Cameroon, often celebrated for its rich natural resources and diverse agricultural landscape, has increasingly positioned itself as a significant player in the global banana export market.
At the heart of this development is the recent emergence of the Compagnie des Bananes de Mondoni (CDBM), a subsidiary of France’s renowned Compagnie fruitière de Marseille.
Since its entry into the Cameroonian banana industry in June 2023, CDBM has made remarkable strides, quickly ascending the ranks of local exporters and contributing substantially to the country’s economic growth.
Rapid Ascent in the Market
In just nine months of operation, CDBM has demonstrated its capacity for rapid growth and strategic positioning. According to data from the Banana Association of Cameroon (Assobacam), CDBM exported approximately 5,944 tons of bananas in the first four months of 2025.
This impressive figure has propelled the company to third place among Cameroonian exporters, surpassing long-standing players such as Boh Plantations PLC, which exported 3,947 tons during the same period.
This swift rise is noteworthy, especially considering that CDBM only began exporting bananas in mid-2023. Its ability to outpace established competitors highlights its operational efficiency, strategic planning, and the strength of its parent company’s agricultural expertise.
Consolidating Market Leadership
CDBM’s success not only benefits the company itself but also reinforces the dominance of its parent group, Compagnie fruitière de Marseille, in Cameroon’s banana sector. This French agro-industrial giant controls between 70% and 80% of the country’s annual banana exports, depending on seasonal variations. Such a commanding market share underscores the company’s influential role in shaping Cameroon’s export dynamics.
In addition to its subsidiaries—Plantations du Haut Penja (PHP) and CDBM—Compagnie fruitière de Marseille offers technical assistance to other local producers, including CDC and Boh Plantations PLC. This support fosters a more competitive and sustainable banana industry in Cameroon, promoting best practices, improved yields, and quality standards that meet international demands.
Economic Significance of Banana Exports for Cameroon
Bananas are a cornerstone of Cameroon’s agricultural export sector. The fruit’s popularity in international markets, especially in Europe, makes it a vital source of foreign exchange earnings and rural employment.
According to BKP Economic Advisors, Europe, particularly the United Kingdom, is a primary destination for Cameroonian bananas, accounting for approximately 13% of exports and generating nearly 10 million euros (about CFAF 6.53 billion) annually.
The importance of banana exports extends beyond immediate revenue. They contribute to rural development by providing employment opportunities for thousands of smallholder farmers, laborers, and ancillary service providers involved in cultivation, harvesting, processing, and transportation.
The industry also stimulates local economies through infrastructure development, such as roads, packaging facilities, and export logistics.
How CDBM’s Performance Bolsters Cameroon’s Economy
CDBM’s rapid growth and increased export volumes have several positive implications for Cameroon’s economy:
As CDBM exports more bananas, Cameroon benefits from increased foreign currency inflows, strengthening its balance of payments and supporting the national economy.
The expansion of banana plantations and export activities creates employment opportunities, reducing poverty and improving livelihoods in rural communities where banana cultivation is prevalent.
The rise of new players like CDBM diversifies Cameroon’s export base, reducing reliance on a few traditional companies and enhancing the sector’s resilience against market shocks.
Strategic Investment and Operational Efficiency
The remarkable rise of Compagnie des Bananes de Mondoni (CDBM) exemplifies how strategic investment, operational efficiency, and market responsiveness can transform a relatively new entrant into a major player in Cameroon’s banana export sector.
Its contributions not only bolster the company’s growth but also significantly impact the broader economy by increasing export revenues, creating jobs, and fostering rural development.
Their success underscores the importance of strategic partnerships, innovation, and sustainable practices in driving economic growth and ensuring Cameroon’s position in the global banana market for years to come.
