What's Happening?
The Cameroon Chamber of Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock, and Forests (Capef) is enhancing its cocoa storage and export operations at the Douala port by constructing two new warehouses. The first warehouse, covering 1,000 square meters, was completed
at the end of 2025 and is already operational. The second warehouse, also 1,000 square meters, is under construction and expected to be completed by July 2026. These facilities will collectively offer a storage capacity of approximately 11,000 tons of cocoa. Additionally, a 4,500-square-meter outdoor area is being developed for container logistics and truck unloading. This infrastructure aims to handle up to 100,000 tons per season, with a rapid stock rotation of about two weeks.
Why It's Important?
This expansion is crucial for Cameroon as cocoa remains the country's leading export product. In the 2024-2025 season, Cameroon exported 192,013 tons of cocoa, generating CFA732.2 billion in revenue. Cocoa accounted for 42.94% of the CFA1,705.4 billion in export earnings in the first half of 2025. The global cocoa prices have surged by 147.7% in 2024 due to adverse weather conditions affecting supply in major producing countries like Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. By upgrading its logistics capacity, Cameroon aims to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance the competitiveness of its cocoa in international markets.
What's Next?
The completion of the second warehouse in July 2026 will further bolster Cameroon's cocoa export capabilities. As global cocoa prices continue to rise, Cameroon is positioned to capitalize on this trend by improving its logistics infrastructure. This development may lead to increased export volumes and revenue, strengthening the country's agricultural sector. Stakeholders in the cocoa industry, including farmers and exporters, are likely to benefit from improved storage and handling facilities, potentially leading to better market access and profitability.
Beyond the Headlines
The expansion of cocoa storage capacity at Douala port reflects a strategic move by Cameroon to enhance its agricultural logistics chain. This initiative not only supports the country's economic growth but also addresses challenges related to post-harvest losses. By investing in infrastructure, Cameroon is taking proactive steps to ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of its cocoa industry. This development may also encourage further investments in other agricultural sectors, contributing to broader economic diversification.
