Africa's Leading Coconut
Ecosystem Development Organization
Advancing Africa Through the Coconut Ecosystem
The African Coconut Heritage Initiative (AFRICOCO) is a non-governmental organization driving sustainable development across Africa through the coconut ecosystem.
Founded on the belief that the coconut tree is one of nature's most valuable resources, AFRICOCO works to unlock the enormous economic, social, and environmental potential of the coconut value chain. We are not merely an event organizer — we are a year-round, impact-driven, pan-African organization committed to transforming the coconut landscape across the continent.
Through enterprise development, environmental conservation, heritage tourism, education, innovation, strategic partnerships, and community empowerment, we are creating a sustainable coconut economy that benefits farmers, entrepreneurs, communities, and nations across Africa.
Our work is inspired by the urgent need for economic diversification, environmental sustainability, youth and women empowerment, and the preservation of Africa's rich cultural heritage. We believe the coconut industry has the capacity to create millions of jobs, improve livelihoods, stimulate rural development, attract investment, and contribute significantly to national and continental economic growth.
Vision & Mission
Our Vision
To build a thriving and globally competitive coconut industry that drives economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, cultural preservation, and inclusive development across Africa.
Our Mission
To promote and preserve Africa's coconut heritage through advocacy, education, tourism, entrepreneurship, innovation, strategic partnerships, and sustainable value-chain development while empowering communities and future generations to benefit from the vast opportunities within the coconut sector.
Strategic Pillars
Our work is organized around five interconnected strategic pillars that guide every initiative, programme, and partnership we undertake.
Coconut Economy & Enterprise Development
Driving entrepreneurship, value addition, investment, business development, processing, exports, and employment throughout the coconut value chain.
2 programmesSustainability & Climate Resilience
Promoting environmental conservation, coconut tree planting, coastal restoration, biodiversity, and sustainable agricultural practices.
1 programmeHeritage, Tourism & Culture
Celebrating Africa's coconut heritage through tourism, culture, history, AgunkeFest, heritage trails, and community experiences.
2 programmesEducation, Innovation & Community Empowerment
Providing training, research, innovation, youth empowerment, women empowerment, digital learning, and knowledge sharing.
2 programmesPartnerships, Policy & Investment
Building strategic partnerships, influencing policy, attracting investment, promoting collaboration, and connecting stakeholders across Africa.
Our History
Foundation & Vision
AFRICOCO was founded with a bold vision — to transform Africa's coconut sector from an underutilized resource into a thriving economic engine that drives sustainable development, creates jobs, and preserves cultural heritage.
AgunkeFest — A Flagship is Born
The inaugural AgunkeFest (International Coconut Heritage Festival) was launched, establishing a powerful platform for coconut advocacy, cultural celebration, industry networking, and community engagement in Badagry.
Growth & Expansion
AFRICOCO expanded its programmes beyond the festival, launching tree-planting campaigns, youth agribusiness bootcamps, women empowerment initiatives, school awareness programmes, and research collaborations across Nigeria.
Pan-African Vision
Today, AFRICOCO is recognized as Africa's leading coconut ecosystem development organization, driving impact across the continent through strategic partnerships with governments, development agencies, corporate partners, and international organizations.
Why Coconut Matters
The coconut tree is one of nature's most valuable resources, offering immense potential for economic growth, environmental sustainability, and community development across Africa.
Economic Impact
Creating jobs, improving livelihoods, and stimulating rural development through the coconut value chain across Africa.
Environmental Benefits
Promoting sustainable agriculture, restoring plantations, and contributing to climate resilience and biodiversity conservation.
Community Development
Empowering youth, women, and local communities through skills development, training, and economic opportunities.
AgunkeFest — International Coconut Heritage Festival
One of AFRICOCO's flagship programmes, celebrating Africa's coconut heritage and driving industry development.
The annual International Coconut Heritage Festival, popularly known as AgunkeFest, is one of AFRICOCO's flagship programmes.
The festival serves as a powerful platform for bringing together farmers, researchers, investors, government agencies, development partners, cultural stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and the general public to celebrate, promote, and explore opportunities within the coconut industry.
Through exhibitions, business forums, cultural performances, awards, workshops, and networking sessions, AgunkeFest has become a leading platform for coconut advocacy and industry development in Nigeria and across Africa.
Making a Difference Across Africa
Through our strategic initiatives, AFRICOCO continues to drive measurable, meaningful change across the continent.
Coconut Cultivation & Plantation Restoration
Promoting the planting of thousands of coconut trees and restoration of plantations across coastal communities.
Public Awareness & Economic Advocacy
Increasing awareness of the economic importance of the coconut industry among policymakers, investors, and the public.
Youth & Women Empowerment
Supporting youth and women participation in coconut agribusiness through training, funding access, and mentorship.
Investment Facilitation
Encouraging investment across the coconut value chain through business forums, matchmaking, and policy advocacy.
Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement
Strengthening partnerships among government agencies, private sector, civil society, and international organizations.
Tourism & Cultural Heritage
Promoting agro-tourism and cultural heritage preservation in coconut-growing communities, particularly Badagry.
Knowledge Sharing & Capacity Development
Facilitating research, training, and knowledge exchange to build capacity across the coconut value chain.
Environmental Sustainability
Supporting environmental sustainability through tree planting, coastal conservation, and climate resilience initiatives.
Our Commitment
At AFRICOCO, we are committed to building a future where the coconut industry serves as a powerful driver of economic transformation, environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and sustainable development across Africa. Through innovation, collaboration, and community engagement, we continue to create pathways for prosperity while preserving a heritage that can benefit generations to come.
Together, we are growing opportunities, preserving heritage, and building a sustainable future through the power of the coconut.
Join Our Mission
Be part of Africa's coconut revolution. Whether you're a farmer, investor, partner, or volunteer, there's a role for you in building a sustainable coconut future.