Cocoa and Coffee Farmers Alliance of Africa highlights price volatility as major threat to sector
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Cocoa and Coffee Farmers Alliance Association of Africa COCEFAAA has identified persistent market volatility as a significant challenge to the sustainable development of Africa’s cocoa sector. Ahead of the cocoa & coffee fiesta Lagos, Nigeria 2026, scheduled for October 7 and 8, Global President, COCEFAAA, Adeola Adegoke, stated that unstable prices have negatively impacted farmers' income, productivity, and sectoral growth, despite Africa producing about 70 percent of global cocoa output. The association noted that cocoa-producing countries like Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Cameroon, and Nigeria often bear the brunt of market shocks. COCEFAAA emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among governments, industry players, and development partners to protect farmers’ incomes. The upcoming Fiesta aims to provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss solutions to challenges such as price volatility, market access, and sustainability. Discussions will cover income frameworks, de-commoditization strategies, agroforestry, carbon credit opportunities, integrated soil management, and compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation. The event will also mark the official launch of COCEFAAA as the first pan-African membership organization for cocoa and coffee farmers, with a mission to amplify farmers’ voices, promote sustainable practices, advocate fair pricing, improve market access, empower youth and women, and strengthen climate resilience.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Paras Energy Funding SPV Plc, a funding vehicle for Paras Energy and Natural Resources Development Limited, has successfully issued an inaugural ₦15.00 billion 5-year Fixed Rate Senior Unsecured Bond at an 18.00% per annum coupon. This issuance is part of its ₦25.00 billion Bond Issuance Programme, with Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited acting as Lead Issuing House and Bookrunner. Paras Energy, a privately held energy company and member of the African Industries Group, operates across the power value chain, including generation, solar engineering, and transmission infrastructure. This transaction marks the first time a privately held company in the power sector has issued an unwrapped bond for its debut issuance. The proceeds will be used to expand Paras Energy’s generating capacity and client portfolio across West Africa. The bond issue was fully subscribed, attracting demand from Pension Fund Administrators, Asset Managers, and High Net-Worth Individuals, reflecting market confidence in Paras Energy’s credit quality and strategic vision. This also represents the African Industries Group’s first issuance of a longer-dated tenor instrument in the Nigerian debt capital markets. Mr Munish Modi, Group Chief Financial Officer, African Industries Group, stated that the issuance demonstrates their commitment to Nigeria’s energy security through innovative financing. Laju Atake, Head Debt Capital Markets Nigeria, RMB Nigeria, highlighted that the transaction shows well-positioned p
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti is the highest-paid coach for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with an annual salary of £8.28 million. Ancelotti, a former Real Madrid manager, is tasked with leading Brazil in their pursuit of a sixth World Cup title. England manager Thomas Tuchel is second on the list, earning £5.06 million annually, followed by United States coach Mauricio Pochettino at £4.53 million. Germany's Julian Nagelsmann is fourth with £4.2 million per year. Portugal coach Roberto Martinez and Uzbekistan's Fabio Cannavaro are tied in fifth place, each earning £3.5 million annually. Cannavaro's salary is notable given Uzbekistan's status as a less established football nation, qualifying for its first World Cup. France manager Didier Deschamps earns £3.31 million, while World Cup-winning Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, Uruguay's Marcelo Bielsa, and Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman complete the top 10, each earning £2.61 million annually. These figures highlight the significant financial investment by football federations in securing top managerial talent for the tournament.
Must ReadThe International Finance Corporation IFC and Standard Chartered Bank have introduced a $300 million risk-sharing facility to enhance access to supply chain finance for businesses across eight African countries, including Nigeria. This initiative aims to address funding shortages faced by firms on the continent. The program is projected to support supply chain and trade finance transactions totaling approximately $1.9 billion over the next three years, benefiting over 500 suppliers, including small and medium-sized enterprises SMEs. The facility will be implemented in Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia, focusing on sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing. The IFC, the private sector investment arm of the World Bank Group, will provide guarantees of up to $150 million, with an initial commitment of $100 million, covering transactions in US dollars and selected local currencies. This risk-sharing structure will cover up to $300 million in supply chain and trade finance assets originated by Standard Chartered in Africa. The program will utilize financing tools like payables finance, receivables discounting, and pre-shipment finance schemes to improve working capital access for smaller businesses, ensuring faster payments for suppliers. Mohamed Gouled, IFC Vice President for Products and Clients, stated that supply chain finance is a rapid way to address the funding challenges in developing economies, particularly fo
George Ogbonnaya, FCMB's Senior Vice President and Divisional Head of Business Banking, states that Nigerian small and medium-sized enterprises SMEs require more than just access to finance to achieve sustainable growth. He emphasizes that critical drivers for growth include reliable infrastructure, such as electricity, efficient logistics, and robust digital networks, alongside skills development and digital transformation. Ogbonnaya highlights that energy costs, particularly, have a significant impact on operating expenses, leading FCMB to invest in renewable energy financing to help businesses reduce costs. He also points out the importance of improving logistics within Africa and providing affordable access to digital tools. Skills development, including management capabilities and specialized expertise, is crucial for entrepreneurs to scale successfully. FCMB, with its history of supporting Nigeria's economic development, aims to be a partner in businesses' growth journeys, especially during challenging economic periods marked by high inflation and rising operating costs. The bank offers tailored financial solutions, leverages alternative data and digital lending models, and seeks funding from development finance institutions to provide affordable financing options. Beyond financing, FCMB focuses on digital enablement, business development, and capacity building, training over 4,500 SMEs annually through various programs. The bank's Business Zone platform, expanded with