New appointments to ICCO’s Council and Subsidiary Bodies

Abidjan, 01 October 2026 – The International Cocoa Organization is pleased to announce the renewal of the Chairs of its Council and Subsidiary Bodies, effective 1 October 2026. The appointments were made during the 114th session of the International Cocoa Council, held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from 14 to 18 September 2026.

Council

Mr. Philippe Fontayne (Madagascar) has been appointed Chair of the Council, with the Vice-Chair role held by Embajador Maurizio Gelli (Nicaragua)

Economic Committee

Ms. Mimy Monga Numbi (DR Congo) takes on the role of Vice-Chair and Acting Chair of the Economic Committee. Mr. Samuel Bachunge Koko (DR Congo) has been appointed as alternate.

Administration and Finance Committee

Mr. Enselme Gouthon (Togo) has been appointed Chair of the Administration and Finance Committee.

Consultative Board on the World Cocoa Economy

Ms. Merlyn Casanova Loor (ANECACAO) has been appointed Chair of the Consultative Board, with Mr. Antonie Fountain (VOICE) as Vice-Chair.

ICCO extends its sincere gratitude to the outgoing chairs for their commitment and service: Mr. Zoltan Agai (EU), who steered the Council; H.E. Carole van Eyll (Belgium), who guided the Administration and Finance Committee; and Mr. Michiel Hendriksz (Farmstrong), who chaired the Consultative Board.

ICCO looks forward to continuing to work closely with the new and outgoing chairs to advance a sustainable and thriving global cocoa economy.