The fourth edition of Cameroon's International Banana-Plantain Festival opened today at Olembe Stadium in Yaounde. The event includes cultural parades, exhibitions, and sporting activities, but the emphasis is on the economic role of bananas and plantains in both local consumption and export trade.
Banana remains one of Cameroon's key export crops. In 2024, shipments reached 210,686 tonnes, a 1.8% increase compared with 2023. European markets dominate, with exports to G7 countries valued at about 42.9 billion CFA francs (US$68.5 million) in 2023.
Export performance this year has varied. The Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC) and Mondoni Banana Company (CDBM) reported growth of 10–25% in the first half of 2025, while Plantations du Haut Penja (PHP), the largest producer, recorded year-on-year declines of up to 10% in some months. This illustrates the reliance on external markets and the exposure to demand fluctuations.
The festival highlights efforts to develop internal demand. Exhibitors are presenting flour, chips, drinks, and confectionery derived from banana and plantain. These processed goods offer extended shelf life, provide opportunities for local processing and packaging, and reduce exposure to external market shifts.
Organisers expect over 3,000 young people to attend. For many, the event provides exposure to the banana-plantain supply chain and potential opportunities in processing and marketing. Observers note that younger entrants may support the adoption of different production methods and the diversification of product categories.
By increasing domestic consumption, organisers aim to create a buffer for producers and exporters against export volatility. A 10% change in export volumes can translate into millions of CFA francs in revenue, so stable local sales provide some balance. Domestic markets also reduce exposure to exchange rate movements, shipping delays, and trade restrictions abroad.
The festival's immediate effect is reflected in services such as hospitality and transport, with higher visitor numbers in Yaounde. More broadly, the event underlines a shift in Cameroon's banana and plantain sector, presenting them not only as export crops but also as raw materials for internal processing industries.
Source: Business in Cameroon