ACCRA — Ghana has secured new cocoa offtake agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, marking a significant move to expand its cocoa exports beyond raw beans and strengthen its position in the global cocoa processing industry.
The agreements, signed in July 2026, focus on the export of semi-finished cocoa products, including cocoa liquor, cocoa butter, cocoa cake, and cocoa powder. While the financial details, export volumes, and contract periods have not been disclosed, officials say the deals represent an important opportunity for Ghana to increase its participation in higher-value segments of the cocoa market.
For years, Ghana has been recognized as one of the world’s largest cocoa producers, but the country has traditionally relied heavily on exporting raw cocoa beans. The new agreements support Ghana’s long-term strategy of increasing domestic processing, creating more value from its cocoa resources, and retaining a larger share of profits within the country.
The deals are expected to strengthen Ghana’s cocoa processing sector by encouraging investment in local industries involved in producing cocoa derivatives. Increased processing capacity could generate additional employment opportunities, support businesses, and provide new income streams for communities connected to the cocoa industry.
The agreement with the UAE comes as Dubai continues to grow as a major international cocoa trading center, providing links between producers and global buyers. At the same time, Saudi Arabia’s expanding food and manufacturing sectors are driving greater demand for cocoa ingredients used in chocolate production, beverages, confectionery, and other food products.
Industry analysts say the partnerships could help Ghana diversify its export markets and reduce dependence on traditional cocoa buyers. By exporting processed products rather than only raw materials, Ghana could increase foreign exchange earnings and strengthen its role in the international cocoa supply chain.
The agreements also reflect a wider African effort to promote industrialization and reduce reliance on exporting unprocessed commodities. Governments across the continent have increasingly focused on value addition as a way to create jobs, boost local industries, and maximize the economic benefits of natural resources and agricultural production.
Ghana’s cocoa sector remains a vital part of the national economy, supporting millions of farmers and contributing significantly to export revenue. Authorities have continued to promote policies aimed at improving cocoa processing, increasing farmer benefits, and enhancing the competitiveness of Ghanaian cocoa products worldwide.
If successfully implemented and expanded, the UAE and Saudi Arabia agreements could mark a major step in Ghana’s transformation from a raw cocoa exporter into a leading supplier of processed cocoa products, strengthening both the country’s economy and Africa’s industrial export ambitions.
