The coconut industry, long dominated by traditional farming practices, is ripe for disruption. Youth and women, armed with innovation and determination, are poised to seize the opportunities in the coconut value chain, transforming their lives and communities.

In the Ghana coconut industry, youth and women are the backbone of the industry, responsible for planting, harvesting, and processing coconuts.

The coconut value chain is fostering inclusive growth. Women are leading innovations in processing, and the youth are driving tech-based solutions for farming and marketing.

Emerging technologies such as drones and precision farming tools are enhancing productivity. Empowering youth and women in the coconut industry is not only essential for their economic empowerment but also for the sustainability of the industry as a whole.

According to the world bank, the global coconut industry is valued at 18 billion dollars plus and is growing at 13% per anum. Coconut production employs over 10 million people worldwide, with women accounting for 60-80% of the workforce (Source: Food and Agriculture Organization).

Ghana’s coconut sector increasingly aligns with international standards, including organic certification and food safety protocols, enhancing Ghana’s reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality coconut products.

We adhere to Organic, Global G.A.P. and SMETA guidelines. According to the International Coconut Community, Ghana produces 630,454,200 coconuts annually covering an area of 77,962 hectares thus placing Ghana as the leading producer of coconuts in Africa and number 12 globally.

This continues to grow, fueled by increasing demand and enhanced farming practices.

Ghana’s coconut is globally recognized for its superior taste, high nutritional content, and remarkable quality, positioning us as a competitive player on the world stage.

Ghana is strategically positioned to meet this demand, with export markets in Europe, North America, and Asia.

According to liquid investments, “the coconut is in high demand across a wide spectrum of industries, due to reasons that become abundantly evident once the uses of this giant nut are investigated”.

It’s an undisputed fact that coconut is a zero-waste product; let’s start with the famous coconut water, approximately 200 international brands are now in the global marketplace, including major players Vita Coco (the number 1 selling coconut water in the US), Zico (Coca-Cola owned) and O.N.E. (owned by PepsiCo).

Locally, coconut water is consumed by all and sundry on a regular basis, this goes to show the prospects Ghanaians have in the international market.

Coconut oil is also another commodity that is steadily gaining grounds both locally and internationally.

Coconut oil (CNO) continues as a major coconut product traded globally with total volume of 2.35 million tons in 2023.

From coconut sap products, coconut milk, desiccated coconut, copra meal, oleo chemicals, coconut sugar, coconut honey, coconut flour, laundry soap, shortening, down to the last of them, the uses and opportunities in the coconut ecosystem remains endless.

According to the ICC in its 2023 report, the Global Export Value of coconut stood at USD 14.19 billion, with coconut water contributing USD 5.73 billion representing 46%, USD 5.19 billion for coconut meat (41%), USD 0.95 billion for shell nut (8%), and USD 0.64 billion for coir representing 5% of export value.

By providing youth and women with the requisite support, we can help to ensure that the coconut industry remains a vibrant and dynamic sector that provides livelihoods for millions of people.

Empowering youth and women in the coconut industry is a critical step towards unlocking the full potential of the sector.

By providing training and capacity building programs, access to finance, and addressing the inefficiencies in the supply chain, we can help to ensure that youth and women have the opportunity to participate fully in the industry and improve their livelihoods.

Essentially, supporting the coconut industry will be a catalyst for youth and women empowerment, sustainability, and improved economy at the long run.

By providing the necessary training, access to finance and support for entrepreneurship and innovation, the youth and the coconut industry alike can unlock its full potential.

Kwaku Boateng

Vice-President: Coconut Federation-Ghana