Cameroon’s banana exports surged sharply in January 2026, rising 36 percent year-on-year as strong production and growing market dominance by France-based Compagnie fruitière bolstered international shipments. Industry data from the Cameroon Banana Association shows that total exports reached 27,674 tonnes, up 7,324 tonnes compared with January 2025.
The increase underscores the concentration of the sector under a single foreign-backed operator following the exit of local firm Boh Plantations PLC in September 2025.
Boh Plantations, the last privately owned Cameroonian company in the export banana sector, sold its assets to Compagnie fruitière, strengthening the French group’s foothold in Cameroon. Analysts say the acquisition has not only consolidated market share but also enabled the group to streamline operations, invest in modern logistics, and increase export efficiency.
The growth in January was largely driven by Compagnie fruitière’s two local subsidiaries: Plantations du Haut Penja (PHP) and Compagnie des Bananes de Mondoni. PHP, the sector’s market leader, exported 20,037 tonnes in January 2026, up from 14,695 tonnes a year earlier, representing a 36.4 percent increase. CDBM, which entered the market less than three years ago, more than doubled its exports, shipping 3,406 tonnes compared with 1,664 tonnes in January 2025, a 104.7 percent rise.
The Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC), a state-owned operator and the country’s second-largest employer after the public sector, recorded more modest gains. The CDC exported 4,231 tonnes in January 2026, a six percent increase from 3,991 tonnes a year earlier. Despite the smaller growth, CDC continues to play a critical role in employment and local economic stability in banana-producing regions.
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The expansion of exports has translated into higher revenues for Cameroon, reinforcing the sector’s position as a key source of foreign exchange. Europe remains the main destination market for Cameroonian bananas, which are prized for their quality and competitiveness. Analysts note that strong European demand, combined with the operational efficiency of Compagnie fruitière, has helped stabilize exports even as the market consolidates.
With the acquisition of Boh Plantations’ assets, Compagnie fruitière’s share of Cameroon’s annual banana exports is expected to exceed 90 percent in 2026. Previously, the group accounted for between 70 and 80 percent of exports through PHP and CDBM. Industry experts argue that this level of concentration gives the company considerable control over production volumes, pricing, and logistics, while potentially limiting opportunities for smaller local producers.
Observers also highlight the implications for Cameroon’s broader agricultural sector. While the concentration of production under a single foreign-backed group may raise competition concerns, it has brought investment in infrastructure, quality control, and international market access. Compagnie fruitière has introduced modern packing facilities and improved supply chains, enabling Cameroonian bananas to meet stringent European standards.
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The sector’s January performance demonstrates both resilience and adaptation. Despite structural changes, production has remained strong, supported by efficient operations and favorable growing conditions. Analysts suggest that Cameroon’s banana exports are poised to maintain momentum in 2026, with continued investment from Compagnie fruitière likely to enhance competitiveness further.
At the same time, policymakers are encouraged to monitor market concentration to ensure fair competition, while supporting domestic producers who may struggle to compete with large, well-financed operators. For now, the surge in exports underscores the importance of foreign investment in sustaining Cameroon’s agricultural export sector, boosting employment, and generating vital foreign exchange for the economy.
In summary, the 36 percent rise in January exports reflects both the strategic role of Compagnie fruitière in the sector and the continuing importance of bananas as a pillar of Cameroon’s agricultural economy. With Europe as the main market and strong output from PHP and CDBM, Cameroon’s banana industry is set to remain a critical contributor to national export earnings in 2026, even as the market consolidates under foreign-backed leadership.
