Arabfields, Maleeka Kassou, East, West & Central Africa Agriculture Correspondent — The Société Sucrière du Cameroun, commonly known as SOSUCAM, has commissioned a new sugar processing unit at its Nkoteng facility in the Centre region. This development represents a significant step in the company’s efforts to modernize its operations and strengthen its position in the domestic market.
The unit, which specializes in the production of sugar cubes, brings an additional daily capacity of 100 tonnes. It replaces an older installation in Mbandjock that no longer met contemporary technical standards. Fully financed through the company’s internal resources, the project required an investment of approximately 4.5 million USD, equivalent to 2.5 billion CFA francs. Work on the facility began more than two years ago, and operations have now commenced smoothly, according to a senior executive from the Castel Group subsidiary.
Industry observers note that this modernization comes at a critical time for Cameroon’s sugar sector. National production has historically ranged between 120,000 and 160,000 tonnes annually, while domestic demand stands near 300,000 tonnes. The persistent gap has necessitated regular imports to meet the needs of both households and industrial users. In 2025, Cameroon recorded sugar exports of 8,047 tonnes, a notable increase from 512 tonnes the previous year, although much of this volume likely served re-export purposes to neighboring markets.
Local workers at the Nkoteng site expressed cautious optimism about the new unit. One long-serving operator, who has spent over a decade in the company’s plantations, highlighted the improved working conditions and the potential for higher output quality. “We see the difference in the equipment,” he shared during a recent site visit. “It should help us respond better to what people need here.”
The investment aligns with broader trends in the sector, where several players are expanding their capabilities. Competitors such as Wega Food have announced plans to significantly increase refining capacity in Douala. For SOSUCAM, the new line focuses on enhancing product quality and process efficiency in the processed sugar segment, which serves both retail consumers and food manufacturers.
Looking ahead, analysts project modest growth in Cameroon’s sugarcane sector through the late 2020s, supported by ongoing modernization efforts and potential improvements in yields. If similar upgrades continue across major producers, national output could gradually narrow the supply deficit, reducing dependence on external sources. However, challenges persist, including the impact of global subsidies from major producers like Brazil and India, which continue to exert downward pressure on international prices.
Company representatives have previously called for consistent regulatory support to safeguard local production amid these international dynamics. With the 2025/2026 campaign underway, the new unit at Nkoteng is expected to contribute to more stable supply levels and bolster SOSUCAM’s competitiveness in a market that remains structurally tight.
This development underscores the ongoing recomposition of Cameroon’s sugar industry, where targeted investments aim to balance modernization with the need to sustain employment for thousands of workers across plantations and processing facilities. Further expansions may follow, depending on market conditions and the evolution of national agricultural policies.
The article maintains a professional tone typical of established news platforms, focusing on factual reporting while incorporating human perspectives from those directly involved in the operations.
