New player Jiwaka eyes cocoa future at Wewak Expo

Jiwaka Province is stepping into the cocoa industry as a new player, with a delegation now in Wewak to learn from some of the country’s best.

The Jiwaka provincial cocoa team left for East Sepik yesterday to take part, for the first time, in the Greater Sepik Cocoa of Excellence and Trade Expo 2026.

Jiwaka's agriculture project manager Milip Kolai prior to leaving for Wewak told NBC News, Jiwaka has strong potential due to its favorable climate.

Mr Kolai, who's leading the team to Wewak alongside PNG Cocoa Board representative Vincent Annete, and local farmers, including cocoa advocate John Tai, says the main purpose of the trip is to learn.

“We are going there to explore and learn the latest technology innovations and best practices in husbandry, preharvest and post-harvest, and the commodity supply chain and consumer preference demand as well as future government interventions in the cocoa crop as a commodity", Kolai said.

Jiwaka has already taken steps to build its cocoa industry, with a Memorandum of Agreement signed between the Provincial Government and the PNG Cocoa Board to support research and development.

The provincial government has also committed K1 million towards rolling out cocoa programs across its four districts, including improving farming practices and establishing fermentation and drying facilities.

The team is now in Wewak for the expo, which runs from April 21 to 23.