This story is related to the landscape initiative “Ngoro”, and originally published on SourceUp.
Ngoro (Mbam-et-Kim), August 28, 2025 – In an unprecedented dynamic of cooperation, twenty Joint Initiative Groups (CIGs) of the Ngoro district have come together to create the Union of Cocoa Farmers’ GICs of the Ngoro District (UGICANGO). This new structure aims to develop the production, marketing and governance of local cocoa, while preparing producers to comply with the requirements of the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
The constitutive General Assembly, chaired by Mr. Nindje Séraphin, took place in the presence of representatives of the administrative and municipal authorities and cooperatives of the localityé, reflecting the growing interest in collective initiatives aimed at strengthening the sustainability of Cameroonian cocoa.
A union focused on sustainability and traceability
Beyond the desire to improve the competitiveness of the sector, UGICANGO aims to lay the foundations for a modern and sustainable cocoa production system. In the coming months, it plans to create a comprehensive database of cocoa farmers and set up a local traceability system, two strategic initiatives that will ensure transparency in supply chains and compliance of Ngoro cocoa with international standards. in particular those imposed by the EUDR.
“The Union is not just about bringing producers together: it is anticipating changes in the global cocoa market,” said Mr. Mbida Protais, Secretary-General elect of the Union. Building a reliable database and a rigorous traceability system, we prepare our producers to meet the new requirements of sustainable trade. »
Structuring resolutions and an engaged office
The constitutive General Assembly adopted several strong resolutions, including the setting of the membership fee at 50,000 CFA francs and the establishment of a working capital of 100,000 CFA francs per GIC. The democratically elected executive board will be responsible for steering the Union’s registration phase, opening the necessary bank accounts and coordinating the first actions related to the traceability and digitalisation of farms.
The UGICANGO office is headed by Mr. Nindje Séraphin (Delegate), assisted by Mr. Mbida Protais (Secretary General) and Mr. Macaire Cyrille (External Auditor). The Union was created for a period of 99 years, with its headquarters in Ngoro, and a competence covering the entire Centre region.
A collective commitment welcomed by the authorities
In his closing remarks, the representative of the Sub-Prefect of Ngoro praised the spirit of innovation and responsibility of cocoa farmers. He stressed that “the creation of UGICANGO marks a turning point in the modernization and professionalization of the cocoa sector”, calling on members to show rigour, transparency and solidarity in the implementation of their commitments.
Local authorities also encouraged the EU to work with technical and financial partners to digitise data management and strengthen the traceability of products for the export.
The event ended with a symbolic family photo, sealing the commitment of producers around a common vision: to make Ngoro cocoa a traceable, sustainable and competitive product on the markets International.