To boost local processing: Minister unveils 1.5 billion FCFA modern coffee roasting plant in Bafoussam.

The new plant, said to be located in the Banengo neighbourhood in the Bafoussam III Subdivision, was unveiled during a ceremony attended by regional authorities, cooperative leaders and actors in the coffee sector. 

The event brought together UCCAO Board Chairman, SM Nguefack Placide, and Director General, Armand Fondjo Chomche, alongside the Governor of the West Region, Awa Fonka Augustine.

Other administrative and municipal authorities including the Senior Divisional Officer of Mifi, Joseph Fofié Mbouedia. The Mayor of Foumban and promoter of the Maison duCafé, Hermine Patricia Tomaïno Ndam Njoya, were also present.

Figures provided during the inauguration show that the roasting facility represents an investment of about 1.05 billion CFA francs and is financed through a public-private partnership. 

The government reportedly contributed 700 million CFA francs while UCCAO provided 350 million CFA francs from its own resources. Officials say the project forms part of the government’s policy to encourage local processing of agricultural commodities, particularly coffee, often described as the country’s “green gold”.

According to stakeholders, the installation includes a complete transformation chain designed to process coffee locally before it reaches the market. 

To ensure uninterrupted operations, the equipment is supported by a 400 kVA power generator and an 11-kW compressor. According to officials, the investment represents the largest technical upgrade undertaken by UCCAO since its creation in October 1958.

Before officially commissioning the facility, the minister of agriculture handed over vehicles and agricultural kits to coffee producers and phytosanitary brigades from several municipalities. 

The distribution was carried out under the Support Project for the Revival of the Coffee Sector (Paref-Café), which aims to strengthen production capacity and improve crop health management in coffee-growing areas.

“The coffee sector has a promising future ahead. We will reinforce this momentum through the reorganisation of producers, rejuvenation of plantations and the use of plant material that is resilient to climate change,” minister Mbairobe said during the ceremony. 

Authorities say the initiative is part of broader efforts to reverse declining productivity in the sector while improving the competitiveness of Cameroonian coffee. 

Support measures are also expected to help farmers increase yields and maintain consistent production for processing facilities such as the new roasting unit.

Government officials also revealed that plans are underway to establish an instant coffee production unit in the West Region, a project designed to further expand domestic processing capacity and enable the country to supply ready-to-consume products.

According to officials, the strategy aims to strengthen the presence of Cameroonian coffee both on the domestic market and abroad by offering processed products rather than exporting raw beans. 

This article article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3735 of Wednesday March 18, 2026