Trade minister assures cocoa farmers of decent prices.

However, Minister Mbarga Atangana said current market conditions provide grounds for producers to approach the new season with optimism. 

He pointed to demand on the international market, particularly from Asia and the growing domestic processing and the quality of Cameroonian cocoa.

“There is no reason not to be optimistic because the market is evolving positively. We are at about 3,000 FCFA per kilo and this is good. Producers should not be discouraged. They should continue to work and remain assured that there will be a decent price,” he said. 

The minister said expectations of prices reaching 6,000 FCFA per kilogramme were unrealistic, but maintained that prevailing prices remain favourable to producers. 

He also highlighted progress in local cocoa processing, with nearly 250,000 tonnes processed locally during the previous campaign. The minister said this provides another market for locally produced beans alongside exports. 

Mbarga Atangana said Cameroon’s cocoa is increasingly recognised on the international market for its quality.

Previous season records 61,000-tonne drop

Figures presented at the launch indicated that marketed production stood at 247,914 tonnes, down from about 309,518 tonnes during the previous season. 

This, officials revealed, represent a fall of more than 61,000 tonnes while cocoa exports also declined to 125,469 tonnes, compared to 192,012 tonnes during the preceding campaign. Officials noted that the Centre, South West and Littoral Regions recorded the highest volumes sold. 

Officials say the new season will be marked by compliance with international market requirements as government assures measures have been taken to prepare the sector for the European Union’s new deforestation regulation, which is expected to apply from 2027.

The issue of distribution of earnings across the cocoa value chain was also raised with recommendations from a forum on cocoa producers’ remuneration, organised alongside the launch, expected to address the concern. 

Producers say the launch has signaled indications of what to expect. Cocoa farmer, Benoît Anaba, hopes prices will at least remain around current levels as he works to increase output.

“I am satisfied with the positive signals announced by the minister. For this season, I think I will go beyond the two tonnes I produced last season, given the development of the plants,” Anaba said. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3875 of Tuesday August 11, 2026