To boost innovation, dev't: Douala Port Authority, University of Bertoua seal strategic partnership.

This was during a ceremony held at PAD’s General Directorate in Bonanjo, Douala I Subdivision.

The signing ceremony, brought together top officials from both institutions, marking a new chapter of synergy aimed at advancing research, education, and socio-economic development. 

The Director General of PAD, Cyrus Ngo’o, and the Rector of UBe, Prof Dieudonné Emmanuel Pegnyemb, put pen on paper for the deal on behalf of their respective institutions. 

Both officials affirmed that the agreement formalizes a shared commitment to fostering innovation, professional training, and mutual support between a key economic player and a prominent academic institution in Cameroon.

"This landmark partnership symbolizes a strategic alignment between education and industry, poised to enhance Cameroon’s economic development and academic excellence through sustained collaboration," they affirmed. 

In his address, Cyrus Ngo’o emphasised the long months of constructive dialogue leading to the agreement.

He described it as “a compass for our interactions” that reflects a “mutual commitment to build synergies” for the harmonious growth of both organizations.

PAD boss underlined the critical importance of collaboration between businesses and universities, noting that “businesses draw their raw materials and human resources from the university, while the university serves the needs of the business world by training expertise”.

Highlighting PAD’s ambitious Development Master Plan targeting the year 2050, Ngo’o expressed confidence that UBe’s expertise would “provide a burst of ingenuity” crucial for realising the port’s strategic objectives. 

He pointed out key cooperation areas including professional training mechanisms, sponsorship of academic programs aligned with PAD’s sectors, and support for scientific events such as conferences and research workshops.

On his part, UBe boss, Prof Dieudonné Emmanuel Pegnyemb, reechoed like sentiment. He praised the “great sign of care and solidarity” reflected in PAD’s continuous support for the university. 

He recalled recent donations of sports equipment and computers to UBe’s Faculty of Sciences. He described the agreement as a concrete application of Cameroon’s 2023 higher education law emphasising professionalization and employability as a yardstick for university curricular 

Prof Pegnyemb expressed gratitude to PAD and its leadership for their “unwavering commitment” and affirmed the partnership’s potential to deliver “concrete and fruitful actions” benefiting students, faculty, and the operational innovation of the port. He further called for active engagement from all stakeholders to ensure the partnership becomes a model of university–business synergy in Cameroon and beyond.

The agreement also outlines collaborative initiatives such as timely exchange of training programs, organization of seminars and meetings to identify development projects, and implementation of professional training opportunities for both students and PAD staff, including internships, work-study, continuing education, and recognition of prior learning.

The Port Director for Analysis and Corporations, Joseph Nguene Nteppe, noted that by the binding terms of the agreement, the port, will have to accompany UBe in research and training, provide space for internship to students and make available expertise at the disposal of the school.

In return, he said UBe will replicate by putting at the disposal of PAD, it's researchers on all activities of the port when need be.

Nteppe said, a follow-up committee will be put in place and action plan to be followed up yearly that both directors will adhere to. The accord is set for three years renewable.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3524 of Tuesday August 05, 2025.