The Cameroonian Trade Minister, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, took a bold step in late 2024 to expand export opportunities for local cocoa by directly engaging key global players in the chocolate industry, including South Korea’s Dr. Hae-Jung Jung. This initiative led to a pivotal working visit by Dr. Jung to Cameroon on June 5, 2026, where both sides held in-depth discussions.

Driven by the minister’s push to elevate Cameroon’s cocoa on the global stage—particularly in emerging markets—Dr. Jung’s company, which already operates in nations like China, has pledged to purchase up to half of Cameroon’s annual cocoa output of 300,000 tons. Rigorous laboratory tests had already validated the superior quality of Cameroonian cocoa, reinforcing the viability of this partnership.

Beyond cocoa, Dr. Jung outlined plans to bolster Cameroon’s economic transformation through high-impact investments. His strategy includes establishing high-tech industrial parks on 100-hectare plots, mirroring successful ventures he has launched in Nigeria, Ghana, Angola, and Guinea. Initial projects include relocating a melamine and porcelain tableware production facility, alongside investments in essential kitchen utensils. Additionally, he expressed keen interest in contributing to the healthcare sector, reinforcing his commitment to Cameroon within a broader continental expansion plan.

Minister Mbarga Atangana praised Dr. Jung’s visit as a promising development that aligns with President Paul Biya’s import-substitution policies. He highlighted Cameroon’s institutional stability, abundant resources, and vibrant youth population as key advantages. Both parties agreed to expedite the realization of these initiatives.

The depth of Dr. Jung’s international experience, coupled with his transparent approach—after more than a year of deliberation since the minister’s initial outreach—signals strong potential for transformative investments in Cameroon’s economy.