PAD engages EU, France over Douala port expansion, investment plans.

The discussions, PAD said, come as PAD plans to increase the port's annual cargo-handling capacity from approximately 13 million tonnes to more than 45 million tonnes by 2050. Both diplomats were received by PAD Deputy General Manager, Charles Michaux Moukoko Njoh, on behalf of General Manager, Cyrus Ngo'o, who was on an official mission in Burkina Faso.

The separate meetings focused on investment opportunities, infrastructure development, maritime security, digitalisation and the development of partnerships with European port operators and economic institutions. 

PAD said the discussions form part of efforts to mobilise investment and technical cooperation for its development programme, aimed at improving cargo-handling capacity and strengthening the port's role in regional trade.

During the meeting with the EU delegation, PAD noted that discussions centred on modernising port infrastructure, attracting investment, improving security and establishing partnerships with European ports. 

According to the authority, the European Union reaffirmed its commitment to cooperation with PAD, particularly through the SCOPE Africa programme and its Global Gateway investment strategy.

PAD officials also presented plans to transform Douala-Bonabéri into a modern port, logistics and industrial hub capable of supporting increased commercial activities and creating employment opportunities.

“Our ambition is to build a high-performing port, logistics and industrial hub that creates value and jobs while supporting Cameroon’s development and strengthening its regional influence,” Moukoko Njoh said.

PAD further showcased the port's importance to Cameroon's economy and its role in facilitating imports and exports for landlocked neighbouring countries, particularly Chad and the Central African Republic. The institution said both parties agreed to continue discussions towards implementing concrete cooperation projects.

Manoka Island expansion among priority projects

During the separate meeting with French Ambassador Sylvain Riquier, PAD presented its infrastructure development programme and opportunities for investment, financing and technical cooperation. 

According to PAD, discussions focused on the port's transformation since 2016, its attractiveness to investors and projects outlined in the Port of Douala-Bonabéri Development Master Plan for 2020-2050.

The programme, according to the authority, includes plans to increase annual cargo-handling capacity to more than 45 million tonnes by 2050, compared with approximately 13 million tonnes currently. 

Among the priority projects presented by PAD were the extension of port infrastructure towards Manoka Island, construction of a new bulk terminal on the right bank of the Wouri River, improvement of cargo-scanning facilities and reinforcement of port access security.

PAD disclosed that the proposed extension towards Manoka Island particularly attracted the attention of the French ambassador during the presentation. 

The authority explained that the meeting also examined opportunities for cooperation with French institutions and businesses in port infrastructure, digitalisation, professional training, maritime security and energy transition.

In his welcome address, Moukoko Njoh described the meeting as an opportunity to present the port's development ambitions and establish stronger cooperation with French partners.

“This first meeting provides a valuable opportunity to get acquainted, present the realities and ambitions of our port, and begin a dialogue that we hope will be based on trust, openness and constructive engagement,” he said.

The French ambassador, accompanied by Anne Brouard from the embassy's economic department, also received a presentation on the port's development master plan. The delegation subsequently toured port facilities and ongoing infrastructure projects to assess the modernisation programme.

PAD said the two diplomatic engagements were intended to strengthen cooperation, attract investments and advance infrastructure projects aimed at increasing the port's capacity and competitiveness.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3951 of Monday October 26, 2026