Yorvuhun Heritage Cocoa Agroforestry Incorporated (YOHCA) is a cocoa agribusiness and importing company created to develop sustainable cocoa farming, support rural communities, restore productive land, and connect Sierra Leone cocoa to U.S. and international markets.
YOHCA operates and manages a 50-acre cocoa farm in Yorvuhun Village, Small Bo Chiefdom, Kenema District, Sierra Leone.
The company was founded with a clear purpose: to transform agricultural land into long-term economic value while creating employment opportunities, supporting local farmers, developing cocoa supply, and building a professional business attractive to investors, buyers, and international trade partners.
YOHCA’s story is rooted in Yorvuhun Village, a community with strong agricultural potential and a deep connection to the land.
The company was created to develop a sustainable agribusiness pathway through cocoa farming, agroforestry, farmer partnerships, responsible land development, and international trade.
YOHCA believes cocoa can become a powerful vehicle for rural development, employment creation, farmer market access, and long-term prosperity.
Through its 50-acre cocoa farm and cooperative relationship with 10 farming groups, YOHCA is building a structured cocoa supply chain designed to support both community development and global market growth.
The vision extends beyond production.
YOHCA is working to create a professional cocoa enterprise that can participate across the value chain—from cultivation and sourcing to aggregation, trading, export preparation, and U.S. importation.
Meet the professionals, agricultural experts, and community leaders helping shape YOHCA’s vision and build its future.
Amara Sylvester Vandi Belewa is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Yorvuhun Heritage Cocoa Agroforestry Incorporated (YOHCA). An indigenous son of Yorvuhun Village, he is currently based in Boston, Massachusetts, where he works in public service.
Mr. Belewa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and Sociology and multiple graduate degrees from Clark University in Massachusetts, including studies in Gender and Development Studies, International Development and Social Change, and Management in International Business.
With experience managing projects across multiple organizations, Mr. Belewa brings a background in project management, international development, and organizational leadership to YOHCA.
His passion for creating economic opportunities for the people of Yorvuhun and surrounding communities inspired him to establish YOHCA and invest in cocoa farming, agroforestry, and international cocoa trade. His vision is to build a sustainable business that connects Sierra Leone’s agricultural potential with global markets while creating lasting community value.
Hassanatu Sheriff is a Sierra Leonean finance professional, development practitioner, and agricultural advocate with experience spanning banking, accounting, public service, and community development.
She studied Financial Services at the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) and began her professional career with Standard Chartered Bank. She later joined SLeSCA, where she advanced into an accounting role and developed additional experience in financial management and organizational operations.
Ms. Sheriff recently completed her master’s degree at Njala University and brings a strong combination of financial, administrative, and development experience to YOHCA.
As Country Programme Director, she supports YOHCA’s operations and development activities in Sierra Leone, with a particular focus on sustainable cocoa farming, women’s empowerment, youth development, and community transformation.
Keifala Bannah is an agricultural professional with specialized training in agronomy, agricultural extension, and rural development.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology and a Higher Diploma in Agronomy from Njala University, Sierra Leone.
Mr. Bannah brings practical knowledge in crop science, agronomy, pest management, farmer extension, and sustainable agricultural practices. His work is driven by a commitment to helping farmers improve productivity through better seeds, effective soil management, practical agricultural education, and improved farming techniques.
At YOHCA, he contributes technical agricultural expertise to support cocoa production, farm development, farmer engagement, and sustainable agroforestry practices.
Ansumana Belewa serves as Site Project Manager for YOHCA’s operations in Sierra Leone.
He supports the coordination and supervision of cocoa agroforestry activities, field operations, farm development, and community-based project implementation.
Mr. Belewa plays an important role in helping translate YOHCA’s agricultural plans into effective field operations. His responsibilities include supporting day-to-day site activities, coordinating field efforts, and helping ensure that project objectives are carried out effectively within the local community.
James A. Bangalie is an organic farming expert with experience supporting sustainable agricultural practices and improved farming systems in Sierra Leone.
He is attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, where his work is focused on promoting responsible agricultural practices and supporting farmers in developing more sustainable approaches to production.
Mr. Bangalie brings valuable knowledge of organic farming, sustainable agriculture, and practical farm management to YOHCA’s agricultural development efforts.
His expertise supports YOHCA’s commitment to responsible land use, sustainable cocoa cultivation, and agricultural practices that can contribute to long-term productivity and environmental stewardship.
YOHCA’s purpose is to develop sustainable cocoa farming, support local farmers and rural communities, create meaningful economic opportunities, and build a trusted cocoa supply chain connecting Sierra Leone with the United States and international markets.
Through responsible agroforestry, farmer partnerships, cocoa production, aggregation, trading, and international market development, YOHCA is working to transform Sierra Leone’s agricultural potential into long-term economic value.
Our vision is to become a respected cocoa agroforestry, trading, and importing company recognized for sustainable production, responsible land use, strong farmer partnerships, investor confidence, and global market access—creating lasting prosperity from the farm to the global marketplace.
Supporting local engagement, community coordination, and alignment with applicable district-level requirements.
Supporting engagement related to cocoa production, marketing, and agricultural trade.
YOHCA is registered in Sierra Leone and works closely with relevant institutions and advisory bodies to support compliance, responsible operations, agricultural development, and best business practices.
We are committed to conducting its operations responsibly and developing its business in alignment with applicable government policies, environmental expectations, agricultural standards, and international best practices.
Supporting agricultural development, farming activities, and engagement with the broader agricultural sector.
Supporting environmental considerations, responsible land use, and applicable environmental expectations.
YOHCA brings together agricultural production, community relationships, international trade development, and market access within one business model.
YOHCA's U.S. registration provides a foundation for developing business relationships and cocoa import opportunities in the United States.
The company maintains its agricultural foundation and local operations in Sierra Leone, where its cocoa farm and farmer relationships are being developed.
YOHCA already operates and manages a 50-acre cocoa farm, providing a foundation for future production and expansion.
Relationships with 10 farming groups create additional opportunities for cocoa sourcing, aggregation, and market development.
YOHCA is developing a cross-border business model focused on cocoa export from Sierra Leone and importation into the United States and other markets.
The company is committed to supporting farmers, employment opportunities, responsible land use, and rural economic development.
YOHCA is open to qualified investors and strategic professionals who can contribute capital, expertise, relationships, and governance support.
YOHCA is building a business rooted in Sierra Leone with a vision for international growth.
Whether you are an investor, cocoa buyer, farmer, trade partner, advisor, or organization interested in sustainable agriculture, we welcome the opportunity to connect.
