By Ndumbe Bell JG in Douala
Cameroon cocoa production, quality and sales have so far attained a linear trajectory and promising a bright future, after overrunning its past records within a context where the leading markets in Ghana and Cote D’Ivoire are molested unfortunately by the influence of climate change in the two neighbouring countries.
The startling declarations were made recently at the launch of the new cocoa season campaign of 2025/2026, by the Minister of Trade and Commerce, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, in Mbankomo, Centre Region.
Official figures at the just ended 2024/2025 season indicate that the traded production figures undermined BEAC’s optimistic figures of 306.800 tons and rose to 309.518tons, estimated to be a 13 percent increase. This trajectory confirms the country’s rising position as a force to reckon with amidst the two superpowers(Ghana and Cote D’Ivoire)whose rise and fall production levels have been blamed on unstable climatic conditions reported in recent times.
Reports say the factors underlying Cameroon’s prowess is hinged on improvement, incentives on quality and the restructuring of the production process including the impact on the high oscillating price tags. Prices have remained high, rejoiced producers, throughout last cocoa season ranging between FCFA 3000 and over to FCFA 5000 and over per kilogramme for the benefit of producers. These prices inversely present a slight drop relative to the 2023/2024 campaign season when prices per kilogramme soared to FCFA 6000 and over. When these prices are compared to that of Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire where prices plummeted to FCFA 1000-1.200, the prices of Cameroon have gained momentum due to the demand and supply chains of the international market place.
The significance of these figures confirm that Cameroon is consolidating her position in Central Africa, Africa and the international landscape, as a strategic producer of the community. With this in mind, the new cocoa season has begun with a positive mindset awaiting more imposing results.
In one of his overtures during the launch, Minister Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana remarked that the return of investment to producers in the 2024/2025 season struck nearly FCFA 1,200 bilion. This realisation is said to be a turning point to reinforce the country’s attractiveness and visibility in the international market place.