Partner spotlight: In conversation with Rachel Mulbah, CEO of Monleh

Partner spotlight: In conversation with Rachel Mulbah, CEO of Monleh

Monleh is a women-led business and the largest cocoa trader in Liberia. The company has traded conventional cocoa since its formation in 2001, starting with a single truckload before working up to 1,000 metric tons of beans in 2018. This year, Monleh will also be trading premium cocoa for the first time, with support from GROW to strengthen business systems and improve post-harvest practices to ensure consistently high quality, traceable produce. The company’s CEO, Rachel Mulbah, outlines the efforts being made as well as the opportunity presented by the premium market to improve farmers’ livelihoods.

Monleh has been trading conventional cocoa for 20 years. Why did you decide to enter the premium market this year?

We want to get on the premium market to improve the lives of our farmers. Liberian cocoa has been praised throughout the world. It is almost entirely organic and our beans are of high quality. Unlike many other countries we don’t use chemicals. But up until now we have sold to local buyers who have not been rewarding us for our hard work when it comes to improving cocoa quality. So we have been seeking other buyers and have a vision of expanding the company to positively impact our farming communities.

My dream is to improve the livelihoods of women in particular. As a female business owner I try to encourage other women, especially young girls to value their lives, do things for themselves and be able to send their children to school. This is why we’re looking for a good market. Once we get on that market I believe things will improve.

What changes have you made to the business in order to enter the premium market?

With the help of GROW, we have been able to train our field officers and over 4,000 farmers in good agricultural practices, including post-harvest practices. We have come to realize the importance of drying the cocoa well. Our cocoa is now produced by trained farmers and handled with care. It has not been easy, but through the hard work of our eight field officers we have been going from community to community and the changes have gradually taken place.

We have also established a record-keeping system that extends to our farmers to ensure traceability. And we now have a proper office space to meet partners. My business is heading to an international market, to a great success.

Liberia has an opportunity to differentiate itself on the global market as a source of high quality and sustainable cocoa for premium buyers whose customers are willing to pay higher prices. GROW is working to position the Liberian cocoa sector to attract investment from premium buyers. This includes partnering with Monleh and other businesses to improve internal systems such as record-keeping, build branding and marketing and help connect with premium buyers. GROW is also cost-sharing on solar driers at Monleh’s warehouse and within communities to ensure that Liberian cocoa fulfils its high quality potential by the time it reaches the point of export.

About GROW Liberia

GROW is an agribusiness and investment advisory agency that partners with businesses, investors, associations and government agencies to accelerate inclusive economic returns within high-growth industries in Liberia. We promote forest-friendly cocoa production by discouraging deforestation, promoting the rehabilitation of existing farms, and championing the use of organic farming methods. GROW is also providing support to businesses seeking to market Liberian cocoa to international buyers who are willing to pay more for forest-friendly cocoa. In addition, we offer facilitation and guidance to buyers seeking to source high-quality, sustainably-produced Liberian cocoa.