Cameroon targets to boost crude palm oil production by 20,500 more tonnes in 2026

Cameroon has set an ambitious target to boost crude palm oil production by an additional 20,500 tonnes in 2026, as outlined in the government’s Economic and Financial Program presented by the Prime Minister.

This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to enhance self-sufficiency in key agricultural sectors and curb reliance on costly imports that strain the national budget.

The plan aligns with ongoing investments, including two loans totaling CFA51.7 billion (about US$91.86 million) from Standard Chartered Bank London, nearing finalization to fund a new palm oil processing plant and a rubber facility for the Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC).

These projects aim to strengthen the value chain from plantations to processing, addressing chronic gaps in industrial capacity.

Despite a strong Q1 2025 performance, where output tripled to 77,630 tonnes amid peak harvest season, full-year production is projected to dip 2% from 2024’s 446,984 tonnes.

Cameroon’s crude palm oil production saw a remarkable surge in early 2025, tripling to reach 77,630 tonnes in the first quarter according to the Ministry of Finance’s quarterly economic bulletin.

Cameroon’s palm oil sector faces a structural deficit of over 500,000 tons annually, far exceeding local supply and leading to a heavy reliance on imports.

Between 2017 and 2023, the country spent CFA280.4 billion on imports of 409,000 tonnes, according to national statistics, underscoring the economic toll on trade balances and local industries such as refining and food manufacturing.

Achieving the 2026 target hinges on coordinated efforts to expand plantations, improve yields for smallholders, enhance producer support, and upgrade logistics.

For Africa’s food industry, this push signals Cameroon’s intent to leverage palm oil’s role in snacks and baking, and to pursue sustainable sourcing amid global demand for vegetable oils.

Success could reduce import bills, boost agro-processing jobs, and position the nation competitively against larger producers like Indonesia and Malaysia, where output is forecast to rise 1.5 million tonnes in 2025/26.

However, challenges such as aging plantations and climate risks persist, and prior efforts, such as 2025’s seed boost for 5,000 hectares, have yet to close the gap entirely.

Industry watchers emphasize that without holistic reforms, fiscal pressures and supply vulnerabilities will linger.

Tags: investment, forecast, imports, self-sufficiency, Cameroon, Crude palm oil, Production