For the first time, Cameroon produced more than 300,000 tonnes of cocoa in one year, which is during the 2024/2025 cocoa season, a 6.7 percent increase from the previous season.
This historic leap solidifies the country’s position as Africa’s fifth-largest producer and signals a potential shift towards higher-value exports. According to the National Cocoa and Coffee Board, NCCB, Cameroon produced 309,518 tonnes of cocoa during the 2024-2025 season.
Trade Minister Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana announced the achievement at the official launch of the 2025/2026 cocoa season in Mbankomo, near the capital Yaounde, on August 7.
“This is the first time we have crossed this symbolic threshold. The last season was exceptional,” Minister Atangana is quoted to have said.
He credited this success to the unwavering resilience of Cameroonian cocoa farmers and the government’s persistent efforts to restructure and support the cocoa industry.
Throughout the season, farmers received between FCFA 3,210 and FCFA 5,400 per kilogram, providing a stronger financial return for their efforts.
Looking ahead to the new 2025/2026 season, Minister Atangana unveiled a significant policy shift: “The introduction of quality-based premiums for cocoa beans”.
Starting in the 2025/2026 season, Cameroon will implement a new system where cocoa farmers earn premium payments based on the quality of their beans.
This could potentially increase farmers’ income and promote better production practices.
Minister Atangana also stated that fulfilling sustainability standards is now a top national priority for Cameroon’s cocoa sector.
He specifically highlighted the need to comply with the European Union’s “deforestation-free
regulations,” which requires proof that agricultural commodities like cocoa were not grown on land deforested after December 2020.
To ensure cocoa meets the EU’s deforestation rules, Cameroonian authorities plan to launch a dedicated platform. This platform will provide verifiable geolocation data pinpointing the exact locations of cocoa plantations. This traceability is crucial for proving the cocoa’s origins are not linked to recent deforestation.
This is important as Europe absorbs roughly 80 percent of Cameroon’s cocoa exports, with Asia taking most of the remaining 19 percent. Neighbouring Nigeria also significantly increased its imports, purchasing 2,100 tons.
By surpassing production records while simultaneously spearheading quality and sustainability initiatives, Cameroon is not only solidifying its role as a major player in the cocoa market but also setting new benchmarks in quality and environmental responsibility. This dual approach promises to enhance the nation’s economic stability and appeal to premium markets, ensuring that Cameroonian cocoa remains competitive and sustainable for years to come.
By Eladson Blessing (UB Journalism Student on Internship)