Nigeria Poised to Dominate Global Cocoa Market, Says Agro Investor

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of GestPoint Nigeria Limited, Dr. Ebenezer Akinrinade, has said Nigeria is strategically positioned to meet rising global demand for cocoa, citing the nation’s fertile land, favourable weather conditions and reliable rainfall pattern.

Akinrinade stated this during the unveiling of Cocoa RepubliQ, a 200-acre agricultural estate located at Shapala Village in Obafemi Owode Local Council of Ogun State. The estate is dedicated primarily to cocoa cultivation and is designed to attract both local and international investors.

He explained that the initiative was conceived to enhance food security, strengthen agricultural exports, boost foreign exchange earnings and create sustainable wealth. Through its subsidiary, GestPoint Agro-Allied Limited, investors can participate in the scheme with a minimum investment of ₦3 million.

According to him, the project targets Nigerians in the Diaspora looking for dollar-based, export-driven assets; agriculture enthusiasts; remote workers seeking passive income; and high-net-worth individuals interested in asset diversification.

Akinrinade projected annual returns of between ₦5 million and ₦8 million per investor, depending on acreage, yield output, global cocoa prices and general market conditions. He stressed that the outlook remains promising, given the strong global cocoa demand and Nigeria’s standing as a major cocoa-producing nation.

He, however, noted that many prospective investors lack technical expertise and the time required for active farm management. Cocoa RepubliQ, he said, was established to bridge this gap by offering professional farm administration handled by experienced in-house experts with over 13 years’ experience.

Each acre of land, he revealed, will accommodate 400 cocoa seedlings, with the farm projected to sustain full agricultural operations for more than 20 years. Cocoa trees, he added, typically produce fruit for 25 to 30 years, aligning with the project’s long-term vision.

“At the end of the production cycle, and subject to regulatory approvals, investors may decide to replant cocoa or convert the land for residential or other viable uses,” Akinrinade said, noting that this provides both agricultural income and future land-use flexibility.

With Nigeria’s population expected to exceed 400 million by 2050, he emphasised that investments in agricultural estates such as Cocoa RepubliQ are crucial in meeting future food needs, enhancing export capacity and strengthening the nation’s economy.