Did you know that every day over 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed? (Source: Drive Research). This proves that there is immense potential within the coffee industry. Investing in coffee is a big opportunity! wait no further as we have selected the perfect location for you to invest in.
Coffee has a rich history in Cameroon. And today we will unveil that and more.

Cameroon is a country in West Central Africa known for its strategic location. Agriculture is the heart of its economic activity. It has huge biodiversity and the perfect climate for growing coffee. Coffee production is vital for the economy of Cameroon. Coffee is grown throughout the region. Cameroon produces high-quality coffee beans. They are full of flavor with a well-rounded finish. They also have chocolate characteristics.

Article Highlights

• Exploring the coffee history of Cameroon.
• Understanding Coffee Production.
• Robusta vs Arabica: Finding out which one is better for Cameroon.

A Rich History of Coffee in Cameroon

Coffee production in Cameroon began in the late 19th century when German settlers recognized the country’s perfect weather and fertile land for coffee farming. They had set up coffee firms in trial coffee farms in several regions. By 1928, 200,000 coffee seedlings had been planted in one region alone (Dschang). The country doubled its production from 1960 to 1990. It comprised around 2% of the global coffee market at the time. The country’s largest-ever yield was 156,000 metric tons, reported in 1990.

Unfortunately, Cameroon failed to hold this position later on. After the mid-90s, governmental interference and a worldwide recession crippled Cameroon’s coffee industry and faced Challenges for almost 3 decades. Cameroon is still the 21st largest coffee producer in the world despite all those challenges over the years. Cameroon produces around 34,000 tonnes of coffee a year. This shows a promising future for coffee in Cameroon. And your investment can help it become big again.

After the mid-90s economic crisis, the government is putting effort into reviving the sector. The progress is slow but Cameroon has immense potential in coffee production. Invest and reap your rewards from the untapped potential.

Present Day Coffee Production:

Regions:

Coffee is one of the highest-producing commodities in Cameroon. It is majorly grown in seven regions. These are the West, Northwest, Littoral, Southwest, South, Central, and East regions. Coffee produced in these regions is of good quality. These regions have high altitudes, volcanic soil, and ample rainfall. Coastal zones (Mungo) and West are the top producers, contributing 41% and 36% of the total coffee output. Centre, East, and South regions produce about 5% of the total, only Robusta. North-West contributes 3% and grows only Arabica. The South-West produces around 15% of both Arabica and Robusta.
Apollinaire Ngwe, chairman of the Inter-Professional Committee of Cocoa and Coffee, states, “Practically everything you see today in Cameroon was built from coffee resources” This shows a promising future for coffee in Cameroon. Invest and make it big again.

Flavors:

Coffee is grown extensively in different coffee-producing regions. The 2 varieties of coffee beans produced in Cameroon are Robusta and Arabica. Robusta is significantly grown in coastal zones. Arabica is grown in the western highlands. Robusta is a more dominant crop in the country. It is grown in middle elevations in the western regions. Arabica plantations are located in the high plateau areas of Bamileke and Bamaoun. Arabica and Robusta are partly processed within the country.

Fun Fact: A coffee bean is the seed of the coffee cherry. Coffee cherry is a fruit. Unlike most fruits, we do not eat the fleshy outer part of the coffee cherry, instead, we eat the seed! After roasting it of course!

Cameroonian robusta has a rich, full, and nutty taste that is perfect for blending. It is usually used as a base for blends because its powerful, harsh flavor does not taste as good alone. Arabica, on the other hand, has a delicate, intricate taste and hence it’s good to be brewed on its own. Arabica is not as hardy as Robusta. Arabica coffee of Cameroon offers a fruity acidic flavor much like typical African coffee. It thrives only in specific conditions and is harder to grow. Arabica beans need extra shade, water, and high altitude to grow. These conditions are available in Bamileke and Bamaoun. Hence Cameroon grows Arabica on a much smaller scale.

Cultivation Insights:

Coffee plants can live for over 100 years. Yet, most experts suggest a greater productivity range of 4 to 40 years. In Cameroon, 1 hectare of coffee plantation lasts about 40 years. The cost of setting up such a plantation is around $2000 (1,200,000FRS). Annually it incurs a maintenance cost of $350 (200,000FRS), which includes a harvest cost of 350,000FRS. Every year coffee is harvested between 1 October to December. Each hectare brings a yield of 1 to 1.5 tons of coffee. Selling prices range between between 1,000 and 2,000 FCFA per kilogram of beans. 3

Coffee Export in Cameroon

Coffee roasters in Cameroon process only 5% of the national production of Arabica and Robusta coffees.

Cameroonian coffee enjoys high demand in Algeria, France, Belgium, and Portugal. These four countries accounted for 62.9% of Cameroon’s coffee exports in 2022. Algeria, the largest buyer, purchased 18.6% of shipments. France’s share accounted for 15.5%, Belgium’s 14.5%, and Portugal’s 14.3%. Robusta exports outnumber Arabica by 4:1. Belgium, France, and Portugal make up almost all of Robusta’s exports. In contrast, Germany receives 70% of Arabica shipments.
Source: Cameroon’s coffee gains popularity in the Maghreb and Eurozone

In Cameroon, NCCB oversees coffee marketing. NCCB is the National Cocoa and Coffee Board. They are an independent government agency operating under the Ministry of Trade.

Recent Investments in Coffee:

Cameroon has secured a $2.2 million investment from Japan to enhance its coffee and cocoa sectors. Its aim is to raise production to 160,000 tonnes of coffee by 2030. A memorandum of understanding was signed in Yaoundé by UNIDO and the Japanese embassy.

This is to improve productivity, competitiveness, and quality. This is part of a UNIDO project to enhance farming techniques and market access. This investment supports Cameroon’s ongoing efforts, including a plan to invest 50 billion FCFA over five years.

Boyo: A Taste of Luxury

Cameroon’s finest coffee comes from Boyo in the Northwest Province. It is grown in small batches at over 5,000 feet in rich soil. Boyo coffee is hand-processed and produced in high-quality micro-lots. This unique coffee stands out from others in Cameroon. It’s pricey, but the exceptional quality makes it worth trying.

Cameroon’s boyo coffee is its special weapon. Along with Arabica and Robusta, Cameroon can boast its Boyo coffee. On top of that, it is hand-made by farmers who put their days and nights into it. After putting in all their hard work and effort, farmers make sure that only the top-notch beans get out for use and export.

Conclusion

Cameroon’s coffee has immense potential. The country’s diverse climate and fertile land allow it to produce hardy Robusta and Aromatic Arabica. And captures the taste of coffee lovers worldwide. Recent investments have also been made by partner countries, taking coffee production in Cameroon to new heights! Hence now is the perfect time for you to invest in Cameroon. Investing in Cameroon provides you with high returns. And you also get to support thousands of farmers and local communities that depend on coffee for their livelihood. With special coffees like Boyo, the future of the coffee industry looks more promising than ever. Seize this opportunity, and make a positive impact!