Nassourou Issa’s NASCO Group has secured financing from Société Générale and CCA-Bank to initiate civil engineering for a new sugar refinery in Cameroon. The project, slated for completion by 2028, aims for an annual production of 300,000 tons of refined sugar, positioning the facility to potentially surpass the output of the incumbent Société Sucrière du Cameroun (Sosucam).
Breaking the Sosucam Monopoly
For decades, the Cameroonian sugar market has operated under the control of the Castel family through its subsidiary, Sosucam. While Sosucam currently produces between 120,000 and 160,000 tons of sugar annually, the nation faces a chronic structural deficit. According to market data, total national demand sits at approximately 300,000 tons per year.
This supply gap forces the Cameroonian government to authorize frequent, expensive imports to stabilize domestic shelves. By building a facility designed to match the current total national demand, the NASCO Group intends to eliminate the reliance on foreign sugar imports entirely.
Did you know?
The Somdia group, the agro-industrial arm of the Castel family, has signaled its intention to exit the Cameroonian market. The firm is currently seeking a buyer for its 88.36 percent stake in Sosucam, creating a period of significant transition for the local industry.
The Challenge of Upstream Scaling
Pro Tip: Monitoring Agricultural Infrastructure
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the projected annual output of the new NASCO refinery?
The facility is designed to produce 300,000 tons of refined sugar annually, which would match Cameroon’s estimated total national demand.
Who is providing the financing for this project?
The NASCO Group has secured funding from Société Générale and the local lender CCA-Bank to begin the necessary civil engineering works.
Why is the timing of this expansion notable?
The move coincides with the Castel Group’s decision to offload its controlling stake in the incumbent producer, Sosucam, creating a potential shift in market power.
What are your thoughts on the future of Cameroon’s sugar industry? Join the discussion below or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on regional infrastructure and agro-industry developments.
Worth a look
