The Tshopo province in the Democratic Republic of Congo could well become the new major player on the international cocoa scene. Dominique Kasimba, the founder of Dokas and project leader of the Program for the Development of Degraded Savannahs and Forests (PSFD), aims to promote “Cacao Tshopo” on a global scale. Currently, cocoa grown in the region transits through North Kivu and is sold under other names, which results in an economic and identity loss for Tshopo.
Kasimba’s words are hopeful, because a sample of cocoa from Tshopo sent to Switzerland revealed exceptional quality. Swiss chocolatiers, while recognizing this potential, are nevertheless asking for much higher volumes: Tshopo produces around 800 tons of cocoa per year, far from the 300 tons per week requested.
To meet this growing demand, the PSFD is committed to increasing the areas cultivated with cocoa. New plantations are being established under the program, with the goal of reaching an annual production of 1,000 tons within five years. Kasimba is confident, highlighting the success of the fields planted in the pilot phase that suggest a promising future for Tshopo cocoa.
The agroforestry model promoted by the PSFD, combining perennial and food crops, boosts the local economy. Producers can thus earn immediate income while waiting for the cocoa plantations to mature. This approach, according to Kasimba, has not only generated income for farmers but also reduced imports of Ugandan semolina, thus strengthening the region’s food self-sufficiency.
Sustainable agriculture is at the heart of this approach, offering farmers stable income while contributing to the restoration of degraded land. The PSFD program goes beyond simple planting, by offering technical training, partial financial support and regular monitoring by agronomist specialists.
The creation of a “Cacao Tshopo” label is of strategic importance, making it possible to promote the agricultural identity of the region. Currently exported via North Kivu, Tshopo cocoa loses its origin during the process. By exporting directly, the added value remains in the region, strengthening its position on niche markets, particularly in the organic cocoa segment in high demand in Europe.
In 2022, the DR Congo rose to second place among African exporters of organic cocoa. Tshopo, with its recognized quality and logistical advantages, could become a key player in this sector. The region has a strategic position thanks to its multiple accesses, via the river to Matadi or to the East to Mombasa, thus offering unique opportunities for its development.
In short, Tshopo aims to become a model of integrated, sustainable and competitive agricultural production, offering sustainable economic prospects for its producers and processors. With fertile soils, motivated producers and a growing market, the region seems ready to seize this opportunity and establish itself as a key player in the cocoa sector at the international level.