Cameroon to strengthen ties with South Korean industrial giant
A high-profile meeting in Yaoundé signals a potential game-changer for Cameroon’s economy, as a leading South Korean manufacturer expresses strong interest in major investments across key sectors.
In a bold move to revitalize Cameroon’s trade landscape, the Minister of Commerce, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, reached out to global chocolate industry leaders in late 2024, including Dr. Hae-Jung Jung from South Korea. This strategic outreach aimed to open new avenues for Cameroonian cocoa in emerging markets.
Dr. Jung’s response came swiftly. On June 5, 2026, he arrived in Cameroon for a working visit, culminating in a productive meeting with the minister. The discussions centered on unlocking the full potential of Cameroon’s premium cocoa beans, which have already earned recognition in international quality assessments.
The South Korean executive made a striking commitment: his company, which operates across multiple countries including China, is prepared to purchase up to 150,000 metric tons of Cameroon’s annual cocoa output—a significant portion of the nation’s 300,000-ton production. This pledge underscores the exceptional quality of Cameroon’s cocoa, confirmed through rigorous lab analyses.
But the ambition extends far beyond cocoa. Dr. Jung outlined plans to drive Cameroon’s economic transformation through large-scale industrial investments. He is seeking sites of at least 100 hectares to establish high-tech industrial parks, following a model successfully implemented in Nigeria, Ghana, Angola, and Guinea.
Key projects on the table include relocating a melamine and porcelain tableware factory, as well as kitchenware production, to Cameroon. Additionally, Dr. Jung expressed keen interest in investing in social infrastructure, particularly healthcare, aligning with his broader continental strategy.
The minister welcomed these proposals, highlighting how they align with the government’s import-substitution policies championed by President Paul Biya. He emphasized Cameroon’s stability, abundant resources, and vibrant youth population as key advantages. Both parties agreed to fast-track these initiatives to ensure tangible results.
The credibility of Dr. Jung’s proposal lies in his proven track record, international standing, and the sincerity demonstrated over the past year since the initial invitation. His visit signals a promising pathway for substantial foreign direct investment into Cameroon’s economy.