Social Dialogue and Decent Work: SODECAO Honors Its Employees During the 2026 International Labour Day

SODECAO joined the international community on May 1, 2026, to celebrate the 140th edition of International Labour Day, held this year under the theme: “Social dialogue and decent work: factors of peace, national cohesion, and the company’s economic development.”

Two major highlights marked the week at SODECAO. The first took place on Thursday, March 30, 2026, at the company’s headquarters and featured the solemn ceremony for the presentation of honorary distinctions and the distribution of equipment to staff for the 2026 financial year.

Faces filled with pride and emotion marked this March 30 ceremony at SODECAO headquarters, presided over by senior government ministers. The event celebrated women and men whose dedication, discipline, and loyalty have contributed to the influence of this strategic institution in Cameroon’s cocoa sector.

In his address, the General Manager of SODECAO, Mr. Jean-Claude Eko’o Akouafane, recalled that the 82 award recipients embody the values promoted by SODECAO: “a sense of duty, perseverance, discipline, and commitment to work well done.”

The ceremony, chaired by the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Mr. Grégoire Owona, was attended by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Gabriel Mbairobe, alongside other administrative authorities, SODECAO top management, and many family members. The Minister of Labour and Social Security emphasized the importance of SODECAO as a vital tool for the country’s agricultural development, stating: “This is the path through which our country must develop.” He encouraged the recipients to persevere and continue working diligently, reminding them that “SODECAO is one of the longstanding institutions contributing to the development of our country.”

Gold, vermeil, and silver medals were awarded to several employees in recognition of their many years of service and unwavering commitment to the company. This symbolic gesture highlights the central role of human capital in achieving the missions of development and support within the cocoa sector. To further demonstrate management’s appreciation, an impressive donation of transport equipment — notably motorcycles and tricycles provided by MINADER — was distributed to enhance the performance of operational teams.

The second highlight, on Friday, May 1, was participation in the traditional grand parade along the 20th May Boulevard, presided over by the Minister of Labour and Social Security. At the initiative of SODECAO, employees proudly wore the colors of their institution and marched to the rhythm of marching bands, earning applause from the public and enthusiasm from the authorities present at the festivities.

In summary, SODECAO concluded a week marked by the celebration of the 140th edition of International Labour Day. The organization now looks forward to the 141st edition next year.