Cameroon cocoa prices rise after months of stagnation

Cameroon cocoa prices rose across all regions in May, ending months of price stagnation as increased investment began to pay off, producers said.

Prices ranged from FCFA 1300 ($2.22) in the eastern region to FCFA 1650 in the center of the country, a slight increase on April, they said.

Prices have remained largely stagnant since the beginning of the year, but an investment of 40 million CFA francs since January from the Interprofessional Cocoa and Coffee Council has helped boost crop quality.

"In recent months, cocoa quality has improved thanks to the support program," said Maximilien Ongolo, a coffee producer in Monatele, in the central region.

Below are the average farm gate prices in CFA francs per kg, recorded throughout the central African country's growing regions:

Region District Price (in CFA Price (in CFA
francs) per kg in francs) per kg in
April May
Southwest Mamfe 1300 1400
Konye 1350 1350
Muyuka 1300 1400
Koumba 1380 1450
Centre Mbalmayo 1500 1650
Emana 1600 1650
Bafia 1450 1500
South Ebolowa 1350 1400
Sangmelima 1400 1400
East Bertoua 1300 1350
Yokadouma 1250 1300