PAD, Leilak Estate seal deal for construction of 5-star hotel.

This was during a ceremony at PAD's headquarters at the Maritime Business Centre in Bonanjo, Douala.

The Director General PAD, Cyrus Ngo’o, and the General Manager of Leilak Estates Corporation, David Leilak, signed on behalf of their respective institutions. 

It is worth noting that the new development underscores, the PAD’s commitment to infrastructure diversification and economic growth. 

In his address, Cyrus Ngo'o emphasised that the project is part of the PAD 2020-2050 Development Master Plan and concretises the developer's mission conferred on it by Presidential Decree No. 2019/034 of January 24, 2019.

The said the decree granted PAD full control over its land assets, including those inherited from the former National Ports Office of Cameroon, ONPC

By stepping into high-value ventures beyond its core maritime operations, PAD aims to enhance the port-city relationship while diversifying its income sources in alignment with national economic objectives enshrined in the vision 2030.

Cyrus Ngo'o raised the need for portal cities not to just serve as transit routes but have the necessary facilities that will ease corporation, business deals and to a greater extent give an esthetic view to the economic capital city.

He said he is counting on the collaboration of the Douala City Council to see into it that all documentations nerd to give the contracting partners favorable working conditions are put in place according to the laws applied.

Speaking on behalf of the real estate development firm, David Leilak, said they were ready to start work and have committed to go beyond just a building but, something that will be a reference and a national pride.

The hotel complex

The MUAYÉ Hotel Complex, is set to rise over a sprawling 11,000-square-meter site and will feature a futuristic 21-story structure designed to meet international luxury standards. 

The project carries a total estimated investment of €244.3 million, approximately 160.3 billion FCFA. It will be developed under a Build-Operate-Transfer, BOT public-private partnership model According to the agreement presented Friday.

The agreement was read out by PAD's head of Corporation and Analysis, Joseph Nguene Nteppe. The development period spans 28 years, which includes six months of feasibility studies, 30 months of construction, and 25 years of operational management. 

Notably, Nteppe said the entire investment will be financed by Leilak Estates Corporation without any financial guarantee or backing from PAD or the State of Cameroon.

He added that an entry fee of €1.5 million roughly 985 million FCFA has been committed by the contractor.

Favorable returns for PAD…

Under the terms of the deal, it was said, PAD will receive a fixed annual lease payment of 24,000 FCFA per square meter, totaling 264 million FCFA annually, in addition to a variable royalty equal to 3% of the hotel’s annual revenue. 

Over the 25-year operational period, the project is expected to generate total revenues of approximately 1.645 trillion FCFA.

PAD’s direct income is projected at €55.9 million roughly 19.6% of total project revenue, while taxes and duties generated could amount to €86.7 million — bringing the Cameroonian government’s combined revenues, PAD + taxes to an estimated €142 million, representing 50% of the project's total revenue, which Nteppe has described as "a win-win on both sides".

Catalyst for job creation, economic growth

Commenting on the social and economic benefits, Nteppe disclosed that the MUAYÉ Hotel is expected to create approximately 650 direct and indirect jobs, contributing to Douala’s local economy and strengthening the city's status as a gateway hub in Central Africa.

With construction slated to begin in the coming months, Hôtel MUAYÉ is poised to become not only a beacon of modern hospitality in Cameroon but also a model of successful public-private collaboration in infrastructure development, inclusive growth through its community-oriented initiatives.

The hotel’s main tower, designed to meet international construction and safety standards, will include:4 underground levels for parking and technical areas, ground floor reception, restaurants, retail, and service corridors, dedicated coworking and office floors, modular event and conference spaces, 282 luxury guest rooms and suites, a rooftop spa, relaxation area, and panoramic bar.

Aside those features an additional two-level annex building will host banquet halls, a terrace restaurant, and a separate reception facility. Outdoor amenities include a tennis court, indoor pool, extensive landscaping, and modern utility networks across the site.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3526 of Thursday August 07, 2025.