In Côte d'Ivoire, the ongoing cocoa crisis has sparked tension among stakeholders in the cocoa sector, particularly as the intermediate campaign commences. The Ivorian government recently pledged to purchase at least 100,000 tonnes of unsold cocoa beans from the previous harvest at a guaranteed price of 2,800 CFA francs per kilogram. However, the implementation of this agreement has not gone smoothly, leading to friction between the Coffee and Cocoa Council (CCC) and the Interprofessional Organization of Coffee and Cocoa (OIA), particularly during a press conference on March 2 in Abidjan.

The CCC and OIA have announced a plan where the OIA will take responsibility for managing 40,000 tonnes of unsold cocoa, while the remaining 60,000 tonnes will be overseen by the CCC. This sharing of responsibility reflects the complexities of the cocoa supply chain in Côte d'Ivoire, one of the world's largest cocoa producers, where the economics of cocoa farming directly impact the livelihood of thousands of farmers. The tensions suggest deeper issues within the industry, where coordination and communication between organizations are crucial in managing such crises.

As the stakeholders navigate these challenges, the resolutions they broker could have significant implications for both the local economy and the global cocoa market. Given Côte d'Ivoire's pivotal role in cocoa production, how they handle this crisis can influence cocoa prices worldwide and impact farmers’ incomes. The current situation underscores the need for better collaboration and strategic planning among those in the sector to avoid similar conflicts in the future.