Cocoa Without Borders: Eti-Oni Royalty Forge Global Cocoa Alliance Ahead of 2026 Summit.
By Raymond Enoch
Despite the postponement of the highly anticipated “Cocoa Without Borders” event to January 27–28, 2026, the visionary leadership of HRM Oba Dokun Thompson and Queen Angelique-Monét of Eti-Oni continues to drive impactful dialogue in the global cocoa industry.
Earlier this week, the royal couple visited the Ghana Cocoa Marketing Company UK office in London, engaging in constructive discussions with Ato Boateng, Deputy CEO (Finance) of Ghana Cocobod, and Fuad Mohammed Abubakar, Head of Ghana Cocoa Marketing Company. This meeting underscored their commitment to fostering collaboration between cocoa-producing nations and bridging the gap between producers and consumers.
The Eti-Oni monarchy, located in Osun State, Nigeria, is renowned as the birthplace of cocoa cultivation in the country. Their initiatives, such as the Royal Cocoa International Film Festivals and the launch of Gureje IV chocolate bars in partnership with UK-based Beech’s Chocolates, aim to revitalize the cocoa sector and promote sustainable practices. These efforts align with the broader goal of transforming cocoa-producing regions into thriving, self-sustaining communities.
As the cocoa industry faces challenges related to sustainability, fair trade, and value addition, the proactive steps taken by Oba Thompson and Queen Angelique-Monét exemplify a forward-thinking approach to industry reform. Their leadership not only honors the rich heritage of cocoa cultivation in Eti-Oni but also positions the region as a pivotal player in the global cocoa dialogue.
The upcoming “Cocoa Without Borders” summit is poised to be a landmark event, bringing together stakeholders from across the cocoa value chain to discuss and implement strategies for a more equitable and sustainable cocoa industry. The royal couple’s recent engagements signal a promising trajectory toward achieving these objectives.
