In February 2024, Cameroon's CDC (Cameroon Development Corporation) reported banana exports totaling 1,890 tons, as per Assobacam's (Banana Association of Cameroon) latest data release. This figure represents a significant downturn, positioning the CDC's performance as the second-lowest yearly, trailing behind Plantations of Upper Penja's 11,981 tons for the same period. The CDC's export volumes have fluctuated, with a notable dip in April 2023 to 1,803 tons, marking its lowest export level in over a year. However, the company witnessed a resurgence, exporting over 3,300 tons in December 2023 and January 2024, showcasing its highest sales since re-entering the market in June 2020 after a hiatus due to socio-political unrest in Cameroon's North-West and South-West regions.
The CDC has faced significant challenges, including cumulative losses of CFA38.7 billion and salary backlogs amounting to CFA35.7 billion by June 30, 2023, as reported by the CTR. The ongoing separatist conflict in Cameroon has severely impacted the CDC, leading to facility damages, employee casualties, and the loss of approximately 5,500 jobs. Despite these adversities, the CDC has shown signs of recovery, managing to average 2,000 tons of banana exports monthly throughout 2023, with a peak in January 2024 at 3,347 tons.
Source: businessincameroon.com