SOSUCAM : Marc Leynaert opposes sugar imports to safeguard national production

(LVDE) – In a letter addressed to the Minister of Trade on 13 November 2025, Marc Leynaert, Managing Director of the Cameroon Sugar Company (Sosucam), called for strict regulation of sugar imports. With the launch of the 2025–2026 sugar campaign, he highlights the importance of supporting local production and maintaining domestic employment.

On 13 November 2025, a crucial correspondence was sent to the Minister of Trade by Marc Leynaert, the Managing Director of the Cameroon Sugar Company (Sosucam). In this message, Leynaert firmly opposes the importation of sugar, stating that such a move would be neither justified nor appropriate at this time. This declaration comes ahead of the 2025–2026 sugar campaign, for which Sosucam is proposing a strict framework for imports.

According to Leynaert, sugar imports could have disastrous consequences for the local market, threatening to destabilize national production and endangering jobs as well as the added value generated by the company within the country. Far from being necessary, he stresses that more than 100,000 tons of sugar are already available nationwide : 70,000 tons from the Douala refinery and 30,000 tons imported for distribution and industrial use. Therefore, there is no valid reason to increase import volumes.

Sosucam is not only aware of the market situation but also ready to mobilize a large workforce to meet local needs. Leynaert states that around 8,000 employees, in addition to 1,500 subcontractors, are prepared to ensure the required production, thereby eliminating the need for further imports.

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The context of this statement is particularly significant. The company recently went through a major social crisis that paralyzed its operations from 26 January to 8 February 2025. The movement, initiated by underpaid cane cutters, resulted in the loss of 50,000 tons of cane and the destruction of 1,000 hectares, causing damages amounting to 5 billion CFA francs. Although the company recorded losses of 22 billion CFA francs in 2024, it has since taken measures to improve working conditions, including raising the hourly wage from 280 to 285 CFA francs and recruiting 600 new cutters for the current campaign.

Founded in 1965, Sosucam is majority-owned by French investors (74%), while the Cameroonian State holds 26% of its shares. The company plays a crucial role in the local economy, not only through its more than 8,000 direct jobs but also thanks to an annual payroll of 14 billion CFA francs, which supports many families and surrounding businesses.

With this new sugar campaign, Leynaert and Sosucam are demonstrating their commitment to strengthening the autonomy of local sugar production while protecting jobs. Leynaert’s position is clear : strict oversight of imports is essential to address market challenges, safeguard national interests, and ensure the sustainability of Cameroon’s sugar industry. The future of Sosucam will depend on finding the right balance between the need for imports and support for local production—a challenge the company appears ready to take on.

Raphael Mforlem