Cocoa Exporting in Liberia, West Africa
After the ebola crisis in 2015 and shutting down of cocoa trading and nursery operations in Sierra Leone, troubles continued the following season. After failing to recapitalize the business with the $2M investment needed to properly expand, KVCF (Kingdom Venture Capital Fund) and Trade Link Inc. looked toward a company merger to solve many of the immediate cash flow and operational problems.
“Freedom Farmers” was created in 2016 to serve neighboring Liberia cocoa farmers and global trading. Though the foundation in place, once again failure to raise enough money in time for the cocoa harvest season prevented the ability to purchase produce from farmers. The two teams were heartbroken, having given up the opportunity to trade for yet another full year. Trade Link continues to operate in Liberia today while KVCF remains in the US bootstrapping revenues to return without the need for seeking outside investment.
Watch Matt Cook visiting the cocoa operation in Liberia here (July 2016):
https://vimeo.com/kvcf/liberia-cocoa