A team from the Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) from Western province had the opportunity to learn about cocoa beans processing in a recent visit to the Huon Gulf district of Morobe province. Small holder cocoa farmers from the Huon Gulf District hosted the OTDF Board and Executive members to share ideas for community development by showcasing their cocoa drying facility. The visit saw the Nasuapum Cooperative Center showcase the village’s cocoa drier facility funded by Wafi-Golpu Joint Venture (WGJV). The visit was arranged by Mr. David Masani Community Affairs Manager for WGJV Project. Nasuapum Cocoa Cooperative Chairlady and Apollo Elliot Cooperative Center Manager, Mrs. Namoatz Apollo, presented to the visiting OTDF team the idea which the WGJV Project community affairs team term as the “Trupla Morobe” story. The husband-and-wife team established the Nasuapum Cocoa Co-operative, an endeavour aimed at transforming the lives of their community. With more than 50 active members, including women and youth, the co-operative reflects grassroots development through agriculture. In 2023 alone, the group earned K70,000, reinvesting in critical infrastructure projects like solar lighting for local schools. Supported by the (WGJV) and the Cocoa Board of Papua New Guinea, it empowers local farmers to become self-sufficient, generating economic stability through sustainable cocoa farming practices. According to Mrs. Apollo, as the co-operative grows, it contributes to education, infrastructure, and skills training, reflecting the founders’ vision of self-reliance and progress. The visit also allowed OTDF officials to witness firsthand the co-operative's transformative impact on local people and infrastructure. Before proceeding to Nasuapum village project site, the OTDF team were shown the WGJV Project Information Center in the heart of Lae, and the production facility managed by the PNG Cocoa Board where the Solar Powered Cocoa Driers were being fabricated by a local team managed by Roy Pinjo of AP & Son fabrication team. This cocoa co-operative highlights the power of local entrepreneurship, innovation, and partnerships to bring lasting improvements to remote areas. It demonstrates how smallholder farmers, with the right support, can create sustainable change for generations to come.