Aliko Dangote proposes 500,000-tonne cocoa processing hub in Ghana

Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has submitted a proposal to establish a major cocoa-processing hub in Ghana, aiming to process 500,000 metric tonnes of cocoa annually. Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson confirmed that Dangote has reached out to both himself and President John Mahama to discuss the investment. The initiative is a central part of the government's broader strategy to transform Ghana from an exporter of raw beans into a value-addition powerhouse, reducing the country's exposure to volatile global market prices.

The proposal aligns with the government's aggressive timeline for the cocoa sector, as detailed in the 2027 Budget presentation. Dr. Forson outlined a legislative goal to process 50% of locally produced cocoa by 2028, reaching 100% by 2030. A new Cocoa Board Act is currently before Parliament to institutionalise this mandate, requiring international buyers to add value within Ghana rather than exporting raw materials. While terms with Dangote are still under review and no formal contract has been signed, the Finance Minister emphasized that the deal would significantly bolster domestic capacity.

Ghana earned US$3.0 billion from cocoa during the 2025/26 season, yet the economy remains vulnerable to climate impacts and price fluctuations on the international market. By shifting focus toward the production of cocoa liquor, butter, and chocolate, the administration aims to capture a larger share of the global value chain. The Dangote proposal is expected to support a US$3 billion commercial agriculture program designed to modernize the sector and reduce heavy reliance on imported food products.

However, industry experts suggest that achieving 100% local processing will require more than just large-scale investment. Agricultural analyst Dr. Joseph Opoku Gakpo noted that many local processors currently operate below capacity due to high operational costs and inconsistent raw material supply. He urged the government to demonstrate strong political will by addressing these structural challenges and providing incentives for both semi-finished and finished goods. As negotiations with Dangote proceed, the focus remains on whether Ghana can provide the necessary infrastructure and financing to support this transition to a fully processed cocoa economy.