CAMEROON
A Second Gateway: The Limbe Deep Seaport Is Back On Track
Cameroon is pressing ahead with one of its most significant infrastructure projects. On June 18, 2026, Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute chaired an enlarged inter-ministerial meeting in Yaoundé dedicated to relaunching the Limbe Deep Seaport — and left no room for ambiguity: all relevant administrations have been instructed to accelerate preparations and move from planning to implementation.
Located in Fako Division in the South West Region, the Limbe Deep Seaport is designed to serve as a complementary gateway for Cameroon's exports of hydrocarbons and agricultural produce. Its development also responds to a pressing operational reality: the Port of Douala-Bonabéri currently handles more than 95% of the country's maritime trade, including cargo in transit for several landlocked Central African neighbours. Diversifying port capacity has become a strategic necessity.
The meeting reviewed existing feasibility studies, the status of land demarcation, and the governance framework required to give the port full operational capacity. Transport Minister Jean Ernest Ngalle Bibehe described the project as carrying the same strategic weight as the Ring Road, one of Cameroon's landmark national infrastructure programmes. The Prime Minister instructed all stakeholders to examine available implementation options and submit a comprehensive report.
Local authorities are equally engaged. The Senior Divisional Officer for Fako, Engelbert Viang Mekala, highlighted the importance of appointing the port's leadership as a catalyst for progress, and indicated that land boundary discussions are expected to be finalised before the end of June 2026.
The project was first revived by presidential decree in May 2020, but tangible progress has been slow. The latest high-level mobilisation signals renewed political will to finally bring this long-anticipated facility to life. Whether cargo moves through Douala today or Limbe tomorrow, a valid Cameroon ECTN certificate is the one constant — and we make obtaining yours easier than ever. Get in touch before your next shipment.
Sources: businessincameroon.com | cameroon-tribune.cm
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GABON
Why Kobe-Kobe Is Central Africa's Most Ambitious Port Project Yet
On June 8, 2026, Gabon's President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema officially broke ground on what may become one of Central Africa's most significant logistics infrastructure projects: the Kobe-Kobe deep-water mineral port. With a total investment of $10 billion, this five-year construction programme is set to transform the country's export capabilities and redefine regional trade flows.
Located on Gabon's Atlantic coast, south of the Gabon estuary, the future port will be capable of accommodating next-generation bulk carriers, with a water depth of 14 to 16 metres. At full capacity, the complex will handle up to 110 million tonnes of cargo per year across four mineral terminals and two multipurpose berths for containers and general freight.
At the heart of the project is the Belinga iron ore deposit — one of Africa's largest, with estimated reserves of up to one billion tonnes. To connect mine to port, a 550 km railway corridor will be constructed, enabling the transport of up to 250,000 tonnes of ore per day. Australian mining group Fortescue, operating through its subsidiary Ivindo Iron, is leading the mine's development and has already committed $305 million to the project.
But Kobe-Kobe is more than a minerals export facility. The Gabonese government is positioning it as a full industrial hub, prioritising local processing over raw material exports, investing in low-carbon energy infrastructure, and targeting 100,000 direct and indirect jobs. It will also serve as an alternative to the congested port of Owendo, potentially attracting cargo flows from landlocked neighbours such as Chad and the Central African Republic.
Set to become operational in April 2031, Kobe-Kobe is a bold statement of economic ambition — and a clear signal that Gabon is open for business. As new cargo flows emerge and trade volumes build, having a valid Gabon ECTN certificate in place before your shipment departs is the essential first step. We make that process fast and straightforward — get in touch today.
Sources: portsetcorridors.com | agenceecofin.com | gouvernement.ga
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Benin
Niger and Benin Take a Giant Step Towards Reopening a Vital Trade Corridor
After nearly three years of diplomatic deadlock, Niger and Benin are on the verge of reopening their shared border; a development with significant implications for trade and logistics across West Africa.
The border was shut in July 2023 following Niger's military coup, when the new junta in Niamey accused Cotonou of harbouring French military forces and acting as a relay for destabilising activities. For a landlocked country like Niger, which relies heavily on Benin's Port of Cotonou as its primary maritime gateway, the closure has had a significant impact on supply chains, import costs, and the movement of goods across the region.
The thaw began in earnest on June 2, when Benin's newly elected President Romuald Wadagni travelled to Niamey for talks with Niger's head of state, General Abdourahamane Tiani. The meeting revived momentum and led to the establishment of joint expert committees tasked with working through the practical steps needed to restore normal relations.
Following 48 hours of intensive discussions in Cotonou on June 20 and 21, the two delegations announced principle agreements across security, economic, and legal matters including transit tax exemptions, revised transit charges, and the resolution of outstanding commercial disputes. General Mohamed Toumba, Niger's lead negotiator, summed up the outcome with confidence: "We have locked down the security priority and laid the foundations for economic and legal normalisation." One delegate went further, describing the border reopening as a "done deal".
While these agreements still require formal approval from both governments, the direction of travel is clear. For freight operators relying on the Cotonou corridor, the timing is ideal to get documentation in order. A valid Benin ECTN certificate is mandatory for all goods entering the country — contact us today and we'll have yours ready before the border reopens.
Sources: apanews.net | africanews.com | channelafrica.co.za
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Democratic Republic of Congo
Kinshasa to Brussels: The New Air Route for DRC
Air connectivity between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the rest of the world is about to take a significant step forward. Air Congo has announced the launch of a direct Kinshasa-Brussels route from July 1, 2026, operating five weekly flights aboard a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. It marks the young carrier's first long-haul service and won't be the last.
According to Air Congo CEO Mesfin Biru, Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Dubai International are also firmly in the airline's sights. The Dubai route is particularly noteworthy from a trade perspective. The emirate has long been a major sourcing hub for Congolese merchants, with electronics, appliances, clothing, furniture and vehicles all flowing from Dubai to the DRC in significant volumes. A direct connection would significantly reduce transit times and costs for importers who currently rely on connecting flights through Addis Ababa, Nairobi or Entebbe.
The expansion is made possible through Air Congo's partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, which holds a 49% stake in the carrier. Two Boeing 787-8 aircraft are being made available under an ACMI wet lease arrangement This provides Air Congo with the aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance needed to operate in European airspace, where Congolese-certified airlines remain on the EU's aviation safety blacklist. It's a pragmatic solution that gives the DRC access to international markets while the country continues strengthening its civil aviation oversight framework.
For businesses moving goods to the DRC, improved air links are welcome news. But great connections only deliver results when shipments are properly documented. That's why we're pleased to announce that we now offer air freight certificates for goods destined for the DRC, helping ensure your cargo arrives without delays.
Sources: ecofinagency.com | afrimag.net
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