(Business in Cameroon) – A new chocolate factory worth nearly CFA1 billion is set to open in Caameroon in early 2026. Named Chocolat Rouge, the plant is being built by French entrepreneur Olivier Bordais in Nkol Melen, on the outskirts of Obala in the Centre region. Bordais, who launched La Manufacture chocolaterie in France in 2023, confirmed the timeline during a meeting at the Ministry of Trade on September 23, 2025.
The factory is expected to begin exporting its first premium “made in Cameroon” chocolate bars to international markets by February 2026. However, Bordais warned that the process could face delays if administrative hurdles slow the issuance of compliance documents required under the European Union’s new deforestation regulation (EUDR), which takes effect on January 1, 2026.
Trade Minister Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana reassured that the government will ensure all necessary EUDR compliance documents are ready on time.
Construction of the Chocolat Rouge plant began on May 31, 2024, on a 3,000 m² site, with a total investment of about €1.5 million (nearly CFA1 billion). According to the minister, the project is designed to take full advantage of a short and sustainable supply chain model, uniting stakeholders across the cocoa sector in a socially sustainable approach built on shared profitability.
