The National Cocoa and Coffee Board (ONCC) has undertaken the modernization of its laboratories to enhance Cameroon's competitiveness in the international cocoa and coffee markets. On May 22, 2026, the ONCC in Douala received laboratory equipment donated by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), with funding from Japan.
This initiative is part of the Project for the Promotion of International Competitiveness and Sustainability of Cameroonian Products through Advanced Technologies (PICS Cameroon). Launched in 2024, this project is supported by Japanese funding of 1.3 billion FCFA over three years. The main objective is to modernize the ONCC's central analysis laboratory, thereby improving quality control, traceability, and differentiation of Cameroonian coffees and cocoas.
The new equipment will enable the ONCC to strengthen its capabilities in aromatic profiling, physicochemical analysis, and identification of specific characteristics of different production areas. The aim is to create a sensory map of Cameroonian coffees and cocoas, a strategic tool to enhance the value of national terroirs and better position Cameroonian products on the global market.
According to Michael Ndoping, Director General of the ONCC, this modernization represents a major step forward. The equipment received will improve quality analysis and scientifically document the aromatic profiles of Cameroonian productions, thereby facilitating their promotion to international buyers.
In a context where export markets are becoming increasingly demanding, particularly with the strengthening of traceability rules by the European Union, Cameroon's ability to provide reliable and certified data is a crucial commercial advantage. Aligning the ONCC laboratories with the ISO 17025 standard is a central element of the project, ensuring the reliability of analytical results and facilitating their recognition by trade partners.
The PICS project also includes a training component aimed at establishing a quality approach within the ONCC laboratories. For exporters, this development could lead to a reduction in costs associated with counter-analyses carried out abroad and strengthen the credibility of locally issued certifications.
In 2025, Cameroon produced 309,518 tons of cocoa, with exports reaching 162,257 tons, generating revenues of 810.1 billion FCFA. Coffee production reached 11,637 tons, up 10%, with export revenues estimated at 3.5 billion FCFA. The ONCC aims to transform quality into commercial value by improving analyses, identifying distinctive sensory profiles, and supporting producers towards international standards.
Cameroon is banking on traceability, certification, and recognition of terroirs to strengthen the competitiveness of its cocoa and coffee sectors on the global market.
