Cameroon moves to secure Geographical Indication status for red cocoa to boost export value 

CAMEROON – Cameroon is advancing efforts to obtain Geographical Indication (GI) protection for its red cocoa, a strategic move aimed at raising export value, strengthening producer income and reinforcing the country’s non-oil revenue base.  

The initiative progressed during the third ordinary session of the National Committee for the Promotion and Coordination of Geographical Indications (CONAPIG), held in Yaounde under the leadership of Agriculture Minister Gabriel Mbairobe. 

The meeting focused on finalising the GI application dossier for submission to the African Intellectual Property Organisation (OAPI). The process is receiving technical support from the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), whose representative participated in the session.  

GI certification is expected to authenticate the origin of red cocoa, reduce fraudulent practices and help the product secure premium prices in global markets, with direct financial benefits for farmers. 

Ali Oumar, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Mines, Industry and Technological Development and Vice-President of CONAPIG, said the protected label should generate additional value per kilogram for producers.  

The potential economic impact comes at a time when cocoa has become increasingly dominant within Cameroon’s export profile. 

Raw cocoa exports in the first quarter of 2025 generated FCFA 500.3 billion, accounting for 44.8% of total export earnings and surpassing crude oil revenue, according to Business in Cameroon.  

In 2024, raw bean export value rose sharply from FCFA 359 billion in 2023 to FCFA 683 billion, a 90% increase driven largely by elevated global prices. 

Non-oil exports grew by 33.1% in 2024 to FCFA 1,827.8 billion, with cocoa contributing significantly to the expansion. Production is also rising: output for the 2024–2025 season is projected to exceed 280,000 tonnes, a 6.7% increase from the previous season, according to Fitch Solutions.  

Farmer revenues for the same period are estimated at FCFA 1,200 billion, supported by producer prices ranging between FCFA 3,210 and FCFA 5,400 per kilogramme. 

Experts highlight that red cocoa’s brick-red beans, uniform size and strong grain characteristics make it particularly appealing to premium chocolatiers, positioning it competitively in the high-value cocoa segment.  

Minister Mbairobe has urged a thorough diagnostic by the Association for the Geographical Indication of Cameroon Red Cocoa to finalise the dossier and advance the process. 

If approved, the red cocoa GI would join other internationally recognised Cameroonian products, including Penja white pepper and Oku honey. According to Business in Cameroon, the certification could be granted as early as 2026. 

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