AGP Executive Report

Climate and Food Costs: The World Bank says 30 to 40 countries are discussing crisis aid as higher diesel and fertilizer prices squeeze budgets; it also warns a looming super El Niño could add pressure on developing economies. Cocoa and Forests: A new analysis says the EU’s deforestation rules are already pushing major chocolate makers to reduce cocoa-related emissions and improve deforestation-free sourcing — a significant shift for Côte d’Ivoire, the world’s leading cocoa producer.

Climate Pressure: The World Bank says 30 to 40 countries are discussing crisis aid as diesel and fertilizer costs climb, with a looming super El Niño adding to risks for developing economies. Sahel Displacement: More than twice as many people are displaced in the central Sahel as six years ago, UNHCR says; climate shocks, attacks and funding shortages are forcing families to flee and undermining livelihoods. Cocoa and Forests: A Global Witness analysis finds cocoa-sourcing emissions at major chocolate companies fell by a quarter in three years, while reported deforestation-free sourcing rose. The EU’s deforestation rules are driving changes that matter to Côte d’Ivoire, a major cocoa producer. Sustainable Housing: Shelter Afrique Development Bank launched a FCFA 60 billion bond to fund affordable, energy-efficient housing across the WAEMU region, which includes Côte d’Ivoire.

Climate Displacement: UNHCR says displacement in the central Sahel has more than doubled in six years, as violence, climate shocks and funding shortfalls push more families from their homes and erode livelihoods. Sustainable Housing: Shelter Afrique Development Bank launched a FCFA 60 billion bond to finance affordable, energy-efficient housing across the WAEMU region, including Côte d’Ivoire. Cocoa and Forests: A Global Witness analysis finds cocoa-sourcing emissions at major chocolate companies fell by a quarter in three years, while reported deforestation-free sourcing rose. It says the EU’s deforestation rules are driving change ahead of their entry into force, with implications for Côte d’Ivoire’s cocoa sector.

Sustainable Housing: Shelter Afrique Development Bank launched a FCFA 60 billion bond to finance affordable, energy-efficient housing and urban development across West Africa. Cocoa & Forests: A Global Witness analysis says cocoa-sourcing emissions reported by major chocolate firms fell by a quarter in three years, while deforestation-free sourcing claims rose. The findings spotlight the stakes for Côte d’Ivoire, a major cocoa producer, as companies prepare for the EU’s deforestation rules. Climate-Ready Farming: Research on ancient African rice points to a possible way to help farmers adapt to climate change; meanwhile, Barry Callebaut is exploring agroforestry to improve cocoa growing.

Sustainable Housing: Shelter Afrique Development Bank has launched a FCFA 60 billion bond to finance affordable, energy-efficient housing and urban development across the WAEMU region. Cocoa and Forests: A Global Witness analysis says major chocolate companies’ cocoa-related emissions fell by a quarter over three years as reported deforestation-free sourcing increased, suggesting the EU deforestation law is already influencing the sector. Climate Risks: Hotter, drier conditions linked to a forecast El Niño could strain West African cocoa trees; the region’s harvest is already under pressure.

Sustainable Housing: Shelter Afrique Development Bank launched a FCFA 60 billion bond to finance affordable, energy-efficient housing and urban development across the WAEMU region, including Côte d’Ivoire. Cocoa and Forests: A new analysis says major chocolate companies’ cocoa-sourcing emissions fell by a quarter in three years as deforestation-free sourcing grew, with the EU’s deforestation rules helping push change. Climate Pressure on Cocoa: West African cocoa faces added risk from a forecast El Niño that could bring hotter, drier conditions. Ghana’s higher farmgate price has also widened the gap with Côte d’Ivoire, raising concerns about cross-border cocoa flows.

Regional Cooperation: India and Côte d’Ivoire discussed environmental cooperation during talks on trade, agriculture and development in Abidjan. Rural Sustainability: A West African university conference in Ghana focused on how to sustain a rural-transformation centre as its main funding cycle ends. Cocoa and Forests: New analysis says cocoa-sourcing emissions reported by major chocolate companies fell by a quarter in three years, while deforestation-free sourcing rose; the EU deforestation law appears to be driving change before taking effect. In Côte d’Ivoire, Barry Callebaut is testing assisted natural regeneration alongside tree planting to strengthen cocoa-growing landscapes. Climate Pressure: Ghana’s cocoa price rise comes amid concerns that El Niño could bring hotter, drier conditions to West Africa and stress cocoa trees.

Cocoa and Climate: West African cocoa faces a hotter, drier season as forecasters warn of a strong El Niño, which could reduce soil moisture and stress cocoa trees. Deforestation Rules: A Global Witness analysis says cocoa-sourcing emissions reported by major chocolate companies fell by a quarter over three years, while deforestation-free sourcing rose; the EU’s deforestation law appears to be driving change even before taking effect. Agroforestry: Barry Callebaut is testing assisted natural regeneration in Côte d’Ivoire, protecting naturally occurring young trees alongside planting to build more resilient cocoa landscapes. Climate-Resilient Crops: Research on indigenous African rice highlights its ability to persist in difficult growing conditions, including dry uplands and deep-water areas—traits that could help farmers adapt to climate change.

Cocoa and Forests: A new analysis says cocoa-sourcing emissions reported by major chocolate makers fell by a quarter in three years, while their reported deforestation-free sourcing rose. The EU’s deforestation law may be driving change ahead of its implementation, though reporting gaps remain. Agroforestry: Barry Callebaut is testing assisted natural regeneration in Côte d’Ivoire, protecting naturally growing trees alongside targeted planting to build healthier, more resilient cocoa landscapes. Climate Finance: The Green Climate Fund has unlocked more than US$4 billion for climate investment, with Africa expected to receive about 40%; countries will need strong project pipelines to secure funding. Climate-Resilient Crops: Researchers are revisiting West African native rice, which may help farmers cope with difficult growing conditions and climate change.

EU Cocoa Climate Push: A new Global Witness analysis says the EU’s zero-deforestation law (EUDR) is already cutting deforestation-linked emissions from major chocolate brands, with cocoa “deforestation-free” claims rising and sourcing emissions down by a quarter in three years. Smart Ports for Safety: Rotterdam is testing “smart” berth bollards that track real mooring forces via sensors, helping plan maintenance and improve safety as ports push for efficiency. Cocoa Supply Pressure: Ghana raised its 2026/27 producer price, lifting global cocoa prices and raising fears of cross-border cocoa flows that could reduce what reaches Ivory Coast ports. Agroforestry in Cocoa: Barry Callebaut is putting assisted natural regeneration into practice in Ivory Coast, aiming to protect naturally growing trees alongside planting to build more resilient cocoa landscapes. Climate Finance Boost: The Green Climate Fund unlocked over US$4bn more for climate action, with Africa expected to receive about 40%, but countries still need stronger pipelines of ready projects. Food Systems Research: AfricaRice and CIMMYT deepened partnerships to advance climate-smart rice and resilient farming systems across southern Africa.

Cocoa & Climate Watch: Global cocoa prices edged up to a two-week high after Ghana raised its 2026/27 producer price, widening the gap with Ivory Coast and raising fears some farmers and traders may shift across the border—while an El Niño pattern could also bring hotter, drier conditions that stress cocoa trees. Agroforestry for Resilient Cocoa: Barry Callebaut is pushing Assisted Natural Regeneration in Ivory Coast, aiming to protect naturally growing trees alongside targeted planting to rebuild healthier, more resilient cocoa landscapes amid long-running deforestation pressures. Gold & Jobs on the Ground: Toubani Resources says construction is in full swing at its Kobada Gold Project in Côte d’Ivoire, with CIL tank work underway, long-lead equipment shipped, and 900+ workers on site ahead of first gold targeted for Q3 2027. Digital Governance for Creators: Côte d’Ivoire is moving toward direct monetization of Facebook and Instagram content for local creators through a structured process with Meta—an important step for fairer access to global platform revenues. Energy Infrastructure & Marine Limits: Lloyd’s Register granted Approval in Principle for a new FSRU design that can run in open-, closed-, or combined-loop modes, including options that may reduce environmental impact where seawater use is restricted. Regional Dialogue: Abidjan is reopening dialogue with the AES space through customs and mobility gestures, even as strategic disagreements remain.

Mining & Jobs: Toubani Resources says its Kobada Gold Project in Côte d’Ivoire is in full-scale construction, with CIL tank work underway, long-lead equipment shipped, and 900+ workers on site—aiming for first gold in Q3 2027. Cocoa, Climate & Smuggling Risk: Ghana’s higher 2026/27 cocoa farmgate price is pushing global prices up and could tempt some Ivorian farmers and dealers to cross borders for better returns, while El Niño warnings raise drought pressure on cocoa trees across West Africa. Deforestation-Resilient Cocoa: Barry Callebaut is testing Assisted Natural Regeneration in Côte d’Ivoire, blending natural tree regrowth with targeted planting to build more resilient cocoa landscapes amid long-running forest loss pressures. Digital Governance for Creators: Côte d’Ivoire’s authorities move ahead with Meta monetization tests, aiming to let local creators earn directly on Facebook and Instagram—an important step for fairer digital revenue access. Space for Water & Disaster Response: UAE Space Agency signs deals at an Africa Space Expo in Abidjan to expand Earth observation, capacity building, and use of satellite data for protecting harvests, managing water, and responding to disasters.

Cocoa Supply & Climate Risk: Global cocoa prices edged up to a two-week high after Ghana raised its 2026/27 producer price, widening the gap with Ivory Coast and raising fears some Ivorian farmers and dealers could shift sales across the border; the move also comes as El Niño warnings point to hotter, drier conditions that could stress cocoa trees. Deforestation-Linked Cocoa Farming: Barry Callebaut is testing Assisted Natural Regeneration in Ivory Coast, aiming to protect naturally growing trees alongside targeted planting—an approach meant to make cocoa landscapes more resilient amid long-running forest loss pressures. Mining & Land/Water Concerns: Montage Gold says its Koné mine in Côte d’Ivoire has achieved first gold pour ahead of schedule, with major investment in ports, roads, and electricity—good for jobs, but a reminder to watch environmental safeguards as production ramps up. Urban Transport & Emissions: Abidjan Metro Line 1 logistics advanced as five heavy locomotives were transported for construction, with the operator citing health, safety, and environmental standards during the oversized haul. Climate Finance Push: The Green Climate Fund unlocked over US$4bn for climate investments, with Africa expected to receive about 40%, but countries still need stronger pipelines of ready-to-fund projects.

Illegal Gold Crackdown: Côte d’Ivoire moved to stamp out harmful artisanal mining, driving out prospectors from a major illegal pit near Baziafla and warning of tougher penalties and more brigades to curb environmental damage and local health risks. Agroforestry for Cocoa: Barry Callebaut is testing Assisted Natural Regeneration in Ivory Coast, aiming to protect naturally growing trees alongside targeted planting to build more resilient cocoa landscapes amid long-running deforestation pressures. Climate Finance Boost: The Green Climate Fund unlocked over US$4bn for climate investments, with Africa expected to receive about 40%—but countries are urged to prepare more investment-ready projects. Biodiversity & Water Focus: Germany signaled deeper cooperation with Benin, including water and biodiversity support, as well as security and vocational training. Clean Port Power: West Africa is being pushed toward shore power (“cold ironing”) so ships can cut diesel emissions while docked—an infrastructure and competitiveness issue, not just compliance. Mining Investment Signal: Montage Gold’s Koné mine in Côte d’Ivoire reached its first gold pour ahead of schedule, supported by port, road and electricity investments. Space for Disasters & Farming: UAE Space Agency signed deals with African partners at Abidjan’s Africa Space Expo to expand Earth observation, capacity building, and disaster response using satellite data.

Illegal Mining Crackdown: Côte d’Ivoire is pushing to shut down artisanal gold pits, including a case near Baziafla where miners were driven out; authorities say the “scourge” harms health and ecosystems and fuels armed groups, with tougher prison terms and more brigades deployed. Cocoa & Forest Pressure: Cocoa prices fell as Ivory Coast reported higher shipments and inventories, a reminder of how production swings can intensify pressure on land and forests in major growing areas. Agroforestry in Cocoa Landscapes: Barry Callebaut is testing Assisted Natural Regeneration in Ivory Coast, aiming to protect naturally growing trees alongside targeted planting to build more resilient, less deforestation-prone cocoa systems. Climate Finance Boost: The Green Climate Fund unlocked over US$4bn for climate investments, with Africa expected to receive about 40%, but countries are urged to prepare more investment-ready projects. Urban Mobility, Environment: Abidjan’s metro Line 1 logistics advanced as locomotives were transported to the Abobo Sagbé receiving site, with health, safety and environmental standards cited during the oversized haul. Biodiversity & Water Cooperation: Germany plans deeper partnership with Benin, including water and biodiversity support—relevant for regional ecosystems and shared environmental management. Space for Disaster & Water Monitoring: The UAE Space Agency signed cooperation deals at Africa Space Expo in Abidjan, targeting Earth observation and capacity building to help protect harvests, manage water, and respond to disasters.

Illegal Mining Crackdown: Côte d’Ivoire is pushing to shut down illegal artisanal gold pits, including a case near Baziafla where miners were driven out; authorities say the activity harms health and the environment and can fund armed groups, with tougher prison terms and more patrols planned within six months. Cocoa & Forest Pressure: Cocoa prices fell as the dollar strengthened and signs of abundant supply grew; Ivory Coast shipping and harvest figures point to higher output, adding pressure on land and forests already strained by cocoa expansion. Agroforestry for Cocoa: Barry Callebaut is testing Assisted Natural Regeneration in Ivory Coast, aiming to protect naturally growing trees alongside targeted planting to build more resilient cocoa landscapes amid long-running deforestation concerns. Climate Finance Boost: The Green Climate Fund unlocked over US$4bn in additional climate resources, with Africa expected to receive about 40%, but countries are urged to prepare more investment-ready projects. Abidjan Metro Logistics: Abidjan’s Line 1 is advancing as five heavy locomotives were transported from the Port of Abidjan to the Abobo Sagbé receiving site, with health, safety and environmental standards cited. Peace & Border Resilience: The Entente Council and UNOWAS signed a three-year MoU in Abidjan-Cocody to strengthen preventive diplomacy, mediation, and border-area peacebuilding with youth and women.