The plantain marketing sectors of Cote-d'Ivoire and Cameroon were comparatively analyzed. It was found that there are several common features in their organization However, in Cote-d'Ivoire the fruit is harvested later than in Cameroon, with an increased risk of losing part of this crop. Plantations and urban markets are not as far apart in Cameroon where bunch freshness is a quality and price criterion. In the two countries considered, quantitative postharvest plantain losses were very low since all of the fruit was marketed, including sale of bunches, separated and even broken fruit.