The announcement of a rice donation from China to Cameroon in 2026 has sparked mixed reactions, reigniting the debate about the country's ability to ensure its food self-sufficiency. While Cameroon has vast arable land, a young population and a climate favorable to agriculture, some observers are questioning the need to resort to external aid for a staple product like rice.
Political observer Armand Noutack II expressed his astonishment at this situation. "Doesn't it sound a little strange to read everywhere that in 2026, China will make a donation of rice to a country like Cameroon?" he wondered, pointing to the country's untapped potential. He stressed that Cameroon has all the assets needed not only to meet its own demand, but also to export the surplus to the CEMAC zone.
This controversy highlights the persistent challenges Cameroon faces in developing its rice sector. Despite government efforts to increase local production, the country remains heavily dependent on imports. In 2024, Cameroon spent 318.6 billion FCFA to import rice, representing 6.4% of its total imports.
The Cameroonian government has set ambitious targets to reduce its dependence on imported rice. As part of the national strategy for the development of the rice sector, it aims to increase production from 140,710 tonnes in 2024 to around 460,000 tonnes in 2027, and then to 750,000 tonnes in 2030, which would correspond to a self-sufficiency rate of 97%. Various projects are underway to achieve these goals, including a partnership with the Israeli company Ekobell to develop 10,000 hectares of rain-fed rice cultivation in the North and Adamawa regions.
In parallel with these initiatives, the government has also released 9 billion FCFA to boost production at SEMRY (Société d'expansion et de modernisation de la riziculture de Yagoua) and UNVDA (Upper Noun Valley Development Authority) from 2026. These funds will be used to modernise farming procedures, mechanise harvesting and provide working capital for the purchase of paddy rice from rice farmers.
The question of the distribution of rice donated by China remains pending. Armand Noutack II raised questions as to whether this rice will be shared with all Cameroonians or whether it will enter the internal commercial circuit. He also recalled the debate over the disappearance of 4,000 bags of Orca rice during the COVID-19 period, highlighting the need for transparency in the management of these donations.
If Cameroon aims to achieve self-sufficiency in rice, further efforts are needed to overcome the challenges related to production, processing and distribution. In particular, the country will need to improve infrastructure, facilitate access to quality seeds and strengthen support for producers. The Deputy Director General of SEMRY has stated that Cameroon can achieve self-sufficiency, provided that the production tool is rehabilitated.
