Africa produces 70 percent of the world’s cocoa but captures a minimal share of the 150 billion dollar global chocolate market, largely due to infrastructure deficits and high production costs. Industry experts at a recent LEAF AFRICA webinar highlighted that Nigeria’s manufacturing sector remains hindered by unreliable power, forcing companies to spend heavily on energy alternatives. Furthermore, high interest rates of 30 to 40 percent and the need for strict compliance with new European Union deforestation regulations are creating significant barriers for local processors. However, analysts see these challenges as investment opportunities, particularly in equipment leasing and supply chain traceability, to help Nigeria transition from raw bean exportation to higher-value processing.