Toroama: Cocoa key to Bougainville’s economic independence
Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to driving economic independence through agriculture, particularly through the cocoa industry, as he addressed the 8th Bougainville Chocolate Festival at Hutjena Oval today.
The President says the annual event celebrates Bougainville’s resilience and determination to build a future based on self-reliance and prosperity.
He emphasised that the region’s pursuit of political independence must be matched by economic independence, with cocoa identified as a key driver of growth.
Under the government’s 100-Day Plan, two major priorities have been outlined - the reclamation and redevelopment of plantations under Bougainvillean ownership, and the establishment of a Bougainville Export Company to oversee the export of locally produced commodities directly to international markets.
President Toroama noted that Bougainville is moving beyond being a raw material producer towards becoming a manufacturer, exporter, and brand owner of its own products.
He highlighted progress made under the Bougainville Commodities Regulation Act [BACRA], including the successful barcoding and export of Bougainville-made chocolate, cocoa butter, and cocoa powder to markets in Australia, New Zealand, England, and other Pacific Island countries.
The President commended the efforts of the BACRA team, local entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and private companies for their role in expanding the cocoa value chain and building a stronger Bougainvillean economy through innovation and enterprise.
Cocoa remains one of Bougainville’s strongest economic pillars, contributing more than K500 million in earnings to local farmers in 2024- the highest on record. Bougainville now stands as Papua New Guinea’s leading cocoa producer, a title that reflects the island’s productivity and commitment to quality.
President Toroama urged continued improvement in cocoa production to meet international standards of quality and sustainability. He also encouraged development partners to align their support with Bougainville’s economic priorities by helping to build infrastructure such as roads, wharves, power, and market access to support the cocoa industry.
The President reaffirmed that his government would continue to invest in innovation, training, and youth empowerment to strengthen the agricultural sector and build a sustainable, resilient, and independent Bougainvillean economy.
The three-day Bougainville Chocolate Festival ends tomorrow.