Travis Adkins is President & CEO of the U.S. African Development Foundation – USADF), an independent U.S. government agency established by the U. S. Congress to invest directly in African grassroots enterprises and social entrepreneurs.
One of the USADF’s investments – the Liberia Cocoa Corporation – has proven to be a prime example of how the agency helps in increasing incomes, revenues, and jobs by promoting self-reliance and market-based solutions to poverty.
Adkins says:
The Liberia Cocoa Corporation (LCC), established in 2009 by the dynamic couple Lu Tolbert and Lulu A. Tolbert has grown from a 35-hectare organic cocoa plantation into a promising player in the global specialty chocolate market. By providing technical services and trainings on quality organic cocoa production to its 500 out-grower community farmers, LCC fosters a socially conscious business model and empowers smallholder farmers in Lofa County, Liberia.
In 2020, with a $250K USADF grant, LCC invested in premium processing equipment and obtained essential organic certifications. As a result, LCC has launched SelĂ© Chocolate, Liberia’s first premium organic milk, dark, and white chocolate bars. With great attention to taste, design, and branding, we look forward to seeing these products make a significant impact in the Liberian, American, and international single-origin craft chocolate markets! 🍫
