COCOBOD sets up Cocoa Capital PLC to raise GH¢16.3bn for cocoa sector

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has established Cocoa Capital PLC, a special-purpose financing entity, to oversee and oversee a GH¢16.3 billion domestic fundraising initiative. Introduced on August 7, 2026, under the Companies Act, 2019, Cocoa Capital PLC is wholly owned by COCOBOD and has an initial paid-up capital of GH¢5 million. The fund's primary objective is to secure financing and refinance cocoa-sector obligations through the Cocoa Notes Programme.

COCOBOD anticipates raising GH¢14 billion via commercial papers with maturities of up to 270 days and GH¢2.3 billion through bonds that could have a tenor of up to five years. These funds will be allocated in stages, starting with a GH¢4 billion tranche, followed by another GH¢4 billion, and concluding with a GH¢6 billion tranche. The precise amounts and timing of the issuance will be contingent upon COCOBOD's funding prerequisites, market dynamics, and program stipulations.

Financial institutions, including Absa, CalBank, Ficap Securities, GCB Bank PLC, One Africa Markets, and Stanbic Bank, are designated as the joint lead managers and bookrunners for the offer. These structures ensure that proceeds from each issuance are utilized exclusively for approved purposes within the programme. The initiative aims to provide investors with additional assurance regarding the prudent management and deployment of the raised funds.

The move is hailed as a pivotal moment for the cocoa sector as COCOBOD implements ongoing reforms to fortify financial discipline and foster a more resilient value chain. COCOBOD claims these reforms are reshaping the sector and positioning cocoa as a long-term engine of shared prosperity for stakeholders. In a statement to investors, the board emphasized that this transformation signifies a cocoa sector that is more resilient, disciplined, and constructed to deliver value at every level.

In terms of cocoa production, COCOBOD aims to achieve a production of 683,000 metric tonnes for 2027, which would constitute approximately 41.3% of the 2026 target. Presently, cocoa production stands at 771,000 metric tonnes, surpassing the original 2026 target of 650,000 metric tonnes. These production milestones coincide with the cocoa sector's ongoing financial and structural reforms aimed at enhancing sustainability and fortifying the value chain.