Lives in: São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe
São Tomé and Príncipe has sealed a historic €48-million sustainable-cocoa partnership with the European Union aimed at transforming the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers while preserving the island nation’s delicate rainforest ecosystems. The deal, announced yesterday at the National Cultural Center, marks one of the country’s largest agricultural agreements in over a decade.
A Cocoa Renaissance for Africa’s Chocolate Island
Often called “Africa’s Chocolate Island,” São Tomé once dominated global cocoa production before decades of underinvestment and climate challenges slowed growth. The new EU agreement aims to restore that legacy by funding climate-resilient farming, modern processing facilities, and international certification standards that will help São Toméan cocoa sell at premium prices.
Minister of Agriculture Carlos Vila Nova stated:
“This partnership goes beyond money — it is a rebirth for our cocoa identity. Our farmers will earn more, our forests will be protected, and the world will taste the real São Tomé again.”
Under the programme, over 7,200 farmers will receive modern equipment, soil-health training, and direct market access to European buyers that guarantee higher returns.
Balancing Expansion With Environmental Protection
The EU deal emphasises forest conservation, banning expansion into primary rainforest areas and promoting agroforestry systems that mix cocoa trees with native species. This model improves soil fertility, protects wildlife, and strengthens the country’s climate resilience.
Environmental specialist Dr. Helder Lima explained:
“São Tomé’s forests are among Africa’s most biodiverse. This agreement finally aligns economic ambition with ecological responsibility.”
Economic Impact Across Rural Communities
For rural families in districts like Mé-Zóchi and Caué, cocoa is more than a crop — it is survival. Early projections suggest that the agreement could increase household income by 35–50% within three years.
Local farmer Ana Beatriz Pinto shared:
“For years we worked hard but earned almost nothing. If the new system pays fairly, our children may finally stay in school instead of the farms.”
Next Steps
Construction of new fermentation centres begins in April, followed by national farmer-training programmes scheduled for June. Export-certification teams from Brussels will arrive later in the year to officially register São Tomé’s cocoa under Europe’s premium chocolate category.
