African farmers may lose access to the EU market due to new regulations

The Alliance of African Cocoa and Coffee Producers Associations (COCEFAAA) has warned of potential difficulties for smallholder farmers. Speaking at a conference in Lagos, the global president of the organization, Adeola Adegoke, stated that about 40 percent of small-scale African cocoa producers could lose access to the European Union market. The reason cited is the complexity and high cost of complying with the standards of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), including requirements for traceability systems, as well as the lack of necessary financial resources, technology, and documentation among farmers.

The event also discussed the impact of cocoa cell culture technologies on traditional communities and the demand for traditional raw materials. Participants of the two-day conference, which brought together over 200 delegates, adopted the Lagos Declaration 2026 and the Lagos Pact. These documents aim to protect farmers' incomes, increase productivity, develop local processing capacities, and strengthen Africa's position in international trade negotiations. In particular, the African Union plans to consider a common continental position at the summit in February 2027.

According to data announced at the conference, Africa produces about 75 percent of the global cocoa volume and 12 percent of coffee, yet receives less than six percent of the value of finished chocolate. At the same time, many African farmers earn approximately $1.20 a day.