Cameroon Reportedly Promoting Cassava for AfCFTA Gains, Reduced Wheat Imports
Cameroon Reportedly Promoting Cassava for AfCFTA Gains, Reduced Wheat Imports
The Cameroonian government is establishing agro-industrial hubs to support women in the cassava value chain, providing resources and processing facilities, local media reported.
Through this initiative, the Ministry of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises reportedly seeks alleviate Cameroon's substantial annual wheat import bill, estimated in the billions of CFA francs.
While cassava is abundant locally and offers a potentially cheaper option for bread and pastry production, the program faces significant hurdles, including:
🟠ensuring consistent quality of cassava flour;
🟠developing adequate processing and storage infrastructure;
🟠securing substantial financing.
Past attempts to integrate cassava flour have had mixed success, highlighting the need to address technical, market, and behavioral barriers. Despite these challenges, the program is projected to create over 10,000 jobs, according to reports.
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