The 10th edition of Côte d’Ivoire’s National Cocoa and Chocolate Days (JNCC) opened Tuesday at the Abidjan Exhibition Centre, with the future of young people in cocoa farming at the centre of the event.

Agriculture Minister Bruno Nabagné Koné presided over the opening ceremony of the three-day event, held from September 1 to 3 under the theme: “Youth and the Cocoa Farming of the Future.”

The event brings together cocoa farmers, industry professionals, government officials and other stakeholders to discuss the future of one of Côte d’Ivoire’s most important economic sectors.

Panels, conferences, exhibitions, cocoa and chocolate tastings, awards for top producers and activities dedicated to young people are among the highlights of the programme.

The focus on youth comes as the cocoa sector faces major challenges, including an ageing farming population, climate change, productivity and the need to improve farmers’ incomes.

For Côte d’Ivoire, attracting a new generation to cocoa farming is becoming increasingly important to ensure the long-term future of the industry.

The country is also seeking to promote local cocoa processing and chocolate production in order to create more value, jobs and business opportunities within the country.

The message from the 10th JNCC is clear: securing the future of Côte d’Ivoire’s cocoa industry will require a new generation of farmers, entrepreneurs and professionals ready to transform the sector.