National Chocolate Week: GFZA showcases opportunities in cocoa sector

The Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) has concluded its National Chocolate Week 2026 celebrations, held ahead of National Chocolate Day on February 14, with a renewed focus on opportunities within Ghana’s cocoa and chocolate industry under the Free Zones Scheme.

The week-long observance celebrated Ghana’s cocoa heritage while drawing attention to the role of value addition and export-oriented processing in driving economic growth.

GFZA said the Free Zones Scheme continues to support local cocoa processors through incentives, including duty-free importation of machinery and inputs, corporate tax holidays, streamlined licensing procedures, and profit repatriation provisions.

As of January 2026, the Authority had licensed 20 cocoa processing companies operating under the scheme.

The firms produce a range of products such as cocoa butter, cocoa liquor, cocoa powder, confectionery, beverages, skincare inputs, and by-products, including cocoa pulp juice.

According to GFZA, the licensed companies generated approximately US$1.8 billion in export earnings in 2025 and provided direct employment to nearly 1,900 Ghanaians.

The Authority noted that additional indirect jobs have been created across related sectors such as packaging, logistics, catering, and farming.

This year’s theme, “Celebrating Ghana’s Cocoa Heritage the Free Zones Way: Taste, Learn and Enjoy,” underscored both cultural pride and economic opportunity.

Ghana remains one of the world’s leading cocoa producers, contributing an estimated 20 to 25 percent of global output, with significant growth potential in value addition and branding.

Activities during the week included the distribution of chocolate drinks to staff, an enterprise visit to a cocoa processing company, and a product exhibition by participating Free Zones enterprises.

A staff painting competition was also organised as part of the celebrations.

GFZA acknowledged the support of participating enterprises and partners, including Cocoa Processing Company, Plot Enterprise, Niche Cocoa, Cargill, Koa Impact, Olam Ghana (OFI), HPW Fresh and Dry, and FairAfrique.

As the celebrations ended, the Authority encouraged existing enterprises to expand operations and deepen value addition, while inviting prospective investors to explore opportunities in Ghana’s cocoa sector through the Free Zones framework.