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 Selé 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! 🍫
