Cocoa: ONCC and Cooko Renew Agreement for Three Years Without Public Accountability - Investir au Cameroun

Agreement Between ONCC and Cooko: A New Hope for Cocoa Producers

Today, a significant event in the cocoa sector in Cameroon is the renewal of the agreement between the National Cocoa and Coffee Board (ONCC) and the company Cooko for a duration of three years. This agreement aims to promote sustainable and traceable cocoa production, but it raises questions about its actual effectiveness, particularly in the absence of a public accountability framework (source: Investir au Cameroun).

Cocoa producers, who face increasing challenges, hope that this agreement will bring tangible benefits. However, many are questioning how these initiatives will be implemented and what impact they will have on their incomes. Indeed, the cocoa sector in Cameroon has seen a decline in processing, with a 13% drop in the volume of processed beans for the 2025-2026 campaign (source: Business in Cameroon).

Cocoa and Coffee Prices in Cameroon

Currently, the prices of cocoa and coffee products in Cameroon are as follows: - Cocoa: 3,654 FCFA/kg (source: Journal du Cameroun) - Arabica: 3,881 FCFA/kg FOB (source: ONCC) - Robusta: 1,786 FCFA/kg FOB (source: ONCC)

These prices are relatively stable, but producers remain concerned about increasing competition and fluctuations in the international market.

Context of the Cocoa Market in West Africa

In West Africa, Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana continue to dominate the cocoa market, but challenges such as the EU anti-deforestation regulation complicate the situation for local producers. Indeed, Ivorian producers must adapt to new traceability requirements, which could affect their export capacity (source: Africanews).

Cocoa Derivatives and Coffee

Regarding derivatives, the market for cocoa butter and powder is also influenced by these dynamics. Processors must navigate an environment of rising costs, which could impact consumer prices. Processing ratios are crucial to maintaining profitability, and market players must ensure they comply with sustainability standards while remaining competitive.

Preparation for EUDR Regulation

Finally, preparation for the EU regulation on deforestation (EUDR) is a major issue for Cameroonian producers. While ONCC and Cooko have taken steps to enhance sustainability, it is essential that producers are informed and prepared to meet the requirements of this regulation to avoid negative impacts on their activities (source: EUDR Commission).

In conclusion, the renewal of the agreement between ONCC and Cooko represents an opportunity for the cocoa sector in Cameroon, but producers must remain vigilant and proactive to maximize the benefits of this initiative.