Trias NGO - Global

🌿 Meet Mireya, a true leader and inspiration in the Kichwa community. As a chakramama, Mireya not only grows cacao and vanilla in her chakra, an ancient agricultural system, but also empowers other women to find their inner strength through ancestral traditions. 💬 "We teach women to make their voices heard and start their own agricultural businesses", Mireya shares proudly. From a young age, Mireya was surrounded by chakramamas – women who pass down agricultural knowledge for generations. With the support of Kallari Ecuador, an organization supported by Trias, she is now helping other women achieve financial independence through sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship. Now more women in her community are gaining confidence and economic independence. Women who once felt afraid to speak in public now welcome tourists to their chakra and proudly share their expertise in sustainable agriculture. At Trias, we believe that strong women build strong communities, and Mireya is living proof of that. ✨ 👉 Read more about her journey here: https://lnkd.in/eYz32Ha3 #IWD25 #WomenEmpowerment #KichwaCommunity #SustainableAgriculture #TriasImpact

🟣✊Today is more than a commemoration—it’s a call to action. This International Women’s Day 2025, we honour the women leading in boardrooms, on farmland, in finance, and in cooperatives. But recognition alone isn’t enough. True inclusion demands action, access, and accountability. Women belong in every space where decisions are made: ✅ In business leadership: breaking financial barriers and driving innovation. ✅ In cooperatives and agriculture: shaping policies that uplift rural economies. ✅ In finance and credit access: securing the resources to grow and thrive. ✅ In political spaces: ensuring laws and policies reflect real gender equity. 🎥 Meet Wankembeta Daudi and Mariama Diallo from Tanzania and Guinea. Two women who are challenging norms, transforming leadership, and redefining power in their communities. Watch their stories in this video. 💡The time to act is now. Let’s commit to breaking barriers and making leadership truly inclusive—everywhere, for everyone. #8M #IWD2025 #AccelerateAction #WomenLead #InclusiveLeadership #ImpactTrias

🟣🟣 With International Women’s Day approaching, we want to recognize the voices of women in cooperatives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who are driving change, often against the odds. In many cases, the biggest challenge isn’t a lack of skills—it’s the lack of recognition and opportunities to lead. The talent, resilience, and leadership are there, but without mentorship, networks, and a seat at the table, too many women remain on the sidelines. That’s why today, we want to shine a light on the story of Daisy Eresu Muhumuza. A 64-year-old Ugandan entrepreneur and retired civil servant who, by pursuing her retirement dream of opening a bakery, she not only built a thriving business but also became a catalyst for community change—sharing her knowledge with other women and empowering them to forge their own paths. ➡️"My dream now is bigger than just running a successful bakery," Daisy reflects. "It's about creating a legacy of skills development and economic growth in our area." At Trias, we don’t believe in simply inviting women to participate—we work alongside Member-Based Organizations (MBOs) to create spaces where they lead. Through dialogue, hands-on learning, and advocacy training, we help shift perceptions of power, ensuring leadership is truly inclusive. 🟣Because inclusion isn’t just about making space—it’s about sharing power. Read Daisy's full story here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eeRBZv4s #InclusiveLeadership #IWD2025 #WomenLead Trias East Africa Uganda Small Scale Industries Association (USSIA) Hofokam Limited

📢 We’re Hiring: External Communications Advisor at Trias! Are you a natural storyteller who can craft compelling narratives while seamlessly navigating the digital landscape? Do you have a creative edge, a passion for impactful communication, and the technical skills to manage websites and social media platforms? If so, we want you on our team! At Trias, we empower entrepreneurs worldwide, and now, we need you to help amplify our impact. As our External Communications Advisor, you’ll be our creative storyteller, working from our Brussels office while collaborating with regional advisors across seven regions. Your mission? To transform complex information into engaging, inspiring content that strengthens our visibility among key stakeholders. 💡 What you’ll bring: ✅ Exceptional storytelling & content creation skills ✅ Digital savviness across websites & social media ✅ Creativity & an innovative mindset ✅ The ability to collaborate in a global, dynamic team 📍 Location: Brussels, Belgium 🌎 Impact: Global! Ready to make a difference? Apply now: https://lnkd.in/eRbexr3m

The Big Takeaways from Chocoa 2025 – Farmer Voices, Market Access, and Sustainability At Chocoa 2025, some of Cocoa’s industry most pressing issues were put on the table: 💡 How can farmers remain competitive when premium cocoa prices are disappearing? 💡 How do smallholder farmers navigate EUDR and other regulations? 💡 What role does agroforestry play in securing a future for sustainable cocoa? 💡 How does post-harvest excellence impact cocoa quality and farmer profitability? These were just some of the critical conversations Trias NGO - Global helped shape, alongside farmers, cooperatives, and industry experts. Our latest article provides key insights from specialist like Gerald Bagonza (Bwamba Cooperative Union), Freddy Cabello (#UNOCACE), Zoi Papalexandratou (ZOTO), and Katrien Delaet (Silva Cacao) on what’s needed to create an equitable cocoa future. 📖 Read the full article now: https://lnkd.in/eHmJEPRP #SustainableCocoa #MarketAccess #Chocoa2025 #CocoaFarmers #TriasImpact

 African Specialty Cocoa Landed at Chocoa 2025! Today, our cacao flight connected chocolate makers with exceptional beans from Mai Ndombe (#DRC), Bwamba Cooperative Union and #Semuliki (#Uganda) cooperatives, powered by ZOTO's expertise. During this premium tasting, makers experienced climate-smart agriculture impact through direct dialogue with cooperative leaders. The journey showcased how agroforestry and post-harvest excellence create distinctive flavor profiles. Thanks to Silva Cacao for co-piloting this direct trade connection. Together with our partner cooperatives, G-STIC: Global Sustainable Technology & Innovation Community, Vlaamse overheid, Trias East Africa , Trias Afrique Centrale, we're elevating sustainable cacao sourcing. Zoi Papalexandratou Katrien Delaet Eva Verbist Gerald Bagonza Tino Deborah Chocolatoa #CacaoFlavorFlight #SustainableCocoa #FromFarmToBar #CooperativeDevelopment #TriasImpact

Farmers’ Day at Chocoa 2025 – A Global Platform for Cocoa Farmers! At Chocoa 2025, cocoa farmers and the representatives of their Farmer Organizations  took center stage for Farmers’ Day, a session dedicated to addressing the realities, challenges, and opportunities in the cocoa sector. This dynamic discussion brought together voices from different cocoa-producing regions, highlighting both shared concerns and unique regional perspectives. Our partners from Bwamba Cooperative Union (BCU) and #UNOCACE delivered powerful insights on what’s needed to secure a sustainable future for farmers worldwide. Key Takeaways from Our Panelists: Gerald Bagonza (BCU – Uganda): ✅ The cocoa sector needs a platform where farmers, cooperatives, and industry stakeholders can exchange knowledge on prices, regulations, and market trends. ✅ Better access to finance is critical—farmers need soft loans and tailored financial instruments to invest in sustainable production. 🗨️ “If we truly value cocoa, why are we drinking coffee at Chocoa? Let’s show more attachment to the product we are building a future around!” Freddy Cabello (UNOCACE – Ecuador): ✅ Current EU regulations (EUDR, Organic Regulation 848) are not adapted to the realities of farmer cooperatives, making compliance a major challenge. ✅ Agroforestry must be prioritized—monoculture is expanding, posing serious threats to sustainability and biodiversity. 🗨️ “International development cooperation is crucial—governments should not cut funding for programs that empower smallholder farmers!” Jorge Ortiz: ✅ Latin America is increasing cocoa production, but the rise of monoculture and monoclone farming threatens long-term sustainability. ✅ The solution? Agroforestry systems that maintain biodiversity and climate resilience. A United Voice from Different Regions This discussion made one thing clear: while farmers from different regions  face unique challenges, they also share a common goal—creating a sustainable, fair, and thriving cocoa sector. Farmers’ Day reinforced that collaboration, policy adaptation, and sustainable investment are critical for the future of cocoa farming. Trias will continue working alongside farmer cooperatives to drive sustainable change, improve market access, and advocate for fair policies. #TriasAtChocoa #SustainableCocoa #FarmersDay #CocoaValueChain #Chocoa2025 #EmpoweringFarmers #TriasImpact

📢 Why International Cooperation Matters More Than Ever? International cooperation fuels economic growth, social progress, and resilience worldwide. Yet, with 25% cuts in development cooperation funding, millions of farmers and entrepreneurs risk losing access to the resources that empower them to build a better future. 📊 The impact of international solidarity is undeniable: ✅ In Latin America, Trias supported 502,420 entrepreneurs in one year, enhancing leadership skills, environmental awareness, and business opportunities. ✅ In West Africa, since 2022, 7,000 entrepreneurs have accessed microloans, and 6,000 farmers received training in sustainable agriculture. ✅ In Burkina Faso & Guinea, 79 savings groups were formed in 2023 to empower women and young people economically. ✅ In Uganda, 2,500 potato farmers doubled their production and income thanks to climate-smart techniques. Cutting development funding slows progress, increases inequality, and weakens global resilience. Belgium has long been a leader in international solidarity, and now is the time to strengthen that commitment. 🔹 "Good policy looks beyond the short term. Investing in international solidarity is necessary, even in times of budget constraints." – Lode Delbare, General Manager of Trias NGO - Global. 📢 We call for continued and increased investment in international cooperation. The world is interconnected—our prosperity depends on it. 🔗Learn more about Trias impact: https://lnkd.in/eR7npHj5 #InvestInSolidarity #DevelopmentMatters #GlobalCooperation #Triasimpact Trias Afrique Centrale Trias CAC Trias Afrique de l'Ouest Trias East Africa Trias België

Chocoa Trade Fair – Let’s Connect & Shape the Future of Cocoa! 🍫 Today, Chocoa 2025’s Trade Fair brings together top industry players, cocoa producers, and sustainability leaders—and Trias is at the heart of it! Join us at Booths A1 & A9 to meet our key experts, explore our impact-driven projects, and discuss how we are empowering smallholder cocoa farmers through sustainability, innovation, and market access. Our Experts at the Trias Booth 🎙 Freddy Cabello (UNOCACE) – Cooperative Leader & Market Expert 🌿 Learn how #UNOCACE’s fair trade & organic model is transforming Ecuador’s cocoa sector. Discover strategies to help cooperatives thrive in today’s competitive market. 🎙 Gerald Bagonza (Bwamba Cooperative Union) – Climate Resilience & Cocoa Sustainability Specialist 🎙 Ruth Cayapa Capuy (Kallari Ecuador) - Woman leader of Chakras Amazónicas organisation. 🌱 Explore how climate-smart cocoa farming & agroforestry are securing the future of Ugandan cocoa farmers through the G-STIC: Global Sustainable Technology & Innovation Community Cocoa Project. 📢 Visit the Trias Booth to: ✅ Explore sustainability-driven cocoa projects in Uganda and Latin America. ✅ Connect with cooperatives, buyers, and industry specialists shaping the future of cocoa. ✅ Learn how Trias’ expertise in cooperative strengthening & climate resilience supports a more sustainable, inclusive, and profitable cocoa sector. 📍 Find us at Booths A1 & A9—let’s connect, collaborate, and build a stronger cocoa value chain together! #TriasAtChocoa #CocoaTradeFair #SustainableCocoa #CocoaInnovation #Chocoa2025 #EmpoweringFarmers ZOTO

Chocoa 2025 – A Day Dedicated to Farmers & Market Innovation! 🍫 Today, two major events highlighted market strategies, farmer empowerment, and sustainability. 🎙️ European Market Academy – Navigating Market Challenges How can cocoa producers tackle rising costs, ensure sustainability, and remain competitive in global markets? At the European Market Academy, Freddy Cabello (#UNOCACE) shared insights on: ✅ Strategies for managing production costs while maintaining fair trade standards. ✅ How cooperatives can navigate retail pricing and strengthen their market position. ✅ The role of certifications and climate resilience in ensuring long-term success. "To survive in challenging markets, we must show we are organized producers. It’s not just cocoa—we produce sustainably, comply with regulations, and stand out through diversification. That’s how we thrive." Freddy Cabello 🌿 Farmers’ Day at Chocoa – Giving Farmers a Voice For the first time at Chocoa, Farmers’ Day is providing a dedicated space for farmers to share their experiences, challenges, and solutions in the cocoa industry. 👥 Facilitators: 🌱 Freddy Cabello (#UNOCACE) – Fair trade leader, cooperative strategist, and sustainability advocate. 🌱 Gerald Bagonza (Bwamba Cooperative Union ) – Agricultural engineer and local coordinator of the G-STIC: Global Sustainable Technology & Innovation Community climate project, driving climate resilience and agroforestry in #Uganda. Why This Panel Matters: ✅ Farmers shared their realities and shaping the conversation. ✅ Solutions-driven discussions on climate adaptation, cooperative strength, and sustainability. ✅ A unique chance to bridge the gap between farmers and the wider cocoa industry. "Farmers worldwide face common challenges, and collaboration is key. To uplift cocoa farmers, we need all stakeholders involved in the value chain. Let’s work together for a sustainable future!"Gerald Bagonza 📍 Visit our booths at A1 & A9 and be part of farmer-led discussions & market strategies that will define the future of sustainable cocoa. #TriasAtChocoa #FarmersDay #SustainableCocoa #CocoaMarket #Chocoa2025 #EmpoweringFarmers ZOTO