Yaoundé Hosts First Joint Cocoa and Coffee Festival with 13 International Participants

Yaoundé, Cameroon is the lively host of the inaugural joint edition of the Cameroonian cocoa and coffee festivals, now combined into the 'Cacao Coffee Festival.' This event, running from May 29 to 31, 2024, aims to enhance the profile and value of Cameroonian cocoa and coffee on the global stage.

The festival, announced by Cameroonian Minister of Commerce Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana on May 27, 2024, will see participation from 13 countries, including Belgium, Côte d'Ivoire, France, Gabon, Ghana, Great Britain, India, Italy, Liberia, RD Congo, Senegal, and Tunisia. This marks a significant international collaboration aimed at promoting local consumption and increasing the value of Cameroonian cocoa and coffee.

The event, held at the Esplanade of Yaoundé City Hall and the Jardins de la Place du Gouvernement in Douala, is a merger of the previously separate Festicacao and Festicoffee events. This year's festival is themed 'Valorizing the Cacao and Coffee of Our Regions' and promises a comprehensive program featuring training sessions, expert exchanges, and an exhibition fair.

Why this matters: This festival has the potential to boost the Cameroonian economy and increase the global value of Cameroonian cocoa and coffee. The success of this event could lead to increased investment and growth in the cocoa and coffee industries, benefiting local farmers and communities.

The festival introduces three major innovations: the Cocoa Coffee Challenge, Coffee Tasting Initiation, and the Transformers' Platform. The Cocoa Coffee Challenge will see four hospitality schools and training centers competing in games, cocoa- and coffee-based dishes, and karaoke. The Coffee Tasting Initiation will be led by Indian expert Akansha Kupta, who will train 30 Cameroonian coffee roasters. The Transformers' Platform will bring together actors in the transformation segment to discuss new ways to enhance the valorization of Cameroonian cocoa and coffee.

Minister of Commerce Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana emphasized the festival's significance, stating, 'Without a doubt, this is an event whose scope has now reached an international, if not global, level, reflecting the relevance of the public policies implemented by the Government.' He also highlighted the favorable economic conditions, noting, 'In a special context, buoyed by particularly favorable winds for both cacao and coffee, with producer prices that have gone up, if not reached, Himalayan peaks.'

The festival aims to showcase the opportunities within the cocoa and coffee sectors, encouraging local consumption and increasing the value of these products. This event provides a platform for enriching exchanges and collaboration among international and local partners, aiming to boost the Cameroonian economy.

Key Takeaways

• Cameroon hosts inaugural Cacao Coffee Festival from May 29-31, 2024.
• 13 countries participate, including Belgium, France, and India.
• Festival aims to enhance profile and value of Cameroonian cocoa and coffee.
• Event features training sessions, expert exchanges, and exhibition fair.
• Festival could boost Cameroonian economy and increase global value of cocoa and coffee.