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Celebrating Ivorian coffee and supporting communities in Côte d’Ivoire: a commitment by Nestlé

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3 months ago

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Côte d’Ivoire

On a quiet morning in Gnamagnoa, in western Côte d’Ivoire, farmer François Dadi Serikpa harvests his coffee. The former bus driver switched to coffee farming after his retirement. The father of twelve children and grandfather of twenty-one grandchildren, has found new meaning in life and newfound prosperity thanks to the Nescafé Plan, a global initiative launched by Nestlé (www.Nestle.com) to make coffee farming more sustainable, fair and environmentally friendly.

He says:

“With the Nescafé Plan, Nestlé agronomists taught us how to care for our soil, plant new varieties and better manage our plantations. Now my trees are more resistant, and my production has improved. Coffee is our life: it feeds us, clothes us and gives us hope for the future.” 

Serikpa’s experience reflects the reality of thousands of people involved in the coffee industry in Côte d’Ivoire.

At every stage of this sector, namely agricultural production, processing and marketing, Nestlé is committed to participating in their development, aware that they represent an entire economy in Côte d’Ivoire. With its Nescafé brand, the company has been present in Côte d’Ivoire for more than 65 years, contributing to job and business creation. This commitment begins at the soil level.

An industry rooted in the soil 

The tropical climate and fertile soil of Côte d’Ivoire make it an ideal place for growing Robusta coffee, which dominates local production. However, the industry has faced considerable challenges. In 2000, the country produced nearly 380,000 tonnes of coffee, ranking it among the top African producers. By 2023, production had fallen to just under 47,000 tonnes, a decline attributable to ageing plantations, climate change, limited access to finance and competition from other crops.

Despite this slowdown, coffee remains an important commodity in the country. It supports tens of thousands of rural households and contributes to regional trade in Central and West Africa. Domestic consumption has grown steadily. In 2025, coffee consumption in Ivory Coast is projected to reach approximately 1.38 million kilograms, generating $32.13 million in total revenue across both at-home and out-of-home markets (https://apo-opa.co/43N8npf).

We believe that investing in local farmers and entrepreneurs is essential to building a strong and sustainable coffee industry

 Building resilience through training 

To address decline in the industry, public and private stakeholders have implemented programmes focused on sustainable development and productivity. The Nescafé factory in Abidjan has been producing instant coffee from locally grown coffee beans for over 65 years. It employs hundreds of people and trains talent in Côte d’Ivoire. These employees are mainly Ivorian, but also include other nationalities, some of whom have become certified coffee experts. In 2022, the factory received the Ivorian Government’s national award for excellence for its efforts in waste reduction, economy, energy and responsible operation.

Every second, around 5,500 cups of Nescafé are enjoyed around the world. In Central and West Africa, many of these cups began their journey in Ivory Coast, cultivated by local farmers, processed by Ivorian experts and sold by Ivorian entrepreneurs.

Through the Nescafé Plan, Nestlé supports more than 21,000 coffee-producing families in Côte d’Ivoire. Farmers receive practical training from agronomists on practices that comply with the Common Code for the Coffee Community (4C standards), which aim to make coffee production more sustainable, fair and traceable.

To improve productivity, farmers receive high-yield Robusta seedlings developed at Nestlé’s Research and Development Centre in Zambakro. These efforts are carried out in partnership with the Coffee-Cocoa Council (CCC) and the National Centre for Agricultural Research of Côte d’Ivoire (CNRA).

Nestlé also sources green coffee directly from farmer cooperatives through its Farmer Connect programme.

For farmers like Serikpa, these Nestlé interventions have led to a significant improvement in yields, which can range from 600 to even 1200 kg per hectare depending on climate conditions. Through its entrepreneurship support initiative, called My Own Business, Nestlé supports more than 600 urban hot coffee vendors by providing them with equipment and training, as well as a cart or coffee stand, enabling them to run their own businesses and generate stable incomes. This programme has proven beneficial for young people wishing to integrate into the social and economic fabric. Kamenan Assanvo, one of these entrepreneurs, received ten new coffee carts to develop his network in Greater Abidjan. He owns a total of 45 businesses. This year, there are 80 coffee stands run by young vendors, thereby contributing to the development of street businesses and local employment.

Mame Pane Sakho, Head of Communications and Public Affairs at Nestlé Côte d’Ivoire, said:

“We believe that investing in local farmers and entrepreneurs is essential to building a strong and sustainable coffee industry. It’s not just about coffee; it’s about creating a lasting impact in the communities we serve.” 

The history of Nescafé in Côte d’Ivoire is an example of shared value. From the Serikpa plantation in Gnamagnoa to the Assanvo coffee stands in Abidjan, each cup reflects a shared commitment to quality and collaboration.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Nestlé.

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As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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Debate

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.

Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.

Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.

The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.

“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.

“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.

Key challenges driving the debate

Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:

This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy

Global Realignment & New Partnerships

How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.

Financing Africa’s Future

The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.

Strategic Value Chains

Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.

Digital Transformation & Technology

Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.

The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.

Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

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Business

Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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CLG

After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG (https://CLGglobal.com) has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.

Mr. Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including:

  • Making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues
  • Extortion
  • Intimidation
  • Fraud
  • Misuse of company funds
  • Theft and misappropriation of funds
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Mismanagement

His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.

We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.

We recognize the seriousness of this matter and have referred it to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa. We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

 

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Business

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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ITFC

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$35 million sovereign financing facility with the Republic of Djibouti to support the development of the country’s bunkering services sector and strengthen its position as a strategic regional maritime and trade hub.

The facility was signed at the ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti.

The financing facility is expected to contribute to Djibouti’s economic growth and revenue diversification by reinforcing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Djibouti Port as a “one-stop port” offering comprehensive vessel-related services. With Red Sea Bunkering (RSB) as the Executing Agency, the facility will support the procurement of refined petroleum products, thus boosting RSB’s bunkering operations, enhancing revenue diversification, and consolidating Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and trading hub in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.

We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth

Commenting on the signing, Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated:

“This financing reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting Djibouti’s strategic development priorities, particularly in strengthening energy security, port competitiveness, and trade facilitation. We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Republic of Djibouti and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”

H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, commented: “Today’s signing marks an important milestone in the development of Djibouti’s bunkering services and reflects our strong and valued partnership with ITFC, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration supports our ambition to position Djibouti as a regional hub for integrated maritime and logistics services. We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth.”

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties.

Since its inception in 2008, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have maintained a strong partnership, with a total of US$1.8 billion approved primarily supporting the country’s energy sector and trade development objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

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