CAMEROON
Kribi's Giant Leap: Cameroon’s Mega Port Sets Sail for Prosperity Amid Local Tensions
Cameroon has recently inaugurated the second phase of the Kribi Deep Seaport, positioning it as the largest port in Central Africa. Constructed by China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC), this expansion aims to bolster the nation's economic landscape by enhancing trade capabilities and attracting foreign investment, however concerns from local communities have risen.
The upgraded port now features a 715-meter quay, advanced handling equipment, and the capacity to accommodate ultra-large container ships such as the MSC Türkiye, which has a capacity of 24,346 TEU. This development is expected to significantly reduce turnaround times and double the port's handling capacity, solidifying Kribi's status as a key maritime hub in the Gulf of Guinea.
Beyond infrastructure, the port's expansion is anticipated to create over 300 direct jobs and stimulate economic exchanges throughout the subregion. The strategic location and modern facilities are poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing trade and economic growth in Cameroon and the broader Central African region.
However, the project's advancement has not been without challenges. Local communities, particularly in the village of Lolabe, have expressed concerns over displacement and inadequate compensation. Reports indicate that land laws in Cameroon are ambiguous, leading to disputes over property rights and compensation.
Environmental concerns have also surfaced. The port's construction has intensified coastal erosion and increased pollution, adversely affecting marine life and the livelihoods of local fishermen. The proximity of the port to Cameroon's only marine protected area raises further ecological concerns.
In response to some of these issues, CHEC has undertaken corporate social responsibility initiatives, including the construction of roads, bridges, and the installation of solar panels in nearby villages. These efforts aim to improve local infrastructure and living conditions.
As Cameroon navigates the complexities of rapid development, the Kribi Deep Seaport stands as both a beacon of economic potential and a reminder of the importance of inclusive and sustainable growth.
Sources: english.news.cn | chinaglobalsouth.com
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WEST & CENTRAL AFRICA
Anchoring Africa's Maritime Future: MOWCA and AfDB's Strategic Dry Dock Initiative!
In a move to bolster maritime trade and infrastructure, the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have announced a collaborative effort to develop dry dock facilities across West and Central Africa. This initiative aims to enhance the region's maritime capabilities, providing essential maintenance hubs for vessels and reducing dependency on foreign facilities.
Dr. Paul Adalikwu, Secretary-General of MOWCA, emphasized that this partnership is a strategic step towards deepening maritime trade beyond coastal areas. By establishing dry docks, the region can expect improved logistical connectivity between seaports and inland areas, fostering economic growth and integration.
The collaboration also addresses the pressing need for safer and more efficient shipping routes. With increasing instability in the Red Sea due to armed conflicts, MOWCA and AfDB are exploring the redirection of maritime traffic to the Gulf of Guinea, positioning it as a viable alternative corridor for global trade.
Beyond infrastructure, the partnership underscores a commitment to enhancing the blue economy and ensuring the safety of maritime operations. Efforts include suppressing piracy, improving inland waterway viability, and enforcing stricter safety protocols, particularly in countries like Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Looking ahead, MOWCA is working closely with international organizations, including the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the African Union (AU), to transform into the African Maritime Organisation (AMO). A meeting of experts is scheduled for June 2025 in collaboration with AfDB to advance this agenda, aiming to unify Africa's maritime voice on the global stage.
This strategic alliance between MOWCA and AfDB marks a pivotal step in redefining Africa's maritime landscape, promising enhanced trade, security, and economic prosperity for the region.
Sources: guardian.ng | msn.com | vanguardngr.com
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TOGO
Mega Ships, Real Impact: Can West Africa’s Ports Deliver Beyond the Dock
West Africa’s maritime sector recently celebrated major milestones as two of the world’s largest container ships—MSC Diletta and MSC Türkiye—docked at the ports of Lomé, Togo, Tema and Ghana respectively. These events were widely praised, with officials and stakeholders hailing them as signs that the region’s ports are now ready to compete on a global scale.
The MSC Diletta, which docked at the Port of Lomé, boasts a length of 400 meters and a capacity of over 23,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Tema Port hosted a similarly sized ship, the MSC Türkiye, demonstrating Ghana’s expanded capabilities after years of port upgrades.
Both ports have clearly taken bold steps to modernize facilities, deepen berths, and improve handling capacity. However, port modernization cannot end with vessel accommodation. While these mega ships symbolize a leap in technical capacity, maritime experts stress that the real measure of success lies not in the size of vessels, but in how port infrastructure is utilized to drive lasting economic growth.
The key question now facing West Africa’s maritime leaders is: how can these moments of prestige translate into real, sustained economic benefits? Arguably utility—defined by how effectively ports facilitate trade, reduce costs, and connect to broader supply chains—must be the central metric of progress.
Hosting massive ships is a sign of progress—but translating that into long-term economic benefit requires much more. This includes reducing cargo dwell times, improving customs processes, strengthening road and rail links to hinterlands, and fostering regional integration through harmonized policies. It also means ensuring that the economic gains from increased maritime traffic reach beyond port walls—supporting jobs, local businesses and industrial growth inland.
If ports become efficient engines of trade, they can reduce import/export bottlenecks, lower prices, and create employment across sectors. Otherwise, even the largest vessels will amount to little more than photo opportunities. As West Africa earns its place on the global shipping map, it must ensure its ports serve not only ships, but also the people and economies behind them.
Sources: maritimereview.co.za | maritimafrica.com | thebftonline.com
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CHAD
Borderless Ambitions: Cameroon and Chad Streamline Trade with New Deal
In a critical move to enhance regional trade and cooperation, Cameroon and Chad have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at streamlining the transit of goods between the two countries. This agreement, signed on April 28, 2025, by Cyrus Ngo’o, Director General of the Port Authority of Douala (PAD) and Hamid Djoumino, Director General of Chad’s Shippers’ Council (COC-Tchad), marks a pivotal step in improving logistics and customs processes along the vital Douala-N’Djamena corridor.
The agreement, effective for four years and renewable, is designed to make the Port of Douala more accessible and efficient for Chadian shippers. It includes provisions for the establishment of dedicated service points at the port to manage Chadian cargo, which is expected to reduce waiting times and expedite operations. In addition, the Port Authority has committed to offering preferential rates for Chadian goods and activating a long-standing but underutilized logistics zone within the port that was allocated to Chad.
The Chadian Shippers’ Council has pledged to enhance communication with PAD, resolve logistical issues quickly, and actively encourage Chadian importers and exporters to prioritize the Douala port. The goal is to increase the volume of Chadian goods passing through the port, thus reinforcing the economic ties between the two countries.
The agreement also establishes a joint monitoring committee, co-chaired by the heads of both organizations, which will oversee the implementation and ensure that the protocol remains responsive to the needs of both parties.
This renewed partnership comes at a critical moment, as Chad continues to explore alternative trade routes and deepen its economic integration within the region. Notably, in December 2024, Chad signed another major agreement with Equatorial Guinea to open up maritime access through the port of Bata. Faced with this growing competition, Cameroon is keen to secure its position as Chad’s primary trade gateway and retain the CFA350 billion (about $570 million) in annual revenue generated by Chadian transit trade.
Building on decades of cooperation, including the 1999 Cameroon-Chad road transport agreement and the 1965 UNCTAD convention supporting landlocked countries, this new protocol underscores the strategic importance of regional collaboration and economic interdependence. Both nations are now poised to benefit from a more dynamic, efficient, and mutually beneficial trade corridor.
Sources: logistafrica.com | businessincameroon.com
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