“Discussions have started regarding the creation of an university solely dedicated to cocoa and chocolate”. Those were the words of the Ivorian minister for agriculture and rural development, Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly who announced the upcoming creation of a cocoa-centered university.

The university will provide “high quality training and research and improve productivity and revenues of cocoa farmers, organize the sector by creating added value and jobs, as well as promote the consumption of derivatives in the country and in the sub-region,” APA said. Cote d’Ivoire aims here to reinforce its position as global leading cocoa producer.

Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly added that Cote d’Ivoire now has a label, “Cacao Ivoire”, which will promote its beans and the quality of the work of its producers.

The official said these at the National Days for Cocoa ad Chocolate (JNCC in French).

Aaron Akinocho