Producing more, without compromising compliance

SODECAO promotes production of quality, traceable, legal cocoa compliant with national and international market requirements

Yaounde, June 18, 2025  -- As part of the implementation of the National Development Strategy (NDS-30), which aims to increase cocoa production to 640,000 tons by 2030, SODECAO (Cocoa Development Corporation) is intensifying its efforts to align its practices to meet national and international market requirements. An initial training session on the GS1 standard traceability system, organized on June 17, 2025, illustrates this momentum driven by a Director General resolutely focused on innovation and regulation.

A demanding global context: Adapting the Cameroonian sector to it

In a global context marked by increased demands for sustainability, Cameroonian cocoa faces a major challenge: adapting to international standards to remain eligible and competitive. With the entry into force of the European Union Regulation on Deforestation-Free Cocoa (EUDR), cocoa producers must imperatively guarantee traceability, zero deforestation, and legality (compliance with land legislation and the fight against child labour). These requirements are not merely regulatory constraints but a prerequisite for accessing international markets, particularly the European market, the primary consumer of Cameroonian cocoa. Therefore, for Cameroon, the stakes are twofold:

• Secure existing markets while exploring new ones;
• Achieve the 640,000-ton target by 2030 while remaining compliant (meeting the requirements of the EUDR).

SODECAO spearheads compliance

As a key player in the sector, SODECAO positions itself as a pillar of this transition. The recent training on the GS1 system marks a decisive step in establishing a process to ensure the traceability, quality, and competitiveness of Cameroonian cocoa.

During his opening remarks, the Deputy Director General, representing the Director General, emphasized: "SODECAO, as the engine of sustainable cocoa cultivation, must be central to the process of traceability, compliance, and legislation for Cameroonian cocoa."

Traceability according to GS1 Standards: A lever for performance and sustainability

Facilitated by GS1 Cameroon, the training highlighted the concrete benefits of this system for the cocoa sector:

• Data capture and sharing via RFID and barcodes, enhancing traceability and combating fraud.
• Capture et partage des données via RFID et codes-barres, renforçant la traçabilité et luttant contre la fraude.
• International interoperability, essential for accessing regulated markets like Europe.

A Proactive Vision for the Future of Cameroonian Cocoa

Driven by its Director General, SODECAO displays a clear ambition: to make Cameroonian cocoa a global benchmark, as recalled by the Director of Cocoa Cultivation Support: "This training is only a beginning. We are aligning our practices with the best standards to guarantee traceable, sustainable, and competitive cocoa."

An Opportunity to Seize
Compliance with international standards goes beyond the requirements of the EUDR: it represents a real opportunity for Cameroon to position its niche cocoa. Thanks to SODECAO's strategic commitment, the sector is progressively equipping itself to successfully reconcile: Competitive economic performance; Environmental sustainability; Social equity and Fair prices.

This triple approach not only guarantees the sustainability of local cocoa cultivation but is also a condition for achieving the national target of 640,000 tons by 2030. Indeed, what use would increased production be if it cannot access international markets, the primary destination for Cameroonian cocoa? This is precisely the crucial challenge that SODECAO is determined to address.

Perspectives: Towards a resilient and competitive sector

SODECAO already plans to deploy the GS1 system across the entire production and distribution chain. Additional workshops will be organized to train partner producers, while a detailed action plan will be developed to ensure a smooth transition.

With a visionary leadership and committed teams, SODECAO is equipping itself to achieve the 640,000-ton target while securing access to international markets. The road to 2030 looks demanding but promising. By placing innovation and compliance at the heart of its strategy, SODECAO does not limit itself to adhering to existing norms– it aims to redefine them, thereby ensuring a sustainable future for Cameroonian cocoa.

 By NJK and Mr MABOU