Cameroon boosts cocoa value addition with CAPEF-South training for producers in Sangmélima

CAMEROON – The South regional delegation of the Chamber of Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock and Forest Industries of Cameroon (CAPEF-South), in collaboration with the National Employment Fund (FNE), has conducted a large-scale training programme in Sangmélima aimed at expanding local cocoa processing capabilities.  

The initiative brought together 53 participants, including cocoa farmers and other agricultural stakeholders, for hands-on instruction in producing a variety of cocoa-based products such as chocolate paste, cocoa butter, cocoa soap, and other derivatives. 

According to organisers, the training forms part of Cameroon’s broader import-substitution policy focused on increasing value addition within the agricultural sector. Its primary goals include improving processing skills among producers, reducing post-harvest losses, diversifying cocoa products available in the domestic market, and strengthening entrepreneurial capacity.  

The initiative also seeks to reinforce the cocoa value chain by encouraging the creation of finished goods that can boost local industry earnings. 

The workshop comes amid significant progress in Cameroon’s cocoa sector. Recent figures show that national cocoa output for the 2024–2025 season reached 309,518 tonnes, compared to 266,710 tonnes in the previous season. This represents an increase of 42,808 tonnes, equivalent to roughly 13 per cent.  

Domestic processing also recorded notable growth, rising to 109,431 tonnes in 2024–2025, up from 89,672 tonnes a year earlier, an increase of 27.7 per cent. 

This expansion reflects substantial investment in processing infrastructure nationwide, with upgraded facilities in Kribi, Douala, Kékem, and Mbankomo contributing to higher processing volumes. 

At the end of the training, participants expressed satisfaction with the skills gained and announced plans to form a cooperative. The proposed structure is expected to enhance access to institutional support from CAPEF, facilitate resource sharing, and improve their ability to secure long-term financing.  

With rising production levels and increased domestic processing, the initiative is positioned to support Cameroon’s efforts to bolster value addition within the cocoa industry. 

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