Passing of the Hon. Joseph Hyacinthe Owona Kono, Chairman of Afruibana

Paris, 18 March 2025 – It is with deep sadness and great emotion that the African Banana and Other Fruit Producers Association (AFRUIBANA) announces the passing away of its President, Joseph Hyacinthe OWONA KONO, on Friday 14 March 2025 in Marseille, France, following an illness.

A towering figure in the African banana industry, Joseph OWONA KONO dedicated his life to defending African producers and fostering the prosperity of the sector. As Secretary General of Plantations du Haut Penja (PHP), Executive Secretary of the Cameroon Banana Association (ASSOBACAM), President of the Union of Agro-Industrial Producers of Cameroon (UPAC) and President of the Association of African Producers of Bananas and Other Fruits (AFRUIBANA), he was a tireless advocate for the interests of producers on both the national and international stage, relentlessly striving for a competitive, sustainable, and fair agricultural industry.

Beyond his exceptional career, Joseph OWONA KONO will be remembered as a man of unwavering character and conviction, endowed with boundless energy and an infectious good humour. His elegance, charisma, and deep humanity made him a natural leader, respected and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

His passing represents an immeasurable loss for the African fruit sector. With him, a chapter in the history of the industry comes to a close, yet his legacy will endure, inspiring future generations to continue his fight for a thriving and equitable agriculture.

In this time of mourning, Afruibana extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, his loved ones, and the entire African fruit sector. We stand with them in their grief and assure them of our deepest sympathy.

For Afruibana,

The Secretariat