Celebrating 16 Years of Progress: 2024 Coffee Festival in Cameroon Highlights Sector Revival and Community Spirit
On November 30, 2024, the 16th edition of the Coffee Festival was held in Koutaba, Cameroon, under the theme:
"2006–2024: Taking Stock of the Coffee Sector Revival – Where Are We Now? Voices from the Field."
Organized by COOPAGRO and the Syndicat des Communes du Noun, the event brought together a vibrant mix of stakeholders at the historic Adamou Ndam Njoya plantation, including farmers, cooperatives, exporters, and institutional partners. Notable participants included representatives from IWCA, UNIDO, CICC, ONCC, Lady Agri, PARF-Café, Terrefic-Coffee, and others.
Honoring a Legacy of Leadership and Revitalization
The festival was first launched in 2009 by the late Dr. Adamou Ndam Njoya, founder of COOPAGRO, as part of a long-term national strategy to revive Cameroon’s coffee sector. His vision was to mobilize stakeholders across the coffee value chain—from producers to processors—at the local level and promote inclusive participation.
This year’s celebration began with a symbolic visit to Château du Brouillard in Foumbot, followed by field tours of the ANJ plantations and the Cistercian Monastery, both members of COOPAGRO. These immersive experiences were followed by the official ceremony in Koutaba.
Leadership Speaks: Commitment and Call to Action
The Mayor of Koutaba welcomed attendees and paid tribute to the late Dr. Ndam Njoya, whose leadership continues to inspire unity and pride in the region.
The event’s keynote was delivered by Hon. Tomaino Ndam Njoya, President of COOPAGRO, President of the Syndicat des Communes du Noun, and Chair of the Gender Committee for the Robusta Coffee Agency of Africa and Madagascar. She highlighted the importance of the Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation (MINRESI) in supporting sustainable development within the sector.
She also encouraged attendees to expand coffee cultivation, reaffirming coffee’s high market value and essential role in rural economic development.
Conversations that Matter: Progress, Gaps, and Opportunities
The event featured panel discussions with representatives from MINRESI, UNIDO, PARF-Café, Terrecoffe, and ONCC, covering critical questions such as:
What actions has the Cameroonian government taken to revive the coffee sector?
What impact have these had on farmers, processors, and exporters?
What are the most pressing current challenges?
What specific opportunities exist for Cameroon in coffee today?
How are we progressing in terms of quality, quantity, and coordination?
Skills, Culture, and Celebration
The National Coffee and Cocoa Office (ONCC) hosted a coffee roasting demonstration, followed by a roasting competition among COOPAGRO member associations. The Foumban Mama Ncharé delegation took first place, with Njimom, Bangourain, and Massangam placing next.
The celebration also featured a moving theatrical performance by the Foumban School of Choreography and Arts, titled “The Coffee Tree of Nehfoupouafon,” which dramatized the arrival of coffee in the Noun region.
The day concluded with exhibitions, a festive "Cafelympics" competition, and a prize ceremony—all accompanied by cultural performances, traditional songs, and dances by the Aden Cultural Dance Group from Belo in the Northwest region.
A Growing Tradition
Now a cherished annual tradition, the Coffee Festival has become a powerful symbol of community pride, cultural celebration, and shared commitment to the future of coffee in Cameroon. Through storytelling, training, competition, and connection, this event continues to elevate the voices of producers and champions a stronger, more inclusive coffee sector for the years ahead.