### Cocoa in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a promising future between challenges and opportunities
In 2024, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) produced 150,000 tonnes of cocoa, an interesting performance but which remains modest in the face of global demand which approaches 2.5 million tonnes of annual. This situation raises crucial questions about development opportunities for the cocoa sector in the DRC, while highlighting the serious challenges that local producers have to face.
### growth growing, but still insufficient
Despite notable advances, Congolese cocoa production represents only a small fraction of the world market. This observation highlights not only the unexploited potential of the DRC as a cocoa producer, but also the need to adopt sustainable practices to ensure its place in an increasingly regulated market. Indeed, constraints such as the prohibition by the European Union of the importation of cocoa from deforestation can prove to be a major brake on the export of Congolese cocoa, given that part of the plantations is located on old forest areas.
#### The words of Dominique Kasimba: towards an economic reforestation
Dominique Kasimba, a cocoa producer from the Tshopo province and president of the association of local producers, underlines an optimistic vision for the future of cocoa in the DRC. It evokes possible alternatives, in particular responsible reforestation and the use of already deforested land for sustainable agriculture. This approach could serve a double objective: to meet the growing demand for the global market while contributing to the preservation of the environment.
The possibility of transforming this constraint into an opportunity seems to be at the heart of Mr. Kasimba’s reflection. His proposal to reforest with cocoa is part of a logic where sustainability and economic profit can coexist. This raises an interesting question: how far can the agricultural community and the state go in the implementation of reforestation initiatives, while guaranteeing the economic viability of this production?
#### The Congolese State’s commitment: a response to a complex challenge
The recent commitment to the Ministry of Agriculture, which has authorized the production of one million cocoa seedlings, is an initiative that could catalyze production dynamics on basic environmental bases. This effort can represent a turning point, both for farmers and for the large -scale peasant economy. However, the question remains whether this measure will be enough to overcome existing structural obstacles.
The distribution of these seedlings could play a key role by allowing small producers to integrate the cocoa market. However, this initiative should be tackled with caution. Effective implementation will require technical support, sustainable agriculture support policies and long -term awareness of the importance of preserving ecosystems.
### towards a sustainable future: reflection on an agricultural model
A path is emerging for Congolese cocoa, a path that could potentially reduce poverty in rural and urban areas. Cocoa, with its growing attraction on the international market, could offer new economic prospects for many producers. However, this promising development must be considered with a sustainable approach.
It is essential that the actors concerned wonder about the best practices to adopt to ensure an environmentally friendly production. How can the cocoa industry in the DRC adapt to the requirements of the global market while making sure not to compromise natural resources? What type of public-private partnership would be necessary to relaunch such a vital sector?
In short, this complex debate on the production of cocoa in the Democratic Republic of Congo calls for in -depth reflection, involving producers, institutions and international organizations. Long-term success will depend on the ability to combine economic vision, respect for the environment and well-being of producers. A delicate, but essential balance, to guarantee a lasting future for Congolese cocoa.