One of the fruit industry’s leading figures, Owona Kono was a tireless defender of fruit producers in Africa
African fruit industry association Afruibana has announced the death of its president, Joseph Hyacinthe Owona Kono.
A widely respected and admired figure in the African fruit business as well as in politics, Yaoundé-born Owona Kono spent his life working to defend the interests of fruit producers across the continent, and especially those of banana growers in his home nation Cameroon.
He served as a member of parliament in Cameroon’s National Assembly for three consecutive terms, representing the Wouri-Sud constituency under the banner of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement.
And he was also a member of the World Trade Organization’s IPU Parliamentary Conference steering committee, as well the ACP-UE Joint Parliamentary Assembly.
In a statement, the association said: “It is with deep distress and great emotion that Afruibana announces the death of its president Joseph Hyacinthe Owona Kono on 14 March 2025, following an illness.”
It continued: “A major figure in the African banana business, Joseph Owona Kono dedicated his life to defending African producers and the prosperity of their supply chains.”
Owona Kono held several other important roles, among them secretary general of Plantations de Haut Penja, executive secretary of the Cameroon Banana Association (Assobacam), and president of the Cameroon Agro-industrial Producers Union.
“He ardently defended the interests of producers on the national and international stages, working tirelessly for a competitive, lasting and equitable agricultural sector,” Afruibana added.
“Beyond his exceptional career, Joseph is remembered as a man of character and convictions, driven by an inexhaustible energy and a good communicative attitude. His elegance, charisma, and profound humanity made him a natural leader who was respected and appreciated by all.”
“His departure represents an incalculable loss for the African fruit sector. With it, a page has turned for the industry. But his legacy will endure, inspiring future generations to pursue his fight for prosperous and equitable agriculture.
“In these moments of grief, Afruibana extends its sincere condolences to his family, relatives, and the whole African fruit sector. We share their pain and send them our warmest thoughts.”
