Former President John Dramani Mahama has issued a sharp critique of the international economic system, arguing that global trade rules unfairly disadvantage African countries, particularly in sectors like cocoa where the continent holds a competitive advantage.
Speaking at a high-level panel during the 2025 African Development Bank Annual Meetings (#AfDBAM2025), Mahama questioned why Africa—despite producing over 70% of the world’s cocoa—continues to play a minor role in the lucrative chocolate industry. “We remain raw material suppliers while others dominate the value chain,” he said. “This is not just an economic issue. It’s a systemic injustice.”
Mahama pointed to non-tariff trade barriers, complex export regulations, and lack of international support for local processors as key challenges. “It’s easier for a European company to set up a cocoa factory in Ghana and export chocolate to Europe than for a Ghanaian entrepreneur to do the same,” he lamented. “The system favors them.”
Despite the obstacles, Mahama praised Ghana’s efforts to increase domestic cocoa processing. “We’ve moved from 25% to 40% in recent years. Côte d’Ivoire is at 50%, and that’s commendable,” he noted. “We aim to reach and exceed that level within the next five years.”
The former president emphasized that greater autonomy in cocoa processing is vital for job creation, industrial growth, and sustainable development. “It’s time Africa moved beyond aid and demanded trade fairness. We must build industries that benefit our people, not just export raw beans.”
Mahama’s comments echo a growing continental movement for Africa to capture more value from its natural resources. As leaders gather at the AfDB meetings, the call is clear: Africa must no longer accept being at the bottom of the value chain.
