Cocoa prices in Abong-Mbang, Cameroon, have risen above CFA5,000 per kilogram, with a recent sale yielding over CFA300 million. While prices remain lower than last year’s record highs, the liberalization of the cocoa market has allowed farmers to benefit from increased competition and group sales organized by the ONCC.
On February 10, cocoa farmers in Abong-Mbang, located in Eastern Cameroon, successfully sold 60 tons of cocoa beans at a price of CFA5,035 per kilogram. This sale resulted in over CFA300 million in total revenue, facilitated by Ofi Cameroon, which has become a significant contributor to the nation’s cocoa exports, accounting for over 20% of the total. Local authorities and the National Cocoa and Coffee Office (ONCC) oversaw the sale as part of an initiative to enhance farmers’ marketing capabilities.
The price of CFA5,035 per kilogram in Abong-Mbang is marginally higher than the CFA5,000 per kilogram received by farmers in Biakoa during a similar group sale earlier in January 2025. Despite this minor increase, current cocoa prices are below the record highs of over CFA6,000 per kilogram seen during the previous season from August 2023 to July 2024, when Cameroon generated a historical export revenue of CFA488.8 billion, up by CFA220 billion from the prior year.
The recent price trends are favorable for farmers, aiding in improving their income despite being lower than the record levels of the last season. The liberalization of the cocoa market in Cameroon has significantly influenced this trend, marked by an increase in commercial players which enhances competition and pricing for farmers. Since 2019, the government has permitted group cocoa sales based on ONCC reference prices, enhancing the ability of farmers to negotiate directly with buyers for better deals.
The cocoa market in Cameroon is experiencing positive trends, with prices slightly above recent averages and still beneficial for farmers despite being lower than record highs from the prior season. The increased liberalization and introduction of group sales facilitated by the ONCC have allowed farmers to organize better and secure favorable pricing, which is essential for sustaining and enhancing their incomes.
Original Source: www.businessincameroon.com
