Training focuses on export quality control

From June 24 to 26, 2026, the training program equipped participants with advanced skills in sampling techniques, quality control, and management of cocoa export warehouses. The initiative, led by UNIDO’s senior technical advisor Didime Olivier Tchoumi, aims to enhance the competitiveness of Cameroon’s cocoa and coffee on global markets.

The program is part of the PICS-Cameroon project, funded by Japan, which seeks to strengthen the country’s position in the premium cocoa segment. This effort comes at a critical time when Cameroon’s cocoa industry is gaining international recognition.

Historic cocoa award highlights quality progress

In February 2026, Cameroon made global headlines by winning the gold medal at the 10th edition of the Cacao of Excellence Awards, held during the prestigious Chocoa Trade Fair. The event gathered 191 samples from 45 origins worldwide, evaluated for quality, sustainability, and sensory profiles.

Out of all submissions, only 50 lots received recognition from an international jury of sensory and industry experts. Cameroon’s sample, designated as number 167, claimed the top prize in the Africa & Indian Ocean category. This victory follows a bronze medal won in 2023, demonstrating Cameroon’s upward trajectory in premium cocoa production.

Premium cocoa market advantages

Cameroon’s success in these competitions reflects its growing reputation for producing exceptional cocoa beans that meet the exacting standards of high-end chocolate makers. The country’s cocoa fetches premium prices in specialty markets where taste, authenticity, and sustainability drive demand and pricing.

This international recognition could catalyze further investments in traceability systems, technical training, and cooperative structuring—key factors for transforming quality achievements into tangible economic benefits for local producers.

Future prospects for Cameroon’s cocoa sector

The combination of targeted training programs and international awards positions Cameroon’s cocoa industry for sustained growth. By strengthening quality control processes and building on its reputation for premium cocoa, Cameroon is poised to capture greater market share in the lucrative fine and flavor cocoa segment.