Gabon’s cocoa sector has recorded an exceptional performance for the 2023/2024 campaign, with sales soaring by 85% to nearly 143.4 tonnes, according to data from the Directorate General of Economy and Fiscal Policy.
The surge comes as the Caisse de Stabilisation et de Péréquation (Caistab) reaps the benefits of an aggressive commercial strategy combined with targeted state subsidies. Despite this sharp rise, experts note that the current level of purchases still falls short of absorbing the country’s full production potential.
Key drivers behind the growth include the entry into production of plantations developed under the JECCA (Jeune Entrepreneur Café Cacao) programme launched four years ago, enhanced technical support from Caistab to boost yields, and the rehabilitation of ageing plantations, which have reinforced existing production levels.
Local sales reached 163.4 tonnes, including carryover stocks from the previous season, while exports remained limited at 25 tonnes, primarily destined for Germany and Estonia.
Prices for cocoa remained relatively stable. Grade 2 cocoa was maintained at 800 FCFA per kilogram, while grade 1 prices rose significantly from 1,200 FCFA to 2,000 FCFA per kilogram. On average, the consolidated price of both grades increased from 1,200 FCFA to 1,360 FCFA, marking a 13.3% rise.
This strong performance translated into a remarkable turnover for the sector, generating over 185.2 million FCFA — an eighteenfold increase compared to the previous campaign, largely driven by the higher sales volumes.
The figures highlight a promising momentum for Gabon’s cocoa industry, but stakeholders caution that further investment and market expansion are essential to fully harness the sector’s potential and reduce reliance on limited export markets.
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