Atlantic Cocoa to invest US$17.9M IN Cameroon facility
Expansion will boost annual grinding capacity to 64,000 tons as Cameroon strengthens its position in global fine cocoa markets.
CAMEROON – Atlantic Cocoa, the cocoa processing company owned by Ivorian businessman Koné Dossongui, has unveiled plans to expand its facility located in the Kribi industrial port zone of Cameroon.
The development aims to increase the factory’s annual cocoa grinding capacity from 48,000 tons to 64,000 tons.
According to sources familiar with the project, the expansion is expected to cost over CFA10 billion (US$17.9M).
Combined with the CFA30 billion (US$53.7M) already invested in the plant’s original construction, the total investment in the Kribi site will exceed CFA40 billion. Construction on the new phase is scheduled to begin in July 2026, with equipment installation expected to follow six months later.
The new machinery will be supplied by Swiss technology group Bühler. The upgraded facility is projected to begin operations between late 2026 and early 2027, reinforcing Atlantic Cocoa’s ambitions to become a major player in the cocoa processing sector in Central Africa.
Atlantic Cocoa faced initial challenges due to limited availability of cocoa beans on the local market. The competition with exporters sourcing for major international traders created difficulties in obtaining raw materials.
However, the expansion marks a significant turnaround for the company, which became the first industrial enterprise to set up in the Kribi port zone.
Since September 2023, the company has been under the leadership of Cameroonian executive Josiane Salomé Tchoungui.
Enhancing cocoa quality standards
The expansion comes as Cameroon steps up efforts to improve the quality and global competitiveness of its cocoa and coffee sectors.
In January 2023, the government and private sector actors launched a regulatory monitoring and sanitary surveillance platform, coordinated by the Cocoa and Coffee Interprofessional Council (CICC).
This platform aims to ensure compliance with international standards for cocoa and coffee, supporting improved market access.
Cameroon has also introduced post-harvest processing centers and a quality-based incentive program. Since the 2017–2018 season, approximately CFA5 billion has been awarded to high-performing cocoa producers.
These initiatives have improved bean quality, with the 2020–2021 season recording the highest proportion of Grade I cocoa in two decades.
In June 2023, the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) officially recognized Cameroon as a fine cocoa producer, marking a milestone in the country’s pursuit of greater value addition in the cocoa industry.
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