Cameroon prepares for exporting cocoa and pepper to UK and European markets (en)

(Yaoundé) – Representatives from the government of Cameroon, development partners, trade support institutions, and exporters came together in Yaoundé to launch an initiative to boost cocoa and Penja pepper exports from Cameroon.

The United Kingdom Trade Partnership Programme will seek to increase exports, promote a transparent trading environment, and support cocoa and Penja pepper businesses in Cameroon to take their products global.

Considered among the best peppers in the world by leading chefs, Penja pepper is the first protected geographical indication (GI) in sub-Saharan Africa. Having this GI in Cameroon highlights the specific qualities of the Penja pepper and increases the profitability for Penja pepper producers.

Cameroon is also the world's 4th largest producer of cocoa and this represents the country's second largest export after oil and gas.

With the support of UK aid and the International Trade Centre (ITC) this project will be instrumental in supporting quality production, and opening up new markets to bring quality Cameroonian produce to the UK and Europe.

Isaac Tamba, the Director General of Economy and Public Investment Planning at the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Territorial Development said, ‘We are committed to raising Cameroon's profile by exporting these niche products such as cocoa and Penja pepper to the UK and EU markets’.

Sharon Ganney, the Chargée d’Affaires at the British High Commission in Cameroon said: ‘Cocoa is a priority sector for trade between the United Kingdom and Cameroon. With a high volume of cocoa exports from Cameroon to the European Union and the UK, this project will boost the local economy and create jobs, especially in rural areas. UK support for the sector will help empower people in Cameroon to shape their future, removing barriers to trade and lifting people out of poverty.’

ITC will also work to improve trade and investment support services for export-oriented companies working in cocoa and pepper. Ruben Phoolchund, Chief , Office for Africa at the ITC said, ‘This project will reinforce the export competitiveness of Cameroon's cocoa and pepper sector and we are eager to help stimulate job creation and capture additional export opportunities for the country’.

By supporting trade and related activities, this project will contribute to the government of Cameroon’s efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and create quality jobs for this in the cocoa and pepper value chains.

Notes for the Editor

About ITC - The International Trade Centre is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. ITC assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transition economies to become more competitive in global markets, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development within the frameworks of the Aid-for-Trade agenda and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

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International Trade Centre
Jarle Hetland, Media Officer
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