Sailing into the 5G Era
at Douala-Bonabéri
The Port Autonome de Douala is taking a bold step into the future as it moves to transform the Port of Douala-Bonabéri into Central Africa’s first fully fledged smart port. Through a landmark public-private partnership with Innovendi Data Technologies & Communications, the port is set to deploy 4G/5G connectivity, IoT systems, edge-cloud infrastructure and strengthened cybersecurity—laying the groundwork for a digital ecosystem designed to streamline operations and raise service standards.
Beyond its technological ambition, the project aims to deliver tangible operational gains. Real-time cargo tracking, automated logistics flows and data-driven decision-making are expected to shorten vessel turnaround times, optimise terminal capacity and improve predictability for shipping lines and cargo owners. The partnership also puts emphasis on local capacity-building, including training programmes, SME involvement and long-term technology transfer to Cameroonian specialists.
For Douala-Bonabéri, this transformation is more than a modernisation effort—it is a competitive repositioning. By upgrading to a smart-port model, the facility is signaling its readiness to serve as a more efficient, transparent and secure maritime gateway for the Gulf of Guinea and beyond. And as one of the first ports in the region to adopt such an integrated digital approach, it could well set a precedent for how other African ports choose to modernise in the coming years.
While the transition will require careful coordination, strong governance and sustained investment, the direction is clear. The Douala-Bonabéri smart-port initiative marks a significant step toward a more connected, tech-enabled and globally competitive regional logistics landscape.
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Sources
Digital Business Africa. (2025, November 19). Smart Port : Douala-Bonabéri engage sa transformation numérique avec Innovendi Data Technologies. DigitalBusiness.africa. https://www.digitalbusiness.africa/smart-port-douala-bonaberi-engage-sa-transformation-numerique-avec-innovendi-data-technologies/
PortsAfrica. (2025, November 17). Douala-Bonabéri Port — “the smart 5G revolution is underway”. PortsAfrica.com. https://www.portsafrica.com/douala-bonaberi-port-the-smart-5g-revolution-is-underway/
Business in Cameroon. (2025, November 21). Joël Monefong’s Masterstroke: Douala Port Signs Landmark PPP to Become Central Africa’s First True Smart Port. BusinessInCameroon.com. https://www.businessincameroon.com/infrastructures/2111-15374-joel-monefong-s-masterstroke-douala-port-signs-landmark-ppp-to-become-central-africa-s-first-true-smart-port
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