Opportunities to expand local cocoa processing and strengthen industry regulations dominated the opening day of the 2026 Bougainville Chocolate Festival Farmers’ Seminar in Buin.

Presentations by Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) officials Mr. Raymond Moworu (Department of Commerce, Trade, and Industry) and Dr. James Butubu (Chief Compliance Officer of the Bougainville Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority, BACRA) mapped out how downstream processing, tighter regulations, and robust farmer support services can maximize revenue from Bougainville's cocoa sector.

Mr. Moworu’s presentation focused on leveraging Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to attract international investment, generate local jobs, and transform raw commodities into high-value exports.

Key details of the economic strategy include:

• The Soraken SEZ: Current plans highlight a proposed cocoa liquor processing facility boasting an annual capacity of 10,000 tonnes to supply international chocolate manufacturers.
• Structural Benefits: Designated zones will offer businesses upgraded infrastructure, streamlined administrative processes, and technical skill pathways for local workers.
• Critical Risks: Moworu emphasized that the success of these zones relies heavily on sustained political will, robust governance, land access resolution, and environmental safeguards.

Dr. Butubu outlined the Department of Primary Industry’s ongoing efforts to elevate agricultural standards through the BACRA framework. The regulatory body is enforcing strict licensing across the entire supply chain, covering nurseries, fermentarians, bean dealers, and major exporters.

To meet competitive international market demands, BACRA is prioritizing:

• Traceability and Sustainability: Establishing strict quality assurance and source-tracking protocols.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: Deploying specialized inspection and laboratory facilities in Buka and Toniva/Arawa, with a third facility planned for Buin.
• Institutional Support: Upskilling field compliance officers, boosting research, and enhancing local marketing infrastructure.

Despite these advancements, Dr. Butubu noted that the rollout faces ongoing challenges, including funding gaps, data management constraints, and the need for seamless coordination with national commodity organizations. Together, the presentations demonstrated to local farmers how high-quality bean production directly underpins Bougainville’s long-term downstream processing ambitions.