NCCB SENSITIZES OPERATORS AND ADMINISTRATIVE HEADS IN THE SOUTHWEST ON NEW COCOA TRADE AND EXPORT REQUIREMENTS
Operators and Administrative Heads in the Southwest Region have been sensitized on the new cocoa trade and export requirements. This was during a sensitization meeting that held on Wednesday 18th September 2024 in Buea, Southwest Region.
Taking place after the launching of the 2024-2025 cocoa season, the meeting regrouped key players of the sector across the Six (6) Divisions of the Southwest Region, Cameroon’s second largest cocoa producing Region.
Speaking during the meeting, the Governor of the Southwest Region, Mr. Bernard OKALIA BILAI underscored the importance of cocoa in the Cameroonian economy and said the new text was timely as it provides cocoa farmers with lucrative alternatives to reap the fruit of their labour.
In his presentation, the General Manager of the National Cocoa and Coffee Board (NCCB) Mr. Michael NDOPING said the Southwest Region was chosen as a case study for the implementation of the new text due to its geo-strategic location— sharing land sea/river borders with Nigeria.
With the entering into force of the African Continental Free Trade Area, this new legal instrument lays down the conditions for becoming a professional cocoa buyer, buyer’s obligations, buying operations and export modalities. (Click here to download Order No 0373/Mincommerce of 09 November 2023 to lay down the detailed requirements for the packaging and marketing of cocoa beans.)
The GM of NCCB enjoined operators to respect the new regulation by trading cocoa legally and enjoy the lucrative opportunities offered.
The meeting brought together cocoa farmers, buyers, exporters, Administrative and Traditional Authorities and Representatives of the Cameroon Custom Services.