Equatorial Guinea to launch cocoa processing factory in six months
The government aims to transform raw cocoa into paste for chocolate production, boosting national resources.
The Equatorial Guinean government has given the Ministry of Agriculture six months to establish a cocoa processing factory in the country. This initiative, discussed in Malabo, aims to move beyond selling raw cocoa beans and begin producing cocoa paste, a key ingredient for chocolate.
The decision was made during a meeting attended by the prime minister and ministers of Agriculture, Finance, and Treasury, alongside representatives from the National Institute for Agricultural Promotion and selected companies. Negotiations with suppliers ANONEY SERVICE and GETRANSCAO resulted in a price reduction of up to 10% for supplies like quicklime and copper sulfate.
The Ministry of Agriculture has a maximum of six months to launch the factory. This local processing aims to generate new employment opportunities and add greater value to national production, reducing reliance on imported goods.
Why it mattersFarmers and the nation will benefit from processing cocoa locally, creating jobs and adding value to agricultural output.