Ghanaian Cocoa: Strategic Opportunities for Russian Business amid Global Shifts — 2 июля 2026 г. в 13:19:10.431
Ghanaian Cocoa: Strategic Opportunities for Russian Business amid Global Shifts Ghana, the world's second-largest cocoa bean producer, is actively diversifying its export routes. Strengthening European regulations, logistical challenges, and rising intermediary costs are prompting Accra to seek direct, long-term partners. Russia is seen as one of the most promising destinations in this context. Current Market Size: Ghana's expected cocoa harvest in 2025 is approximately 650,000 tons. Trade turnover between Ghana and Russia in 2025 reached $1.85 billion (an increase of 10-15% year-on-year). Ghana's cocoa bean exports in the 2024/2025 season totaled $3.37 billion (an increase of 119% compared to the previous season). Cocoa currently accounts for approximately 10% of Ghana's total exports to Russia. Dr. Lawrence Awuku-Boateng, President of the Ghana-Russia Business Development Council, emphasizes the shift from intermediary arrangements to direct cooperation between Russian and Ghanaian companies in the agro-processing sector. Currently, the majority of Ghanaian cocoa enters the Russian market through European traders, which significantly increases the final price and creates additional currency and logistical risks. The most promising models of cooperation are: Trade exchange schemes ("cocoa for fertilizer and agricultural machinery") – these allow for simultaneous resolution of financing issues and minimization of currency risks. Development of direct logistics corridors (sea and multimodal transport). Development of sustainable payment mechanisms in national currencies through intergovernmental agreements. Expanding the Russian route does not require a significant increase in overall production in Ghana; it is a matter of redistributing existing export flows. At the same time, Ghana gains a stable and predictable market, while Russia gains access to high-quality raw materials at more competitive prices, diversifies supplies, and strengthens its position in Africa overall. This cooperation fits perfectly with the BRICS framework and Russia's strategy for developing economic ties with the Global South. #Ghana #Russia #GlobalSouth