Export Promotion Programme: Supporting cocoa MSMEs to access EU market

The Europe Union (EU) is the world’s cocoa largest importer, with growing demand for high-quality, traceable and sustainably produced cocoa. European buyers are actively seeking reliable suppliers that can meet EU regulatory requirements, certification standards and consumer expectations around ethical and climate-resilient production. This creates a strong opportunity for African cocoa micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that are ready to export.

Yet, many cocoa SMEs face barriers to entering the EU market: limited access to trade information, lack of export experience, certification challenges and limited exposure to European buyers. At the same time, many enterprises already demonstrate strong potential through sustainable farming practices, consistent quality and value-added cocoa products.

To bridge this gap, a targeted export promotion programme has been designed around ISM Cologne 2026, the world’s leading trade fair for sweets and snacks, taking place from 31 January to 6 February 2026. The event provides an opportunity for the Agri-Business Facility (ABF) to support cocoa MSMEs under the Matching Grant Fund, in preparing for the EU market and connect with European buyers.

These enterprises will benefit from a structured preparation phase, including online training on EU market requirements, certification, sales and negotiation techniques and market research. Participants will also receive tailored coaching to strengthen communication and presentation skills, as well as take part in a pre-fair workshop and peer learning with other SMEs.

During ISM Cologne 2026, export-ready SMEs will have the opportunity to showcase their products, participate in structured B2B matchmaking sessions with European buyers, receive hands-on market feedback, and engage in guided trade fair visits. By linking prepared cocoa SMEs directly with concrete buyer demand, the programme promotes sustainable trade, women’s economic empowerment and EU Deforestation Regulation (EDUR) complaint cocoa value chains.

The event offers European buyers and importers a unique opportunity to source premium, traceable and sustainably produced cocoa directly from export-ready suppliers in African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries, creating value for all stakeholders.

Organising partners:
The programme is organised by ABF and implemented by sequa through its flagship trade promotion initiative, the Import Promotion Desk (IPD). Since 2012, the IPD has supported European importers in finding reliable overseas business partners and opening new supply sources in Africa, the Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries, facilitating access to the EU market for SMEs in these regions

ABF is implementing the Joint Action “Business Support Facility for Resilient Agricultural Value Chains”, co-funded by the European Union under the Samoa Agreement with the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ.