The Chief Executive Officer of Niche Cocoa Industry Ltd., Edmund Poku, has been named the first recipient of the ‘Businessperson of the Year’ award by Ghana International Bank (GHIB), in recognition of his leadership and achievements in African commodity trade banking and value-added cocoa processing.
The honour was announced at the closing ceremony of CONVERGE ’25, where GHIB introduced its inaugural award designed to spotlight businesses that exemplify excellence in African trade banking and value addition.
Presenting the award, GHIB’s Chief Executive Officer, Dean Adansi, praised Mr Poku for steering Niche Cocoa into becoming Ghana’s largest fully integrated cocoa processing company.
“This inaugural award celebrates a business that exemplifies excellence in African trade banking while delivering tangible value addition to our continent’s commodity wealth. Mr. Poku and Niche Cocoa Industry demonstrate how sophisticated trade finance solutions can support transformative African businesses that compete successfully in global markets,” he said.
Since its establishment in 2011, Niche Cocoa has grown into a leading force in Ghana’s industrial landscape, with an annual processing capacity exceeding 600,000 metric tons, revenues of about US$120 million, and a workforce of more than 400. The company also sources cocoa beans from nearly 30,000 farmers across the country.
In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Poku dedicated the award to Ghana’s cocoa value chain, stressing the collective effort that sustains the industry’s global relevance.
“This recognition is not just about Niche Cocoa; it is about the thousands of Ghanaian farmers, workers, and partners whose dedication makes it possible for African businesses to compete at the highest levels of global trade. Our journey proves that with the right vision, financing, and commitment to quality, Africa can capture far more value from its own resources,” he said.
The recognition comes at a critical moment for the cocoa industry. Despite global demand driving the chocolate and cocoa market to a valuation of US$48.19 billion in 2024, with projections to reach US$79.37 billion by 2033, major producing countries such as Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire are grappling with falling yields due to aging plantations, diseases, and climate challenges.
Against this backdrop, Niche Cocoa’s integrated model which spans from farmer engagement to finished chocolate exports, highlights the value of local processing and inclusive business strategies.
The company has previously earned multiple “Exporter of the Year” awards (2013–2015) and in 2022 expanded operations into the United States, launching a facility in Franklin, Wisconsin, in partnership with Omanhene Cocoa Bean Company.
The award ceremony was attended by GHIB’s senior leadership, including Chief Banking Officer Richard Agbenu, who moderated the event. Officials emphasised that the award will serve as an annual benchmark for excellence in African trade banking, celebrating proven achievements rather than aspirations.
GHIB, headquartered in London with operations in Ghana, Gambia, and Guinea, said the award aligns with its mission of strengthening Africa’s integration into global markets through advanced trade and correspondent banking solutions.
