The Liberia Diaspora Annual Conference (LDAC 2026) is currently underway in Washington, D.C., bringing together leaders from the diaspora, entrepreneurs, investors, government officials, and development actors. The conference, which runs from September 25 to 27, features Ibrahima Diallo, a Guinean national and Vice President of Liberia Organic Cocoa. Diallo, alongside company President Andrew Gilboy, presented the vision and ambitions of Liberia Organic Cocoa in the Liberian cocoa sector.
Liberia Organic Cocoa aims to contribute to the development of a high-quality, fine cocoa value chain in Liberia, with a focus on responsible and sustainable production for international markets. The company has established plantations in Bong County and seeks to create jobs, increase economic opportunities for local communities, and enhance the country's agricultural potential. This initiative aligns with the conference theme, "From Dialogue to Delivery: Diaspora Capital, Innovation, and the Next Liberia."
The LDAC 2026 conference is held under the honorary presidency of Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. In a virtual address, President Boakai urged the Liberian diaspora to transform dialogue into concrete actions for national development. He encouraged them to leverage their capital, skills, expertise, and international networks to support Liberia's economic and social development.
The presentation by Liberia Organic Cocoa caught the attention of Liberian authorities, including Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah. Diallo and Gilboy were commended and encouraged to expand their cocoa plantations to other regions of Liberia. This interest from authorities is seen as an encouragement for the company to continue its efforts in developing a high-value-added national cocoa value chain.
Ibrahima Diallo's involvement with Liberia Organic Cocoa exemplifies economic cooperation dynamics in West Africa. As a Guinean professional, he contributes to the development of an agricultural initiative in Liberia, focusing on job creation, land valorization, and establishing a cocoa value chain for international markets. Liberia Organic Cocoa aims to promote Liberian cocoa and position the country as an emerging origin of high-potential fine cocoa.
The LDAC 2026 conference provides a platform for the diaspora, investors, governments, and entrepreneurs to discuss projects that can contribute to Liberia's economic development and transformation. The conference facilitates dialogue and action, aligning with President Boakai's call to move from ideas to implementation and from promises to results.
Key stakeholders, including the Liberian government and diaspora members, are optimistic about the potential of initiatives like Liberia Organic Cocoa to drive economic growth and development in Liberia. The company's efforts to develop a sustainable and responsible cocoa value chain are seen as a step towards achieving these goals.
Key points
- Ibrahima Diallo presents Liberia Organic Cocoa's vision at the LDAC 2026 conference.
- Liberia Organic Cocoa aims to develop a high-quality, fine cocoa value chain in Liberia.
- The LDAC 2026 conference promotes dialogue-to-action and diaspora involvement in Liberia's development.
