US Senate delegation visits Douala port, explores investment opportunities.

The discussions took place at PAD's headquarters in Douala on October 22, 2026, during a working visit led by Sophia Lalani, Senior Adviser to the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

According to PAD, the visit was aimed at assessing Cameroon's economic environment and exploring opportunities for commercial cooperation, particularly in port infrastructure, operational efficiency and maritime security. 

The American delegation was received by Abdoul Hakim, Technical Adviser No. 2, representing PAD's Director General, Cyrus Ngo'o. 

The discussions, PAD said, focused on investment opportunities for American companies at the Port of Douala-Bonabéri, which serves as a major gateway for Cameroon's international trade and the movement of goods across Central Africa. 

PAD added that the visit also provided an opportunity to present ongoing infrastructure development projects and efforts to strengthen the port's operational capacity.

US delegation tours port facilities

The meeting also included a guided tour of the Douala-Bonabéri port platform through which the American delegation inspected facilities, observed cargo-handling operations and examined ongoing infrastructure modernisation projects. 

The visitors also watched an institutional film presenting security measures introduced to protect port facilities and maritime operations.

Following the inspection, Lalani commended the progress recorded, particularly in equipment, technology and infrastructure investments.

“This visit gave me a very good understanding of how ships arrive and are unloaded, the technologies used, and the modernisation efforts undertaken to make port infrastructure more efficient and turn it into a showcase for infrastructure development in Cameroon,” Lalani stated.

On his part, Hakim reaffirmed PAD's willingness to welcome investors whose projects align with the port authority's strategic development priorities.

“Generally speaking, we are open to all investors. Their presence and participation are welcome,” Hakim stated.

He explained that any cooperation would be governed by formal agreements outlining the terms and conditions of the partnership.

According to PAD, subsequent discussions addressed operational efficiency, port security and investment opportunities available to American businesses. 

PAD concluded that the engagement forms part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen international cooperation as the Port of Douala-Bonabéri continues implementing infrastructure modernisation projects.

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