The International Cocoa Initiative (ICI) has protected and supported 1.68 million children across cocoa-growing communities in West Africa. This significant achievement comes through the implementation of Child Labour Monitoring and Remediation Systems (CLMRS) by ICI members. The ICI’s 2025 Annual Report highlighted this progress, despite a year marked by market volatility and regulatory uncertainty.
The programme's coverage expanded to 1.33 million cocoa-farming households across Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Nigeria by September 2025. This represents an increase from 1.17 million households in the previous year. The report emphasizes the initiative's growing focus on improving the quality, effectiveness, and sustainability of these systems to deliver stronger outcomes for children and farming families.
This expansion is crucial for Ghana's cocoa sector, which is a significant contributor to the national economy. Ghana is the world's second-largest cocoa producer, and child labor remains a persistent challenge. The ICI's efforts align with broader national and international commitments to eradicate child labor, which impacts the country's trade relations and reputation. The European Union's evolving due diligence requirements and forced labor regulations further underscore the importance of robust child protection systems.
Matthias Lange, Executive Director of ICI, affirmed the commitment of ICI members to child protection. He stated, “Despite the uncertainty and challenges, ICI members and partners remained committed to raising the bar on our efforts to protect children from child labour and uphold human rights across cocoa-growing communities.” This statement underscores the dedication to addressing a complex issue that affects thousands of families.
The CLMRS are child-centered support systems designed to identify children in, or at risk of, child labor. They provide ongoing support to improve children's situations and track their progress over time. These systems aim to prevent and reduce child labor, mitigate its harmful effects, and ultimately thwart future consequences. The ICI also collaborates with government institutions in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Cameroon to strengthen social welfare systems and improve data coordination.
The initiative also equips cocoa sector stakeholders with practical tools based on years of research and field experience. These tools include guidance on preventing children’s exposure to hazardous pesticides and addressing forced labor risks. They also focus on improving grievance mechanisms and strengthening data management systems. These efforts are vital for ensuring sustainable practices within the cocoa supply chain.
In the year under review, the ICI organized 25 knowledge-sharing sessions across West Africa and beyond. These sessions facilitated partners in translating learning into action. With new international regulations reshaping cocoa supply chains, ICI collaborated with partners to develop practical recommendations for addressing forced labor risks in the cocoa sector. This proactive approach helps cocoa-producing nations adapt to changing global standards.
For Ghana, these developments reinforce the importance of effective systems to tackle child labor that meet international expectations. They also deliver meaningful improvements for cocoa-growing communities. The continued focus on systemic change that is both scalable and sustainable is essential for long-term impact. Through continued learning, partnership, action, and innovation, the ICI aims to expand the reach and effectiveness of its work. This brings the region closer to a future where every child is protected and able to thrive.