Cameroon eyes strategic partnership with South Korean industrialist

In a forward-looking move to expand market access for Cameroonian cocoa through shorter supply chains, Cameroon’s Minister of Trade, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, sent several letters in November 2024 to key players in the global chocolate industry, including Dr Hae-Jung Jung from South Korea.

Dr Jung recently accepted the minister’s invitation and made a working visit to Cameroon, culminating in a meeting on June 5, 2026 at the minister’s office.

Responding to the minister’s call to enhance the value of Cameroonian cocoa beans on international markets, particularly emerging ones, Dr Jung exceeded expectations. He stated that his company, which operates in several countries including China, could purchase half of Cameroon’s 300,000-tonne cocoa output. Advanced laboratory analyses confirmed the excellent quality of Cameroonian cocoa, justifying Dr Jung’s visit.

Beyond cocoa, Dr Jung expressed his intention to contribute to the structural transformation of Cameroon’s economy through significant investments. He is seeking 100-hectare plots per site to create industrial parks leveraging high-tech Korean expertise, similar to what he has done in Nigeria, Ghana, Angola and Guinea.

Initial projects include relocating a factory that produces melamine and porcelain tableware, as well as kitchen utensils. Dr Jung also showed interest in social sector investments, notably in healthcare. His commitment to Cameroon is part of a proven continental strategy.

The Minister of Trade thanked his guest for this promising visit, which could support the import-substitution policy promoted by President Paul Biya. He highlighted Cameroon’s strengths, such as institutional stability and abundant resources, along with a dynamic youth population. Both sides agreed to move forward quickly with these initiatives.

Dr Jung’s strong profile, international track record, and the sincerity of his approach — after more than a year of reflection since the minister’s invitation — open up serious prospects for significant investments in Cameroon’s economy.