Cameroon’s banana exports rose sharply in January 2026, driven by strong output and growing dominance from a single foreign-backed operator.
Exports reached 27,674 tons during the month, up by 7,324 tons from a year earlier, representing a 36% increase, according to data from the Cameroon Banana Association (Assobacam).
The increase reflects solid production and sales across the three remaining operators in the sector, following the exit of Boh Plantations PLC from the export market in September 2025. The company, the only privately owned Cameroonian player in the industry, has since sold its assets to France-based Compagnie fruitière, further strengthening the group’s position in the local market.
The surge in exports was driven mainly by Compagnie fruitière’s two local subsidiaries: Plantations du Haut Penja (PHP) and Compagnie des Bananes de Mondoni (CDBM).
PHP, the market leader, exported 20,037 tons in January 2026, compared with 14,695 tons a year earlier, marking a 36.4% increase in international sales.
CDBM, which entered the market less than three years ago, more than doubled its exports over the same period. Shipments rose to 3,406 tons, up from 1,664 tons in January 2025, a 104.7% increase.
Compagnie fruitière tightens its hold
The Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC), the country’s second-largest employer after the public sector and now the only operator with national capital in the banana industry, posted more modest results. In January 2026, the state-owned company exported 4,231 tons, up 6% from 3,991 tons a year earlier.
The rise in export volumes has translated into higher export revenues for Cameroon. Bananas remain one of the country’s leading sources of export income, with Europe as the main destination market.
The sector is largely dominated by Compagnie fruitière. Through PHP and CDBM, the French agro-industrial group accounts for between 70% and 80% of Cameroon’s banana exports each year. That share is expected to exceed 90% in 2026 following the acquisition of Boh Plantations’ assets.
Brice R. Mbodiam
