AGP Executive Report

El Niño Cocoa Risk: Fitch Solutions warns that October–December cocoa pod development in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire lines up with peak El Niño conditions, bringing lower rainfall, higher heat, and possible yield cuts that could hit export earnings, food prices, hydropower output, and rural incomes. EU Traceability Pressure on Cocoa: In Côte d’Ivoire, cocoa sellers and cooperatives are struggling to use a new electronic traceability system (producer cards) ahead of EU anti-deforestation rules starting Jan. 1, 2027—raising fears of slower purchases and supply disruptions at the start of the 2026/27 season. Coastal Protection Plan (Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire): A regional Adaptation Fund project is pushing mangrove restoration and nature-based resilience, targeting 200 hectares of degraded mangroves in Ghana by October, while also supporting climate-responsive planning and early warning systems across coastal communities. Coast Erosion Warning: A Harvard-led study says parts of West Africa’s coast are eroding up to 30 feet per year, and that hard barriers like groynes may protect one area while worsening erosion elsewhere. Pesticide Poisoning Alert: A West Africa study finds unintentional acute pesticide poisoning is widespread, with Côte d’Ivoire at 20% incidence among farmers and farm workers—highlighting the need for safer practices and better controls.

Cocoa Traceability Pressure: Ivorian cocoa sellers and cooperatives are struggling to use a new electronic producer card system for traceability ahead of EU anti-deforestation rules starting Jan 1, 2027—raising fears of slower purchases and supply disruptions for the 2026/27 season. Coastal Climate Resilience (Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire): A regional Adaptation Fund project is pushing climate-responsive planning and nature-based solutions, including mangrove restoration in Ghana (200 hectares targeted by October) to cut erosion, salinisation, and flood risks for coastal communities. Inland Shift Advice: Researcher Dr Luc Boerboom urges Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire to redirect development toward an emerging inland economic corridor (about 80 km from the coast) to ease pressure on flood-prone shorelines. West Africa Erosion Warning: A Harvard-led study says parts of the Gulf of Guinea are losing up to 30 feet of land per year, and that “hard” coastal barriers can protect one area while accelerating erosion elsewhere. Green Transition & Solar Supply: A report highlights China’s role in Africa’s solar boom, with record growth in installations and major panel imports—fueling the continent’s renewable push. El Niño Food Risk: Fairtrade warns El Niño could bring strong to very strong conditions that may disrupt rainfall and farming across West Africa, with knock-on effects for cocoa communities.

Coastal Resilience Push (Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire): A regional IRCC project is driving nature-based protection, with Ghana targeting 200 hectares of mangrove restoration by October and already planting 100+ hectares—aimed at stabilising soils, reducing salinisation, supporting fish habitats, and buffering erosion and flooding. Inland Shift Advice: A researcher also urged Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire to redirect development toward an emerging inland economic corridor about 80 km from the coast, to ease pressure on flood-prone settlements. Cocoa Traceability Stress Test: Ivorian cocoa traders and cooperatives are struggling to use a new electronic producer card traceability system ahead of EU anti-deforestation rules starting Jan 1, 2027, raising fears of slower purchases at the start of the 2026/27 season. Climate Risk for Cocoa Farmers: Fairtrade warned that strengthening El Niño conditions could bring disruptive storms, droughts, heatwaves and floods across West Africa, threatening cocoa communities and wider food supply chains. West Africa Erosion Warning: A Harvard-led study says parts of the Gulf of Guinea coast are eroding up to 30 feet per year, and that hard sea barriers can protect one area while accelerating erosion elsewhere.

Community Climate Action in Sinoe: A Liberia NGO-backed “Payment for Stewardship” scale-up is funding community protection of 7,131 hectares in Wedjah, with $21,392 paid to locals and new infrastructure plans like a concrete bridge to help farmers move cassava and other crops. Coastal Resilience Funding Focus: A steering committee in Accra heard calls to shift investment from the Abidjan–Lagos coastal corridor to inland “secondary” routes to cut flooding pressure on coastal communities in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. Cocoa Traceability Pressure: Ivorian cocoa sellers are struggling to use a new electronic producer card system ahead of EU anti-deforestation rules starting Jan 1, 2027—raising fears of slower purchases and supply disruptions. Sea Erosion Warning for West Africa: A Harvard-led study says parts of the Gulf of Guinea coast are eroding up to 30 feet per year, and that hard coastal barriers can protect one area while worsening erosion elsewhere. El Niño Food Risk: The UN warns El Niño is strengthening, with drought and flooding already hitting farms and potentially pushing up prices for climate-sensitive crops like rice, sugar, palm oil, cocoa and coffee. Digital Farming for Côte d’Ivoire: UM6P and INP-HB launched applications for a two-year Digital Farming School cohort in Yamoussoukro, training agritech developers using drones, sensors and decision tools. Cocoa Finance for Sustainable Supply: FMO approved a €20m working capital facility for Ivory Cocoa Products to buy sustainably sourced beans and keep processing steady amid global price volatility.

Cocoa Traceability Crunch: Côte d’Ivoire cocoa sellers are struggling to use a new electronic traceability system tied to upcoming EU anti-deforestation rules, with the electronic producer card required from Sept. 1 for the 2026/27 season—raising fears of slower purchases and delivery disruptions. Coastal Erosion Warning for West Africa: A Harvard-led study says parts of the Gulf of Guinea coast are eroding up to 30 feet per year, and that “hard” sea defenses like groynes may protect one community while worsening erosion elsewhere—urging governments to rethink coastal protection plans. Climate Shock to Food Supply: El Niño is strengthening, with the UN’s weather agency warning of continued impacts through Feb. 2027, threatening farming regions and potentially pushing up prices for climate-sensitive crops like rice, sugar, palm oil, cocoa and coffee. Digital Farming Push in Yamoussoukro: A UM6P-backed Digital Farming School is opening applications for its first Côte d’Ivoire cohort in Yamoussoukro, training future agritech developers to tackle real farm challenges with sensors, drones and decision tools. Cocoa Finance for Local Processing: FMO approved a €20m working capital facility for Ivory Cocoa Products to buy sustainably sourced beans and keep processing steady amid global market volatility.

Cocoa Traceability Stress: Ivorian cocoa sellers and cooperatives are struggling to use a new electronic producer-card traceability system ahead of EU anti-deforestation rules starting Jan 1, 2027, raising fears of slower purchases and possible supply disruptions into the 2026/27 season. Coastal Erosion Warning: A Harvard-led study says parts of West Africa’s coast are eroding up to 30 feet per year, and that “hard” defenses like groynes may protect one area while accelerating erosion elsewhere—an urgent rethink for planners in places like Côte d’Ivoire. Climate Data From Space: Senegal is assembling its next nanosatellite to collect environmental and climate data, part of a wider push for African space capability that could support regional monitoring and adaptation. Digital Farming Push (Côte d’Ivoire): UM6P and Côte d’Ivoire’s INP-HB launched applications for a two-year Digital Farming School cohort in Yamoussoukro, training agritech developers using drones, sensors, and decision tools. Cocoa Finance Boost: FMO provided €20m working capital to Ivory Cocoa Products in Côte d’Ivoire to help secure sustainably sourced beans and keep processing steady amid volatile global prices. Banana Expansion: Sipef is expanding Côte d’Ivoire banana production by acquiring the Tiabam plantation near Tiassalé, aiming to raise output and improve logistics for export.

Coastal Erosion Warning for West Africa: A Harvard study says parts of the Gulf of Guinea coast are eroding up to 30 feet (9.1m) a year, and that “hard” defenses like groynes can protect one area by worsening erosion elsewhere—researchers urge planners in Accra, Abidjan and Lagos to rethink coastal protection. Climate Data for Action: Senegal is building a homegrown nanosatellite to collect environmental and climate data, aiming to strengthen local capacity for monitoring and future climate planning. Cocoa, Climate and Supply Pressure: Cocoa prices kept rising for a sixth month as El Niño-linked weather risks and fears of West African supply crunches push up global prices—an issue that matters for Côte d’Ivoire’s farmers and processors. Sustainable Cocoa Finance: FMO backed Ivory Cocoa Products with a €20m working-capital facility to help it buy sustainably sourced beans and keep processing stable amid market volatility. Digital Farming Push in Côte d’Ivoire: A UM6P/INP-HB digital farming school opened applications for its first cohort in Yamoussoukro, training agritech developers to use sensors, drones and decision tools for farmers. Banana Expansion: Sipef is growing Côte d’Ivoire banana production after acquiring the Tiabam plantation near its Akoudjé estate, boosting certified output for export.

Informal Economy in Abidjan: A new AFP report says nearly 83% of jobs across Africa are informal, and Abidjan is no exception—street vendors and pavement businesses keep running because poverty, unemployment, and red tape make “formal” work hard to access. Coastal Climate Risk: A separate West Africa story shows how sea erosion and stronger storms are swallowing homes and livelihoods, with communities along the Gulf of Guinea struggling to adapt as sand loss accelerates. Cocoa, Climate, and Money: FMO is backing Ivory Cocoa Products with a €20m working-capital facility to keep supplies steady, while cocoa prices keep climbing on El Niño-linked supply worries—good news for some, but a reminder of how climate shocks ripple through livelihoods. Deforestation Pressure: Global Witness reports Mondelez lobbying to weaken the EU deforestation rules that would cover cocoa—an issue that matters for forest protection and sustainable sourcing. Agritech Skills in Yamoussoukro: UM6P and INP-HB’s Digital Farming School opens applications for its first cohort, aiming to train agritech developers to help farmers use sensors, drones, and decision tools. Illegal Mining Alarm: Côte d’Ivoire’s Cardinal Dogbo urges stronger state action against illegal gold mining, linking environmental destruction to greed and calling for tougher public responsibility.

Coastal Climate Shock: A new report on Ghana’s Keta shows how climate change is intensifying storms and erosion, with the sea swallowing homes and even overturning graves as ports, dams and coastal works disrupt natural sand balance. Cocoa Finance & Sustainability: FMO (Dutch development bank) approved a €20m (US$23.23m) working-capital facility for Côte d’Ivoire’s Ivory Cocoa Products to keep supplies steady and buy sustainably sourced beans. Deforestation Pressure on Cocoa: Global Witness says Mondelez/Toblerone owner is lobbying in Brussels to weaken the EU deforestation rules that would cover cocoa imports—raising concerns for forest-linked supply chains. Digital Farming Push in Côte d’Ivoire: UM6P and INP-HB opened applications for a two-year Digital Farming School cohort in Yamoussoukro, training agritech developers with sensors, drones and farm-based projects. Banana Expansion: Sipef is buying the Tiabam banana plantation in Tiassalé to grow its Côte d’Ivoire production base and boost export capacity. Illegal Mining Warning: Abidjan’s Cardinal Dogbo links illegal gold mining to greed and calls on authorities to act decisively to protect the environment.

Deforestation Pressure on Cocoa: New analysis says Mondelez (Toblerone/Cadbury) has been lobbying in Brussels to weaken the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), raising concerns that cocoa linked to forest loss could keep flowing into Europe. Cocoa Belt Livelihoods: In Côte d’Ivoire’s cocoa-growing communities, women’s savings-and-loan groups supported by Nestlé and the International Cocoa Initiative are helping families reduce vulnerability and cut child-risk pressures. Illegal Mining Crackdown: Abidjan’s Cardinal Dogbo decried illegal gold mining as an environmental and security threat, urging stronger state action and warning that greed drives resource destruction. Banana Expansion: Sipef is expanding Côte d’Ivoire banana production by buying the Tiabam plantation near its Akoudjé estate, adding scale and boosting export capacity. Climate Risk for Food: With El Niño intensifying, cocoa prices are rising again on fears of West African supply stress, while extreme weather is expected to disrupt harvests across regions. Agritech Training Push: UM6P and Côte d’Ivoire’s INP-HB opened applications for a digital farming school in Yamoussoukro, training agritech developers with drones, sensors and decision tools.

Illegal Mining & Environment: Abidjan’s Cardinal Jean-Pierre Cardinal Dogbo renewed calls for stronger state action against illegal gold mining, warning that greed drives the “reckless exploitation” of nature and urging authorities to tackle the root causes, not just sites. Toxic Waste Legacy: Survivors in Côte d’Ivoire are still living with the fallout from the 2006 Probo Koala toxic dumping across Abidjan, after a controversial settlement left many victims without full justice or cleanup. Climate Risk for West Africa: A Ghana-focused report highlights how floods are worsening as climate change, urban growth, and loss of natural water-absorbing systems combine—an urgent warning for the region’s cities, including coastal areas like Abidjan. Cocoa Belt Livelihoods: In Côte d’Ivoire’s cocoa-growing communities, women’s savings-and-loan groups supported by Nestlé and the International Cocoa Initiative are expanding, aiming to reduce vulnerability to child labour by boosting household resilience. El Niño & Cocoa Prices: Global markets show cocoa prices rising on El Niño-linked supply worries, but the wider week also saw price pressure when supply looked ample—keeping farmers and buyers on edge. Mining Investment Watch: Aurum Resources reported high-grade gold intercepts from Boundiali (BST1), signaling potential resource growth—raising the stakes for stronger environmental safeguards as activity expands.

Maternal Health & Facility Readiness: A new IPS report warns that while maternal deaths in Africa fell 40% since 2000, progress is stalling and Africa still accounts for over 70% of global maternal deaths; preventable causes like postpartum hemorrhage persist, and “delay” in seeking care, reaching facilities, and getting proper treatment remains the core problem. Illegal Mining & Environmental Damage: In Abidjan, Cardinal Jean-Pierre Cardinal Dogbo renewed calls for stronger state action against illegal gold mining, linking greed to the reckless exploitation of natural resources and urging citizens and authorities to fight the “idolatry of money.” Cocoa Belt Women’s Livelihoods: In Côte d’Ivoire’s cocoa-growing areas, a savings-and-loan network in Bringakro—supported by Nestlé and the International Cocoa Initiative—has grown to seven groups and about 210 women, aiming to reduce vulnerability and child labor risks by boosting women’s economic independence. Climate Risk & Flooding Lessons: A Ghana-focused feature highlights how floods are increasingly shaped by climate change, urban growth, land-use shifts, and loss of natural water-absorbing systems—an urgent reminder for West Africa’s cities, including Côte d’Ivoire’s, to adapt better. Toxic Waste Legacy: Survivors in Côte d’Ivoire’s Abidjan still face fallout from the 2006 Probo Koala toxic dumping, after a controversial settlement that left many victims feeling justice was incomplete.

Illegal Mining Crackdown: Abidjan’s Cardinal Jean-Pierre Kutwa Dogbo renewed calls for stronger state action against illegal gold mining, warning that greed fuels environmental destruction and urging citizens and authorities to “remove this poison” from Côte d’Ivoire. Toxic Waste Legacy: Survivors in Abidjan are still living with the fallout from the 2006 Probo Koala toxic dump, after Trafigura and the Ivorian government agreed to a €152m settlement that left many victims feeling justice was blocked. Cocoa Belt Finance for Women: In Bringakro, women’s savings-and-loan groups supported by Nestlé and the International Cocoa Initiative are expanding, helping cocoa-farm families access small loans and reduce vulnerability linked to child labour risks. Climate Risk Watch: Reporting across West Africa highlights how floods are increasingly driven by climate change plus urban growth and loss of natural water-absorbing systems—an urgent warning for cities like Abidjan. Gold Exploration Update (Boundiali): Aurum Resources reported high-grade gold intercepts at its BST1 deposit near Boundiali, reinforcing potential resource growth in Côte d’Ivoire.

Illegal Mining & Environment: Abidjan’s Cardinal Jean-Pierre Cardinal Dogbo says “gold that kills” is driven by greed and calls for stronger state action as authorities report thousands of illegal mining sites cleared since 2021. Toxic Waste Legacy: Survivors in Côte d’Ivoire still face fallout from the 2006 Probo Koala dumping across Abidjan, after a controversial settlement that left many victims feeling justice was blocked. Cocoa Sector & Sustainability: The 10th National Cocoa and Chocolate Days opened in Abidjan under “Youth and the Cocoa Farming of the Future,” spotlighting youth roles, local processing, and sustainable farming. Flood Risk & Urban Planning: A Ghana-focused report warns that recurring floods are worsened by climate change, urban growth, and loss of natural water-absorbing systems—lessons that hit the wider West Africa region. Gold Mining Expansion: Aurum Resources reports high-grade gold intercepts at Boundiali (BST1), pointing to potential resource growth—raising the need for tighter environmental safeguards as mining expands. Regional Climate-Smart Investment: Borno State’s AfDB meeting in Abidjan highlights climate-smart agriculture, irrigation, renewable energy, and water infrastructure as priorities for sustainable recovery.

Illegal Mining Crackdown: Abidjan’s Cardinal Jean-Pierre Cardinal Dogbo says “illegal gold mining” is destroying the environment and calls for stronger state action, warning that greed turns money into an idol and fuels reckless exploitation. Cocoa Sector Watch: Côte d’Ivoire’s cocoa supply picture is weighing on prices as shipments and harvest volumes rise, while the 10th National Cocoa and Chocolate Days in Abidjan spotlights “Youth and the Cocoa Farming of the Future,” including local processing and innovation. Women in Cocoa Finance: In the cocoa belt, women’s savings-and-loan groups in Bringakro are expanding with support linked to Nestlé and the International Cocoa Initiative, helping families reduce vulnerability and boost women’s economic independence. Gold Exploration Update: Aurum Resources reports high-grade gold intercepts at Boundiali (BST1), with drilling confirming mineralisation beyond the current resource and pointing to potential resource growth. Climate & Flood Risk Lens: A West Africa-focused report argues recurring floods are not just “acts of nature” but are shaped by climate change, urban growth, land-use change, and loss of natural water-absorbing systems. Toxic Waste Legacy: Survivors in Côte d’Ivoire still face fallout from the 2006 Probo Koala toxic dumping across Abidjan, after a controversial settlement left many victims waiting for full cleanup and justice.

Illegal Mining & Environment: Abidjan’s Cardinal Jean-Pierre Cardinal Dogbo renewed calls for stronger state action against illegal gold mining, warning that greed fuels the destruction of nature and urging citizens and authorities to “remove this poison” from Côte d’Ivoire. Toxic Waste Legacy: Survivors in Côte d’Ivoire are still demanding justice two decades after the Probo Koala toxic dumping across Abidjan in 2006, when hundreds were poisoned and lives were lost; a controversial settlement with Trafigura ended further legal action. Cocoa Sector & Climate Pressure: Cocoa prices slid as Ivory Coast shipments rose and inventories hit a two-year high, while regulators warned of quality and weather risks that could affect the next crop. Women’s Cocoa-Belt Finance: In the cocoa-growing community of Bringakro, women’s savings-and-loan groups supported by cocoa partners are helping families reduce vulnerability and expand small businesses. Mining Investment (Boundiali): Aurum Resources reported high-grade gold intercepts at its BST1 deposit near Boundiali, reinforcing potential resource growth in Côte d’Ivoire. Regional Climate-Security Cooperation: ECOWAS’s new leadership says environmental challenges must be met with coordinated action alongside Sahel states, linking climate stress to security and migration.