The President of the Liberian Cocoa Exporters Association, Sheikh Turay, has expressed optimism that Liberia is on course to reclaim its prewar position in the global cocoa industry.
Speaking to this station over the weekend, Mr. Turay, who also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Liberation Liberia, highlighted the steady progress being made in the cocoa sector. He noted a significant increase in the volume of cocoa exported from Liberia to the international market—a development that is directly benefiting local farmers.
“There has been a serious boost in the quantity of cocoa being shipped out of Liberia, and this is translating into tangible dividends for farmers across the country,” Sheikh Turay stated.
According to him, the government of Liberia, in collaboration with international partners, has intensified support to cocoa farmers. This growing investment has drawn more Liberians into cocoa farming, thereby creating jobs and improving livelihoods, especially in rural communities.
Turay emphasized that exporters and farmers are working closely with the Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA) to ensure that the country’s cocoa meets regional and international standards.
He identified Grand Gedeh, Nimba, and Lofa counties as the new “melting pots” for cocoa production in Liberia. These areas, he said, are now attracting attention from neighboring countries and international stakeholders due to the improved quality of beans being produced there.
“For years, cocoa from Liberia was largely unknown for its quality,” Turay noted. “It was often processed in bulk without traceable origins. Many exporters wanted to improve the quality of Liberian cocoa but lacked the technical know-how.”
However, with technical and logistical support from the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI), Liberia has taken significant steps toward producing premium-grade cocoa that meets European market standards.
“Higher quality means better market value,” he added. “This directly leads to higher incomes for our farmers and workers, which helps transform entire communities.”
The cocoa sector, once dormant due to the civil crisis, is now experiencing renewed growth, positioning Liberia as an emerging player in the West African cocoa trade.
