The International Cocoa Initiative (ICI) is an independent foundation aiming to address the worst forms of child labour and forced adult labour on cocoa farms in West Africa. Established in 2002, it works closely with producer governments to offer a real and sustainable solution to the worst forms of child labour and forced labour in the cocoa supply chain.

Supported by individual chocolate and cocoa companies, the ICI is led by a Board composed equally of industry and civil society (NGO) representatives. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) is an advisor to the Board. The ICI is focussed exclusively in labour practices (and related issues) on cocoa farms and is the only foundation of its kind.

ICI’s programme is community centred, ensuring an approach based on actual local conditions and creating a way for each community to guide its own future. ICI:

• Works at the national level to support appropriate and effective policies;
• Supports capacity building for local partners and relevant institutions;
• Implements community based projects to change attitudes and practices;
• Supports social protection for victims of exploitation; and,
• Shares lessons learned to promote effective, wider engagement.

The ICI communicates with cocoa-growing communities about abusive labour practices and helps them plan for themselves how best to ensure that these practices will end. The programme is community centred, allowing the community to guide its own future.