About this episode

The episode discusses the sustainability challenges facing the West African cocoa industry amidst economic threats and social issues.

In 2026, prices of oil, gold, wheat, beef, and other commodities hit all-time highs, fueled by the inflationary effects of the Iran war. But one global good has plummeted - cocoa. In the last year, prices have fallen 70%. An industry riddled by moral and social challenges, including child labour exploitation, carbon footprint, and deforestation, is now also under economic threat. The future of West African cocoa, in particular, being subject to smuggling, storage constraints, financing challenges, and global regulatory hurdles, is falling into question. Trade Finance Global (TFG) sat down with Dr Tedd George, CEO of Kleos Advisory and a regional and industry expert, to discuss the regulatory, financial, and ecological frameworks needed to make West African cocoa sustainable.

People in this episode

Guest: Dr Tedd George

Topics covered

• sustainability
• cocoa industry
• West African economy
• child labour
• deforestation
• regulatory challenges

Keywords

• cocoa
• sustainability
• West Africa
• child labour
• deforestation
• regulatory hurdles
• financing challenges
• smuggling

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Kleos Advisory

Products: cocoa

Places: West Africa

More episodes of Trade Finance Talks

• VIDEO | How ING and Komgo drive the trade train down digital rails · July 20, 2026 · 31 min
• How ING and Komgo drive the trade train down digital rails · July 20, 2026 · 31 min
• Banking on the present with BAFT E2: What’s front of mind for bankers right now? · July 15, 2026 · 25 min
• Realising the full potential of AfCFTA begins with collective action and fighting corruption · July 10, 2026 · 27 min
• Shaping transaction banking innovation around the needs of the end-user · July 7, 2026 · 32 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Trade Finance Talks podcast page.