Japan and the Municipality of Ebolowa 2 inaugurate a new cocoa production unit to improve quality and value addition for local producers
2026/5/29
On May 18, 2026, H.E. MINAMI Kentaro, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of Cameroon, attended the official handover ceremony to inaugurate a cocoa processing unit in Ebolowa 2.
The Government of Japan funded the project, implemented by the Municipality of Ebolowa 2, under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (commonly referred to as “micro-projects”). Approximately 56,000,000 FCFA was granted to construct the aforementioned cocoa processing unit. The new facility, comprising a fermentation building, two drying units, and a storage building, will help improve the productivity of post-harvest processing and optimize cocoa quality. As a result, the selling price of cocoa processed at this facility is expected to increase – by four to five times - , thereby contributing to higher incomes and improved living conditions for local cocoa producers.
During the ceremony, the Ambassador commended the commitment of the Municipality and cocoa producers, despite the challenges posed by the international market. He also expressed his hope that this project will strengthen friendly relations between the two countries and that Japanese consumers will, in the future, have the opportunity to discover and consume chocolate from Ebolowa.
Through its various cooperation programs, Japan will continue its commitment, as a trusted partner of Cameroon, to contribute to the country’s development alongside the Cameroonian people and the reinforcement of our friendly bilateral relations.
The Government of Japan funded the project, implemented by the Municipality of Ebolowa 2, under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (commonly referred to as “micro-projects”). Approximately 56,000,000 FCFA was granted to construct the aforementioned cocoa processing unit. The new facility, comprising a fermentation building, two drying units, and a storage building, will help improve the productivity of post-harvest processing and optimize cocoa quality. As a result, the selling price of cocoa processed at this facility is expected to increase – by four to five times - , thereby contributing to higher incomes and improved living conditions for local cocoa producers.
During the ceremony, the Ambassador commended the commitment of the Municipality and cocoa producers, despite the challenges posed by the international market. He also expressed his hope that this project will strengthen friendly relations between the two countries and that Japanese consumers will, in the future, have the opportunity to discover and consume chocolate from Ebolowa.
Through its various cooperation programs, Japan will continue its commitment, as a trusted partner of Cameroon, to contribute to the country’s development alongside the Cameroonian people and the reinforcement of our friendly bilateral relations.