Yemisi Izuora
Sunbeth Global Concepts, a leading player in Africa’s agricultural value chain, has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing local cocoa processing and industrial transformation.
The firm made the significant investment commitment during its participation at the Africa for Investor Day, held recently as part of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) in Algeria.
Organised by Arise IIP in partnership with Afreximbank and the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), the event convened global investors, policymakers, and industry leaders to position Africa as a competitive production hub and dynamic consumer market. Themed “Self-Sustainable Africa”, the day featured high-level speakers, panel sessions, and networking engagements showcasing the continent’s industrial potential.
Sunbeth’s delegation was warmly received by the former President of Nigeria and IATF Advisory Council Chairman, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who commended the company for its continued support of the Trade Fair and its efforts in promoting Africa’s agro-industrial transformation. His remarks underscored Sunbeth’s growing reputation as a trusted partner in advancing Africa’s agricultural value chains.
Representing Sunbeth at a panel discussion titled ‘Africa as the Future Factory for the World,’ Nzubechukwu Anisiobi, Chief Development Officer, Sunbeth Global Concepts, underscored the urgent need for investment in value-added production across the cocoa sector to drive greater economic inclusion and transformation.
“Much of cocoa processing still happens outside Africa, but the opportunities for African businesses in this space are immense. With greater investment in local infrastructure, the continent can unlock significant economic impact through value addition, particularly benefiting farmers and communities at the origin, an area that lies at the heart of Sunbeth’s operations,” noted Nzubechukwu during the panel session.
Addressing the structural challenges facing processors, Nzubechukwu added: “Building a plant is one step; securing the working capital to keep it running is another. Most cashew processing plants must purchase their annual supply at once due to the short harvest season, which is highly capital intensive. Beyond this, challenges around skilled labour, machinery and technology which is often imported, make the industry heavily reliant on foreign inputs. At the same time, we continue to strengthen local capacity by leveraging international expertise to build a more sustainable processing sector.”
Sunbeth’s active participation at IATF2025 aligns with its strategic positioning as a driver of Africa’s agricultural industrialisation and a catalyst for sustainable, farmer-focused growth. By engaging with regional and global stakeholders, the company amplified its message that industrial self-sufficiency and intra-African trade can only be achieved by unlocking value addition at the source.
At its exhibition booth, Sunbeth launched “The Story of the Nigerian Cocoa”, which engaged visitors and sparked meaningful conversations on the future of Africa’s cocoa industry. This activation served as a focal point for networking and discussions, further strengthening the company’s visibility at IATF2025.
This commitment also ties closely to the broader goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to transform Africa into the “future factory of the world” through deeper integration and industrialisation.
As Africa moves toward deeper intra-African trade and industrialisation, Sunbeth remains committed to fostering innovation, building resilient supply chains, and unlocking economic opportunities for farmers and communities across the cocoa value chain.