty—the Sahel holds untapped wealth: its agricultural potential. This potential lies not only in ensuring local food security but also in cultivating a diverse range of crops for export.
Kosona Chriv - 14 May 2024
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In the dynamic world of agribusiness, securing funding for new projects or scaling operations is a critical step towards success. This guide is designed to assist emerging agripreneurs, flourishing agribusinesses and agricultural exporters in understanding and navigating the complex funding landscape. It provides practical steps for applying for project proposals and scaling operations, supplemented with a case study to illustrate these processes in action.
Kosona Chriv - 7 May 2024
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