Society

Kumba: British partner to assist SWACU standardise chocolate production….

by Njingang Godwin
28 Apr 2026 10:14
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Guided tour of factory led by President of SOWEFCU, Esapa Patrick Enyong

A British company will soon deploy its expertise to assist the South West Association of Cooperative Unions, SWACU, in the manufacturing of quality chocolate and its related products.
The information was revealed at the premise of the South West Farmers Cooperative Union, SOWEFCU, in Kumba to the British High Commissioner to Cameroon by the Managing Director of the newly constructed hauling factory in Kumba, Dr Ndue Stephen.

This was on the sideline of a visit to Kumba by the British High Commissioner to Cameroon, H.E Matt Woods.

Dr Ndue Stephen noted that recently, some members of SWACU, which is made up of four cooperative unions, had talks in Douala with the British partner to concretise the partnership for effective work to start.

He stated that the factory is expected to transform 30,000 tonnes of cocoa in the tertiary industry, in order to add value of cocoa.

He added that the intention is to improve on the standard of living of farmers as transformation of cocoa into powder form, he said, shall go a long way to increase the price of cocoa per kilogramme.

Dr Ndue disclosed that a meeting involving the various stakeholders has been scheduled for May 15, 2026 where issues on improving the state of activities of the new industry shall be discussed.

Inspection of the Chocolate factory at SOWEFCU building

For his part, the President of SOWEFCU, who also doubles as the President of South West Farmers Platform, PLANOPAC, Esapa Patrick Enyong, said they were grateful to receive the High Commissioner since it was an opportunity for him and his team to open up on future plans and challenges which they are facing.

Among the loopholes the hauling mill faces, he said, include low quality products, as well as in the area of drying.

Esapa noted that much has been done in the provision of giant generators to supply more kilowatts of electricity needed for the hauling mill to function properly through the intervention of partners such Agriculture Infrastructure Value Development Project, AIVDP.

He also mentioned the massive recruitment of staff to reduce mass exodus in the Region, while machines are in good shape as production is done regularly though with low output.

The British High Commissioner, H.E Matt Woods, promised to collaborate with the body, most especially as SWACU is working with a British partner. He called on the various stakeholders to make effective use of the new enterprise.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3773 of Monday April 27, 2026