Cocoa farmers like Nema and Linda in Kenema, Sierra Leone, are not just growing crops; they are also part of a transformative story that stretches from Barcelona, Spain. While many Sierra Leoneans know Barcelona as the home of the legendary football team that includes Messi and Yamal, few are aware that this vibrant city also houses Organic Africa Chocolate, a shop dedicated to selling 100% organic chocolate sourced directly from Sierra Leonean farmers.
My love of chocolate is only matched by my belief in President Bio’s vision for human capital investment, which is consistent with the mission of Organic Africa Chocolate. I first met Sergio Codonyer in 2019 or 2020. Our first meeting included some Spanish practice and a tour of his quaint chocolate factory, which is located in his home. Sergio and his partner, Daniel Scholler, were clearly on a mission from the beginning. They envisioned producing high-quality, organic cocoa and chocolate that was not only delicious but also pesticide-free while remaining mindful of the environment and the communities with which they worked.
What began as a small initiative has grown into a thriving network of more than 2,800 farmers. Seven years later, they have successfully established a factory in Kenema to produce cocoa that meets the highest international standards. Their goal is to elevate Sierra Leone’s cocoa and chocolate to the point where they are recognised as among the best in the world.
Sergio and Daniel established ‘Lizard Earth’ in Kenema to develop sustainable activities at the source, while ‘Organic Africa Chocolate’ aims to bring these products to international markets. Their approach is groundbreaking, as they oversee the entire process from “farmer to market.”
The future of this venture is bright and full of possibilities. They make exceptional vegan chocolate without added sugars or artificial ingredients by incorporating superfoods such as matcha tea, tiger nuts, coconut milk, oat milk, and passion fruit into their recipes. Given its reputation for culinary innovation, Barcelona was an obvious choice as its first international location.
What truly excites me is their willingness to invest in people. Their work has a significant impact on everyone involved, from the cocoa farmers to the world-class chocolatiers they train. I had the pleasure of meeting Fatmata Brima, one of their dedicated employees, at an International Women’s Day event hosted by the British High Commission. She has emerged as a business leader. Linda Koroma, another talented Sierra Leonean, is currently training in Barcelona to become a Master Chocolatier, and many women in Kenema are looking for similar training opportunities.
Sierra Leone’s cocoa market is thriving, with prices at an all-time high. Farmers in Kenema and Kailahun are benefiting financially, while the government profits from increased foreign exchange. President Bio’s Feed Salone Agenda emphasises the importance of cash crops in increasing exports and creating jobs, which is perfectly aligned with the efforts of Organic Africa Chocolate. This initiative not only benefits local farmers but also contributes to Sierra Leone’s brighter economic future.
