Minister lays foundation stone for chocolate factory in Obala.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Gabriel Mbairobe; the Governor of the Centre Region, Naseri Paul Bea; officials from the International Cocoa Organisation and cocoa producers in the country. 

Speaking during the ceremony, Minister Luc Magloire said the laying of the foundation for the construction of the “Chocolat Rouge” factory is a turning point in the life of farmers.

According to the minister, the factory will be the first chocolate factory specialised in the manufacturing of top-of-the-range chocolate in the country. 

“With the construction of the chocolate factory, Cameroon and consumers of chocolate will have the privilege to be among the first people to have a taste of Made in Cameroon chocolate which will be available in all markets within the Free Trade Area and at the continental level,” the minister said.

The laying of the foundation stone, the minister said, represents a real breakthrough as it will move the country from a simple exporter of primary and semi-finished products to a full producer.

The project, Minister Luc Magloire said, is fully in line with the vision of the Head of State, who calls on national and international investors to invest in agriculture for the soil has great opportunities.

He equally saluted the renowned French chocolate producer, Olivier Bordais, and his delegation of expert in the chocolate sector, for their interest in cocoa beans from Cameroon. 

The bold step, the minister said, will not only position the country as an exporter of high-quality finished products, but also opens doors to regional and international markets, particularly within the African Continental Free Trade Area. 

Addressing cocoa farmers, the member of government noted that he was convinced they will take full advantage of the opportunity and make the factory a place to be for all 

According to him, the factory to cocoa producers in the Lekie Division represents much more than a simple commercial opportunity for it is equally a way to showcase the prowess and knowhow in the cocoa production sector. 

“It's a symbol of hard work, offering a short, sustainable business model that promotes shared profitability and social sustainability. An approach that fits perfectly with the National Development Strategy 2020-2030, aimed at the structural transformation of the economy by enhancing local resources,” the minister said.

The project, he said, is estimated to cost some 1.5 million euros which has been estimated to over 983 million FCFA. The factory, he added, is expected to spread over 3,000 square metres. Government, he assured, remains open to welcome new investors and partners in this strategic sector whether in the Lekie Division or any other part of the country.

Olivier Bordias, in his remark, highlighted the exceptional quality of the Cameroonian cocoa bean.

He described Cameroon’s cocoa bean as a “jewel” which needs to be promoted even more at the international market.

This story first published in The Guardian Post issue No3130 of Monday June 02, 2024