Centre Region: Obala chocolate plant set to begin production in two months.

Bordais made the revelation on January 28, in Obala. 

This was during a visit to the site by the Minister of Trade, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, and that of Agriculture and Rural Development, Gabriel Mbaïrobe. The visit was to assess the level of completion of the industrial project. 

The inspection took place in the presence of the Senior Divisional Officer for the Lekie Division, representing the Governor of the Centre Region. 

Officials were guided around the facility by the project promoter, accompanied by his technical team and representatives of cocoa producer cooperatives supplying the factory.

During the site tour, the ministers reviewed construction works, equipment installation and the layout of the production chain. 

According to the promoter, progress has remained steady despite logistical constraints linked to the transportation of specialised machinery.

“Everything is moving forward well. I think we will open the first production lines of Made in Cameroon chocolate within two months,” Bordais told the visiting ministers. 

He explained that without the delays related to equipment delivery, the factory would already be operational.

Government officials noted the progress made on the infrastructure, which includes an ultra-modern processing plant and a three-storey residential building intended to house company executives and technical staff.

FCFA 40 billion project aligned with national strategy

The Chocolat Rouge project was officially launched in June 2024 and represents an estimated investment of nearly FCFA 40 billion. 

The complex covers about 3,000 square metres within a three-hectare site and is designed to produce high-end chocolate branded “Made in Cameroon” for professional, regional and international markets.

Speaking during the visit, Minister Mbarga Atangana said the project fits into a broader government policy aimed at restructuring key commodity value chains.

“The project has taken shape and progressed well. We can only congratulate the promoter who believed in it and honoured his commitment,” Mbarga Atangana said.

He added that although the initiative is private-sector driven, it aligns with the objectives of the National Development Strategy, NDS30, which prioritises local processing, job creation and decentralised economic development.

The ministers assured the promoter of government support in resolving administrative and logistical obstacles, indicating that relevant services would be mobilised to enable the factory to move into full production.

Local cocoa targeting premium markets

Once operational, the Obala facility is expected to process locally sourced cocoa beans, particularly from cooperatives in the Lékié Division and neighbouring areas. 

The production will focus on premium chocolate destined mainly for professional outlets such as hotels, restaurants and specialised international chocolatiers.

“We will produce chocolate of very high quality, a chocolate of excellence that we want to see recognised around the world,” Olivier Bordais said.

The project is expected to contribute to employment creation, professional training and the integration of local producers into the cocoa value chain. 

According to officials, the Chocolat Rouge factory represents a new stage in Cameroon’s drive to expand domestic cocoa processing capacity, with first production expected within the coming months.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3689 of Friday January 30, 2026