Cocoa: Cameroon steps up local processing

Cameroon strengthens its local cocoa processing strategy.

On February 27, 2026, the Minister of Commerce, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, laid the foundation stone for a factory in Baré-Bakem.

This locality is located in the Moungo department, Littoral region.

Cameroonian entrepreneur Patrice Samen is piloting the project via Samen Industry S.A.

The industrial unit will process 32,000 tonnes of beans a year. Delivery is scheduled for August 2026.

A clear objective: transform more locally

Through this project, Cameroon aims to transform more than 80 % of its production.

Today, the country processes around 40 %, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

So the authorities want to reduce exports of raw beans.
What's more, the plant will occupy a three-hectare site.

It is part of the government's import-substitution policy.

A reform expected before the next campaign

On February 20, Cameroon won gold at the Cacao of Excellence Awards.

This award confirms the upmarket nature of Cameroon's cocoa.

However, the local market is experiencing a sharp drop in prices.
A kilogram cost 5,000 FCFA last year. Today, it sells for less than 1,000 FCFA.

This drop further justifies investment in local processing.

An expanding industrial dynamic

The new plant will boost the added value of Cameroon's cocoa.

It will join units such as SIC Cacaos, Atlantic Cocoa, Neo Industry, Africa Processing and Chococam.

In this way, Cameroon is gradually consolidating its industrial sovereignty in the cocoa sector.

Anita MENOUNGA