AGP Executive Report

Cocoa and Climate: West African cocoa faces a hotter, drier season as forecasters warn of a strong El Niño, which could reduce soil moisture and stress cocoa trees. Deforestation Rules: A Global Witness analysis says cocoa-sourcing emissions reported by major chocolate companies fell by a quarter over three years, while deforestation-free sourcing rose; the EU’s deforestation law appears to be driving change even before taking effect. Agroforestry: Barry Callebaut is testing assisted natural regeneration in Côte d’Ivoire, protecting naturally occurring young trees alongside planting to build more resilient cocoa landscapes. Climate-Resilient Crops: Research on indigenous African rice highlights its ability to persist in difficult growing conditions, including dry uplands and deep-water areas—traits that could help farmers adapt to climate change.

Cocoa and Forests: A new analysis says cocoa-sourcing emissions reported by major chocolate makers fell by a quarter in three years, while their reported deforestation-free sourcing rose. The EU’s deforestation law may be driving change ahead of its implementation, though reporting gaps remain. Agroforestry: Barry Callebaut is testing assisted natural regeneration in Côte d’Ivoire, protecting naturally growing trees alongside targeted planting to build healthier, more resilient cocoa landscapes. Climate Finance: The Green Climate Fund has unlocked more than US$4 billion for climate investment, with Africa expected to receive about 40%; countries will need strong project pipelines to secure funding. Climate-Resilient Crops: Researchers are revisiting West African native rice, which may help farmers cope with difficult growing conditions and climate change.

EU Cocoa Climate Push: A new Global Witness analysis says the EU’s zero-deforestation law (EUDR) is already cutting deforestation-linked emissions from major chocolate brands, with cocoa “deforestation-free” claims rising and sourcing emissions down by a quarter in three years. Smart Ports for Safety: Rotterdam is testing “smart” berth bollards that track real mooring forces via sensors, helping plan maintenance and improve safety as ports push for efficiency. Cocoa Supply Pressure: Ghana raised its 2026/27 producer price, lifting global cocoa prices and raising fears of cross-border cocoa flows that could reduce what reaches Ivory Coast ports. Agroforestry in Cocoa: Barry Callebaut is putting assisted natural regeneration into practice in Ivory Coast, aiming to protect naturally growing trees alongside planting to build more resilient cocoa landscapes. Climate Finance Boost: The Green Climate Fund unlocked over US$4bn more for climate action, with Africa expected to receive about 40%, but countries still need stronger pipelines of ready projects. Food Systems Research: AfricaRice and CIMMYT deepened partnerships to advance climate-smart rice and resilient farming systems across southern Africa.

Cocoa & Climate Watch: Global cocoa prices edged up to a two-week high after Ghana raised its 2026/27 producer price, widening the gap with Ivory Coast and raising fears some farmers and traders may shift across the border—while an El Niño pattern could also bring hotter, drier conditions that stress cocoa trees. Agroforestry for Resilient Cocoa: Barry Callebaut is pushing Assisted Natural Regeneration in Ivory Coast, aiming to protect naturally growing trees alongside targeted planting to rebuild healthier, more resilient cocoa landscapes amid long-running deforestation pressures. Gold & Jobs on the Ground: Toubani Resources says construction is in full swing at its Kobada Gold Project in Côte d’Ivoire, with CIL tank work underway, long-lead equipment shipped, and 900+ workers on site ahead of first gold targeted for Q3 2027. Digital Governance for Creators: Côte d’Ivoire is moving toward direct monetization of Facebook and Instagram content for local creators through a structured process with Meta—an important step for fairer access to global platform revenues. Energy Infrastructure & Marine Limits: Lloyd’s Register granted Approval in Principle for a new FSRU design that can run in open-, closed-, or combined-loop modes, including options that may reduce environmental impact where seawater use is restricted. Regional Dialogue: Abidjan is reopening dialogue with the AES space through customs and mobility gestures, even as strategic disagreements remain.

Mining & Jobs: Toubani Resources says its Kobada Gold Project in Côte d’Ivoire is in full-scale construction, with CIL tank work underway, long-lead equipment shipped, and 900+ workers on site—aiming for first gold in Q3 2027. Cocoa, Climate & Smuggling Risk: Ghana’s higher 2026/27 cocoa farmgate price is pushing global prices up and could tempt some Ivorian farmers and dealers to cross borders for better returns, while El Niño warnings raise drought pressure on cocoa trees across West Africa. Deforestation-Resilient Cocoa: Barry Callebaut is testing Assisted Natural Regeneration in Côte d’Ivoire, blending natural tree regrowth with targeted planting to build more resilient cocoa landscapes amid long-running forest loss pressures. Digital Governance for Creators: Côte d’Ivoire’s authorities move ahead with Meta monetization tests, aiming to let local creators earn directly on Facebook and Instagram—an important step for fairer digital revenue access. Space for Water & Disaster Response: UAE Space Agency signs deals at an Africa Space Expo in Abidjan to expand Earth observation, capacity building, and use of satellite data for protecting harvests, managing water, and responding to disasters.

Cocoa Supply & Climate Risk: Global cocoa prices edged up to a two-week high after Ghana raised its 2026/27 producer price, widening the gap with Ivory Coast and raising fears some Ivorian farmers and dealers could shift sales across the border; the move also comes as El Niño warnings point to hotter, drier conditions that could stress cocoa trees. Deforestation-Linked Cocoa Farming: Barry Callebaut is testing Assisted Natural Regeneration in Ivory Coast, aiming to protect naturally growing trees alongside targeted planting—an approach meant to make cocoa landscapes more resilient amid long-running forest loss pressures. Mining & Land/Water Concerns: Montage Gold says its Koné mine in Côte d’Ivoire has achieved first gold pour ahead of schedule, with major investment in ports, roads, and electricity—good for jobs, but a reminder to watch environmental safeguards as production ramps up. Urban Transport & Emissions: Abidjan Metro Line 1 logistics advanced as five heavy locomotives were transported for construction, with the operator citing health, safety, and environmental standards during the oversized haul. Climate Finance Push: The Green Climate Fund unlocked over US$4bn for climate investments, with Africa expected to receive about 40%, but countries still need stronger pipelines of ready-to-fund projects.

Illegal Gold Crackdown: Côte d’Ivoire moved to stamp out harmful artisanal mining, driving out prospectors from a major illegal pit near Baziafla and warning of tougher penalties and more brigades to curb environmental damage and local health risks. Agroforestry for Cocoa: Barry Callebaut is testing Assisted Natural Regeneration in Ivory Coast, aiming to protect naturally growing trees alongside targeted planting to build more resilient cocoa landscapes amid long-running deforestation pressures. Climate Finance Boost: The Green Climate Fund unlocked over US$4bn for climate investments, with Africa expected to receive about 40%—but countries are urged to prepare more investment-ready projects. Biodiversity & Water Focus: Germany signaled deeper cooperation with Benin, including water and biodiversity support, as well as security and vocational training. Clean Port Power: West Africa is being pushed toward shore power (“cold ironing”) so ships can cut diesel emissions while docked—an infrastructure and competitiveness issue, not just compliance. Mining Investment Signal: Montage Gold’s Koné mine in Côte d’Ivoire reached its first gold pour ahead of schedule, supported by port, road and electricity investments. Space for Disasters & Farming: UAE Space Agency signed deals with African partners at Abidjan’s Africa Space Expo to expand Earth observation, capacity building, and disaster response using satellite data.

Illegal Mining Crackdown: Côte d’Ivoire is pushing to shut down artisanal gold pits, including a case near Baziafla where miners were driven out; authorities say the “scourge” harms health and ecosystems and fuels armed groups, with tougher prison terms and more brigades deployed. Cocoa & Forest Pressure: Cocoa prices fell as Ivory Coast reported higher shipments and inventories, a reminder of how production swings can intensify pressure on land and forests in major growing areas. Agroforestry in Cocoa Landscapes: Barry Callebaut is testing Assisted Natural Regeneration in Ivory Coast, aiming to protect naturally growing trees alongside targeted planting to build more resilient, less deforestation-prone cocoa systems. Climate Finance Boost: The Green Climate Fund unlocked over US$4bn for climate investments, with Africa expected to receive about 40%, but countries are urged to prepare more investment-ready projects. Urban Mobility, Environment: Abidjan’s metro Line 1 logistics advanced as locomotives were transported to the Abobo Sagbé receiving site, with health, safety and environmental standards cited during the oversized haul. Biodiversity & Water Cooperation: Germany plans deeper partnership with Benin, including water and biodiversity support—relevant for regional ecosystems and shared environmental management. Space for Disaster & Water Monitoring: The UAE Space Agency signed cooperation deals at Africa Space Expo in Abidjan, targeting Earth observation and capacity building to help protect harvests, manage water, and respond to disasters.

Illegal Mining Crackdown: Côte d’Ivoire is pushing to shut down illegal artisanal gold pits, including a case near Baziafla where miners were driven out; authorities say the activity harms health and the environment and can fund armed groups, with tougher prison terms and more patrols planned within six months. Cocoa & Forest Pressure: Cocoa prices fell as the dollar strengthened and signs of abundant supply grew; Ivory Coast shipping and harvest figures point to higher output, adding pressure on land and forests already strained by cocoa expansion. Agroforestry for Cocoa: Barry Callebaut is testing Assisted Natural Regeneration in Ivory Coast, aiming to protect naturally growing trees alongside targeted planting to build more resilient cocoa landscapes amid long-running deforestation concerns. Climate Finance Boost: The Green Climate Fund unlocked over US$4bn in additional climate resources, with Africa expected to receive about 40%, but countries are urged to prepare more investment-ready projects. Abidjan Metro Logistics: Abidjan’s Line 1 is advancing as five heavy locomotives were transported from the Port of Abidjan to the Abobo Sagbé receiving site, with health, safety and environmental standards cited. Peace & Border Resilience: The Entente Council and UNOWAS signed a three-year MoU in Abidjan-Cocody to strengthen preventive diplomacy, mediation, and border-area peacebuilding with youth and women.

Agroforestry for cocoa: Barry Callebaut is testing Assisted Natural Regeneration in Ivory Coast, aiming to protect naturally growing trees alongside targeted planting to rebuild more resilient cocoa landscapes as deforestation and illegal “galamsey” pressure forests. Illegal gold crackdown: Ivory Coast is stepping up enforcement against artisanal illegal mining, including prison sentences up to 20 years and new brigades, after authorities dismantled pits like the one near Baziafla that damage land and local health. Climate finance boost: The Green Climate Fund says it has unlocked over US$4bn for climate investments, with Africa expected to receive about 40%, but warns countries must prepare more investment-ready projects. Urban mobility in Abidjan: AGL Côte d’Ivoire moved five heavy locomotives for Abidjan Metro Line 1, with the operation carried out under health, safety and environmental standards. Biodiversity logistics: A rescued gorilla, Bili, was transported from Nigeria to the Republic of Congo via DHL support, marking a major cross-border conservation effort toward reintroduction. Cocoa prices slip: Cocoa futures fell as the dollar strengthened and Ivory Coast reported higher port shipments and inventories, adding pressure on prices.

Illegal Mining Crackdown: Côte d’Ivoire is moving to stamp out harmful illegal gold rushes, driving miners out of pits like the one near Baziafla and toughening prison sentences up to 20 years while increasing surveillance and brigades. Climate Finance Boost: The Green Climate Fund has unlocked over US$4bn for climate investments, with Africa expected to receive about 40%—but countries are urged to build stronger pipelines of ready-to-fund projects. Abidjan Metro Progress: AGL Côte d’Ivoire transported five heavy locomotives for Abidjan Metro Line 1, with route planning and safety steps carried out under health, safety and environmental standards. Cleaner Ports Push: West Africa is watching “shore power” (cold ironing) as ports look to cut emissions at berth and improve competitiveness, following European and global scaling examples. Wildlife Rescue Logistics: DHL helped move rescued gorilla Bili from Nigeria to the Republic of Congo, supporting a cross-border conservation effort aimed at eventual reintroduction. Mining Value-Chain Momentum (Regional): Burkina Faso opened its first gold refinery to process and certify gold domestically, reflecting a wider push across West Africa to keep more value in-country.

Climate Finance Boost: The Green Climate Fund has unlocked over US$4bn more for climate investments in Africa, with hopes that about 40% will reach the continent—if countries can build stronger pipelines of ready-to-fund projects. Mining & Environment: Ivory Coast is stepping up a crackdown on harmful illegal gold mining, including prison sentences up to 20 years and raids on artisanal pits blamed for pollution, health harms, and funding armed groups. Clean Ports Push: West African ports are being urged to adopt shore power (“cold ironing”) to cut emissions at berth, with Europe showing it can scale through major infrastructure investments. Space for Resilience: The UAE Space Agency signed cooperation deals at an Africa Space Expo in Abidjan, aiming to use Earth observation and satellite data to protect harvests, manage water, and respond to disasters. Urban Mobility Logistics: Abidjan’s Metro Line 1 project moved five heavy locomotives from the Port of Abidjan to the Abobo Sagbé site, with operations carried out under health, safety, and environmental standards. Wildlife Rescue: A rescued gorilla, Bili, completed a cross-border transfer from Nigeria to Congo, with DHL logistics support—aimed at eventual reintroduction to the wild. Peacebuilding Framework: The Entente Council and UNOWAS signed a three-year MoU in Abidjan to strengthen regional peace efforts, including preventive diplomacy and more inclusive border-area security work.

Illegal Mining Crackdown: Ivory Coast is moving to eradicate illegal artisanal gold pits, including a case near Baziafla where miners were driven out, while authorities toughened prison sentences up to 20 years and increased surveillance—aiming to cut environmental harm and the funding of armed groups. Cocoa Pressure: Cocoa prices slid as the dollar strengthened and Ivory Coast shipments rose to 2.18 million metric tons to ports (+19.8%), with inventories hitting a 2.25-year high—adding pressure on prices despite earlier weather-related harvest worries. Abidjan Metro Progress: Africa Global Logistics Côte d’Ivoire transported five heavy railway locomotives for Abidjan Metro Line 1, with the operation carried out under health, safety and environmental standards. Space for Resilience: At Abidjan’s Africa Space Expo, the UAE Space Agency signed deals to expand cooperation on Earth observation and capacity building, while Côte d’Ivoire also signed the Artemis Accords—linking space tech to disaster response, water management and climate resilience. Wildlife Rescue: DHL Express helped move rescued gorilla Bili from Nigeria to the Republic of Congo via a multi-country route, supporting conservation groups’ plans for eventual reintroduction.

Illegal Mining Crackdown: Ivory Coast is moving to stamp out harmful artisanal gold mining, after authorities drove prospectors out of a pit near Baziafla and vowed to eradicate illegal sites within six months—backed by tougher prison sentences (up to 20 years), more surveillance, and more brigades, amid warnings that the black-market gold can fuel armed groups and damage local health and ecosystems. Urban Mobility & Environment: Abidjan’s Line 1 metro push is advancing as AGL Côte d’Ivoire transported five heavy locomotives from the Port of Abidjan to the Abobo Sagbé receiving site, with route planning and safety steps carried out under health, safety, and environmental standards. Space for Climate & Disaster Response: At Africa Space Expo in Abidjan, the UAE Space Agency signed deals to expand cooperation on Earth observation, satellite data, capacity building, and space innovation—aiming to help protect harvests, manage water, respond to disasters, and monitor growing cities. Cocoa Pressure: Cocoa prices fell as Ivory Coast shipments to ports rose and inventories climbed, adding to concerns about abundant supply. Regional Peace Work: The Entente Council and UNOWAS finalized a three-year MoU in Abidjan to strengthen preventive diplomacy, mediation, and border resilience—linking peacebuilding with youth and women’s roles.

Illegal mining crackdown: Ivory Coast is moving to erase illegal artisanal gold pits, including a case near Baziafla where miners were driven out. Authorities say the activity harms health and the environment, and that illicit profits can fuel armed groups—prompting tougher prison terms (up to 20 years), more surveillance, and more brigades. Regional water security: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted the Abidjan Declaration after the West Africa Regional Water Forum, pushing stronger shared management of rivers and basins to tackle water insecurity, climate pressure, cross-border disputes, and underfunding. Cocoa pressure in the market: Cocoa prices slid as the dollar strengthened and inventories rose; Ivory Coast port shipments and harvest figures pointed to ample supply, even as weather risks were still cited. Mining investment momentum: Montage Gold reported first gold pour at its Koné mine in Côte d’Ivoire, ahead of schedule, with ramp-up toward commercial production. Clean port energy: A push for shore power (cold ironing) is gaining traction as West African ports weigh emissions cuts against infrastructure planning and competitiveness. Wildlife rescue logistics: DHL helped move rescued gorilla Bili from Nigeria to Congo, a cross-border conservation operation aimed at eventual reintroduction.

Illegal mining crackdown: Ivory Coast is moving to wipe out harmful artisanal gold pits, including a case near Baziafla where miners were driven out; authorities have toughened prison sentences (up to 20 years) and boosted surveillance, citing major damage to health and ecosystems and links to armed groups. Mining value at home: Burkina Faso opened its first domestic gold refinery, pushing “process and certify at home” to keep more value in-country—an approach that echoes wider West African pressure to refine locally instead of exporting raw ore. Abidjan metro logistics: Africa Global Logistics transported five heavy locomotives for Abidjan Metro Line 1, with the operation stressing route planning and health, safety and environmental standards. Clean ports push: A West Africa-focused debate is growing around shore power (“cold ironing”) to cut emissions at berth—an infrastructure question tied to competitiveness, not just compliance. Cocoa pressure: Cocoa futures fell as the dollar strengthened and Ivory Coast shipments and inventories pointed to abundant supply, keeping prices under strain. Water security agenda: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted an Abidjan Declaration to strengthen shared river governance and climate-resilient water planning across borders. Wildlife rescue: DHL helped move rescued gorilla Bili from Nigeria to the Republic of Congo, supporting a conservation plan to reintroduce her to the wild. Space for resilience: UAE Space Agency deals signed in Abidjan aim to use Earth observation and satellite data for disaster response, water management and protecting harvests.