Successful fundraising drive paves way for Greater Sepik Cocoa of Excellence Show

*From L-R:* Wau Waria MP Marsh Narawec, East Sepik Governor Allan Bird and Albiges Mamblem LLG President and Chairman for Commerce & Trade Industries in East Sepik, Robert Seriden Ningiga. *Front from left:* PNG Cocoa Board CEO Jesse Anjen at the Greater Sepik Cocoa of Excellence & Trade Expo Final fundraising dinner at the Lae International Hotel (Image: Supplied)

The cocoa farmers of all the cocoa growing regions in Papua New Guinea are looking forward with renewed hope after the successful completion of the Greater Sepik Cocoa of Excellence & Trade Expo fundraising drive, which ended on a high note at the Lae International Hotel in Morobe Province.

The fundraising journey began in Wewak on November 14, 2025, continued with the second event and Official Launching on November 28, 2025 in Port Moresby, followed by the third on December 13, in Vanimo, and culminated with the final drive in Lae on January 23rd 2026.

Each event drew support from communities, stakeholders, and industry players who recognize the importance of cocoa as a livelihood and a driver of economic empowerment for rural households across the country.

According to the Expo’s Committee Chairman, Jeffrey Yawi, the purpose of the fundraising was to secure sufficient resources to host the Greater Sepik Cocoa of Excellence Show scheduled for April 21–23, 2026.

He said cocoa farmers from all provinces including overseas partners will be part of the event. He said host province East Sepik is well-prepared to deliver a memorable and successful show.

It will be the first time the Cocoa of Excellence Show will be hosted at the provincial level, moving away from its traditional regional format. Yawi said the shift is seen as an opportunity to showcase contributions of hardworking cocoa farmers of PNG while also promoting and strengthening the industry.

The Expo’s Committee confirmed that the total amount raised will be published on the Greater Sepik Cocoa of Excellence website later this week once all reports are finalized.

Yawi said transparency in reporting is a key commitment of the committee, ensuring that farmers and supporters alike can see the collective effort that has gone into making the show possible.

Meanwhile, the Expo’s Technical Advisory and Working Steering Committee has already begun preparations, focusing on logistics, program design, Cocoa Samples Collection, and farmer participation to ensure the event reflects the resilience and excellence of Papua New Guinea’s cocoa growers.