Côte d'Ivoire Cocoa Processing Expansion – Value Addition Investment

Requirement

An established Ivorian cocoa processor is raising $26.5 million to triple processing capacity and capture more value from the world's largest cocoa origin. The expansion adds 30,000 tonnes annual grinding capacity, producing cocoa butter, powder, and liquor for European and Asian markets. The company currently processes 15,000 tonnes annually at its Abidjan facility, supplying multinational chocolate manufacturers under long-term contracts. The expansion includes a new processing line, quality laboratory upgrades, sustainability certification infrastructure, and working capital for increased cocoa purchasing. We seek strategic investors, private equity funds, and commodity trading houses seeking vertical integration. The investment is structured as growth equity with board representation for lead investors. Current shareholders include the founding family (60%) and a regional development bank (15%). Côte d'Ivoire produces 45% of global cocoa yet processes less than 35% domestically, exporting raw beans at commodity prices. Government policy actively supports domestic processing through tax incentives and export restrictions on raw beans. The company benefits from preferential bean allocation through its cooperative supplier network. Projected returns of 22-28% IRR based on processing margin expansion, capacity utilization improvements, and potential exit to a multinational strategic acquirer. The cocoa processing sector has seen significant M&A activity with multiples of 8-12x EBITDA.