Simon Adingra invited to promote Ivorian cocoa internationally

Ivorian international Simon Adingra was invited on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, in Amsterdam to join a future pool of volunteer ambassadors for Ivorian cocoa. The proposal was made by the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food Production, Bruno Nabagné Koné, on the sidelines of the 82nd meeting of the Board of Directors of the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC).

The proposed project aims to bring together personalities from sports, culture, and the arts to enhance the visibility of Ivorian cocoa on the international stage. Bruno Koné explained that he directly invited the footballer to join this initiative, believing that his presence in Amsterdam adds particular significance to the effort.

However, the project remains at the proposal stage. No official appointment of Simon Adingra as a cocoa ambassador has been announced, and the composition of the future pool has not yet been made public. The proposed title is voluntary, according to the minister’s explanations.

Adingra’s selection comes just days after his arrival at Ajax Amsterdam. The Dutch club officially announced on September 2 that he would be on loan from Sunderland for the remainder of the season, with an option to buy. Bruno Koné himself highlighted the symbolism of an Ivorian player now based in Amsterdam as he seeks to give greater international exposure to the country’s cocoa.

At 24 years old, Simon Adingra remains one of the most recognized figures of the Ivorian generation that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2024. In the final against Nigeria, he provided two assists, including the one for the winning goal by Sébastien Haller. Ajax also notes that he now has 30 caps with the Elephants.

His arrival in the Netherlands also provides him with a new European base. Ajax presents him as the second Ivorian player in its history after Sébastien Haller. The club explained during his recruitment that it is particularly counting on his speed, ability to break through defenses, and international experience.

Bruno Koné describes the future network of ambassadors as a promotional tool aimed at better showcasing Ivorian cocoa in foreign markets. The minister links this visibility to enhancing production value and improving producers’ incomes. The timeline for establishing the pool has not yet been communicated.