Douala Port Authority DG credits major investments to Biya’s industrialisation vision.

His outing comes after the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Dr Chief Joseph Dion Ngute, laid the foundation stones of both projects. 

This was on Thursday, July 24, 2025 in Missole, Dibamba, Sanaga Maritime Division and on Friday, July 25, 2025, in Bonaberi, Douala, Wouri Division of the Littoral Region.

Beyond stating that the key projects tie with the promises and the vision of the Head of State, to move the country forward, Cyrus Ngo’o said the huge undetakings are vital in strengtening Cameroon’s economy, especially given recent dynamics in the country’s mining sector.

He said while the Dibamba Port project will create 15,000 jobs, the Mixed Bulk Terminal in Bonaberi, will generate 2000 jobs. 

Situating this within the country’s socioecnomic fabric, he said both projects will address isues of youth employment, reduce congestion at the Port’s facilities, enable business within the country and across Central Africa, to gain time while maintaining PAD’s position as pillar of maritime business in the Gulf of Guinea. 

Cyrus Ngo'o, in the interview, also sheds light on PAD’s Development Master Plan. 

Excepts

What does the industrial port activity zone project on the banks of the Dibamba River in Missole entail?

This project is one of the major strategic initiatives of the Port Authority of Douala's Development Master Plan. It fulfils a solemn promise, made by the Head of State, His Excellency Paul Biya, to the people of Douala, to sustainably strengthen the port's logistical capabilities, by extending its activities to the peri-port area.

The logistical and industrial facilities are based on two main components: the first being the Multimodal Logistics Zone; covering 122 hectares. It is dedicated to handling a significant portion of Douala's port traffic. The traffic, which particularly transits to the hinterlands and timber traffic, will be redirected to the Dibamba zone to alleviate congestion at the central port.

The second component is the Integrated Industrial Platform, covering 350 hectares, which is designed to accommodate industries across various sectors, including agro-industry, timber, textiles, energy, construction materials and pharmaceuticals. The total cost of this infrastructure is estimated at 230 billion FCFA, excluding taxes. A 50-hectare residential zone will subsequently complete this development project.

What are the advantages of this project for the Port of Douala-Bonaberi and the country as a whole?

The project aims to enhance and diversify the logistics facilities at the Port of Douala-Bonabéri, particularly through the development of new port infrastructure in the peri-port area.

It fully aligns with the primary objectives of Cameroon's National Development Strategy, 202-2030, SND30, which promotes the structural transformation of the national economy and encourages the country’s import substitution policy.

 Indeed, it contributes to the development of industries and services dedicated to the local processing of raw materials; thereby helping to reduce the country's structural trade deficit.

On a social front, it aims to provide a concrete response to the problem of youth unemployment through the planned creation of some 15,000 direct and indirect jobs.

In terms of logistics, the project is a constructive solution to congestion on the eastern axis of the city of Douala. The modal shift in part of the road traffic to river transport will alleviate congestion on this access route, resulting in an estimated reduction of approximately 200 lorries per day.

What’s the role of ARISE IIP, PAD’s strategic partner in this project?

PAD signed an Agreement with ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP), on 30 September 2024, to carry out this project. This is due to the credibility of the ARISE Group, whose similar achievements in other African countries are evident.

What about the project to extend the Port of Douala on the right bank of the Wouri River in Bonabéri?

This is also one of the development projects in the Port of Douala-Bonabéri's Development Master Plan. It is designed to consolidate and extend the Port's logistics capabilities, particularly on the right bank of River Wouri, in the strategic zone of Bonaberi. This project is part of a drive to modernise and reposition the port as a leading regional logistics hub in Central Africa.

It involves the construction of a state-of-the-art mixed bulk terminal, with 900 linear metres of quay and 36 hectares of storage areas, suitable for handling and storing various types of bulk solid cargo. 

With an estimated cost of €430 million, or approximately 282 billion FCFA, this project represents one of the most ambitious investments in Cameroon's port sector in recent decades.

Beyond its technical and financial scope, the mixed bulk terminal is expected to attract new trade flows, particularly those from the upcoming exploitation of national mineral resources, such as the Minim-Martap bauxite deposits. 

It will also enhance the flow of port operations, alleviate congestion at existing facilities on the left bank, and make a significant contribution to the industrial and economic development.

What are the projected gains of this project to the Port of Douala-Bonaberi ? Do you anticipate any social challenges?

The project is part of a structural transformation of the Port of Douala-Bonaberi's logistics facilities. This is particularly by increasing the reception and operational capacities of the Bonaberi industrial zone. It envisages the development of modern port infrastructure that meets international standards, designed to facilitate the handling of bulk, containerised and conventional cargo, while relieving congestion at the historic facilities on the left bank.

This will serve as a strategic lever for national port competitiveness and also drive industrial development through the establishment of local processing activities in integrated logistics zones. 

This approach aligns with the priorities of the National Development Strategy 2020–2030, SND30, by promoting the import substitution policy and the creation of local value chains.

On a social level, the project aims to generate inclusive territorial development. The planned creation of some 2,000 direct and indirect jobs will contribute to the fight against unemployment, particularly among young people, and to reducing precariousness in the surrounding areas.

 In addition, the expected fiscal and economic benefits are expected to strengthen the capacity of local authorities to take action and enhance the city of Douala's attractiveness as a regional logistics and industrial hub.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3518 of Tuesday July 29, 2025