Cameroon eyes major korean investment boost for cocoa and industry
Cameroon eyes major Korean investment boost for cocoa and industry
A South Korean investor, Dr. Hae-Jung Jung, is poised to inject substantial capital into Cameroon’s cocoa and industrial sectors following a high-level meeting with the country’s Trade Minister, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana.
In a bold move to expand Cameroon’s cocoa market reach through direct trade channels, the country’s Trade Minister, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, reached out in late 2024 to key figures in the global chocolate industry, including Dr. Hae-Jung Jung of South Korea.
Dr. Jung recently responded by visiting Cameroon, where he engaged in productive discussions with the minister on June 5, 2026. The meeting underscored a shared commitment to enhancing Cameroon’s cocoa bean exports to emerging markets.
Dr. Jung’s company, already established in multiple markets including China, has expressed strong interest in sourcing up to half of Cameroon’s annual cocoa output, which stands at 300,000 tons. Advanced lab tests have confirmed the exceptional quality of Cameroon’s cocoa, validating the investor’s enthusiasm.
Beyond cocoa, Dr. Jung outlined plans to support Cameroon’s economic transformation through large-scale industrial investments. He is actively seeking 100-hectare plots to establish high-tech industrial parks, following a model successfully implemented in Nigeria, Ghana, Angola, and Guinea.
The first initiatives include relocating a melamine and porcelain tableware manufacturing plant, along with kitchen utensils production. Additionally, investments in the healthcare sector are under consideration. Dr. Jung’s strategy reflects a proven pan-African vision.
The Trade Minister welcomed the promising visit, highlighting its alignment with the country’s import-substitution policies championed by President Paul Biya. He emphasized Cameroon’s strengths, including political stability, abundant resources, and a vibrant youth population. Both parties have agreed to fast-track the proposed projects.
The investor’s strong international track record, coupled with his genuine interest—evident after over a year since the minister’s initial outreach—signals a high potential for significant economic investments in Cameroon.