Cameroon–Brazil: Moving toward the effective implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding

SODECAO and CEPLAC fine-tune their action plan during a high-level strategic videoconference meeting

The strategic partnership sealed in August 2025 between the Société de Développement du Cacao (SODECAO) and the Comissão Executiva do Plano da Lavoura Cacaueira (CEPLAC–Brazil) has entered a decisive new phase. On Thursday, February 5, 2026, the two institutions convened a high-level videoconference to review and update the action plan derived from their Memorandum of Understanding on sustainable cocoa production.

Held in a spirit of scientific rigor and constructive dialogue, the virtual meeting aimed to assess scheduled activities and address outstanding grey areas.

A results-oriented working session

Chaired by SODECAO’s Attaché, the meeting brought together several senior technical officials from the Cameroonian public enterprise, including the Director of the Cocoa Development Support, Mr. NDEMBA Bertrand Aristide. On the Brazilian side, CEPLAC Director-General Dr. Thiago GUEDES participated alongside key members of his executive team.

At the heart of the discussions was the operational rollout of the strategic pillars outlined in the agreement, notably financing mechanisms, capacity building, applied research, technical assistance, and technology transfer.

The Brazilian delegation raised a series of technical questions, seeking further clarification on specific activities included in the action plan—particularly regarding implementation modalities, projected timelines, performance indicators, and institutional coordination mechanisms.

In response, SODECAO officials provided detailed explanations on the proposed methodological approaches, expected outcomes, and potential synergies with national stakeholders across Cameroon’s cocoa value chain.

Toward a consolidated and realistic action plan

At the end of the discussions, both parties agreed to revise the action plan to incorporate the clarifications emerging from the videoconference. Far from being a mere formal adjustment, this step reflects a shared commitment to producing a robust and coherent operational roadmap aligned with the strategic priorities of both countries.

This refinement phase comes amid growing international demands for sustainability, traceability, and environmental compliance—particularly in light of tightening global cocoa market standards. The Cameroon–Brazil partnership aims to deliver structural solutions by combining technological innovation, producer professionalization, and enhanced local value addition.

A dynamic cooperation in support of sustainable cocoa farming

The February 5, 2026 videoconference underscores the vitality of agricultural cooperation between Yaounde and Brasília. It also confirms the determination of both institutions to anchor their collaboration in a long-term, methodical, and results-driven framework.

More than routine administrative follow-up, this working session marks a strategic milestone in the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding. It strengthens the foundations of an ambitious technical partnership designed to position cocoa as a lever for sustainable development, value creation, and economic resilience for both Cameroon and Brazil.

By NJK