The Douala-N’Djamena corridor is a crucial trade route, linking the port of Douala to Chad, a landlocked country dependent on this corridor for access to the sea.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Cameroon government are embarking on the ambitious rehabilitation of the Ngaoundere-Garoua segment of the Douala-N’Djamena Economic Corridor. This project, part of the Transport Sector Support Program Phase IV, addresses decades of wear and tear on one of Central Africa’s most vital trade routes.
The Douala-N’Djamena corridor is a crucial trade route, linking the port of Douala to Chad, a landlocked country dependent on this corridor for access to the sea. It also serves the Far North Region of Cameroon, which has faced challenges due to climate change and security threats.
The African Development Bank’s (AfDB) participation in this programme falls within the framework of its ongoing cooperation with Cameroon in the transport sector, which focuses, among other things, on: road construction to increase the density of the national network; connection with other countries in the sub-region to strengthen regional integration and enhance the logistical competitiveness of the national economy; and development of roads to agricultural production areas to provide access to markets and basic social services.
The Douala-N’Djamena corridor, spanning from Douala’s bustling Atlantic port to Chad’s capital, N’Djamena, is a lifeline for trade between Cameroon and its landlocked neighbour. It also serves the Far North Region of Cameroon, an area grappling with the compounded challenges of climate change and security threats brought about by the Boko Haram insurgency.
Constructed in the 1990s, the Ngaoundere-Garoua road segment has suffered significant degradation over time. The poor state of this infrastructure has increased travel times, raised transportation costs, and negatively impacted trade and economic activities. Drivers navigating the pothole-ridden stretch face frequent delays, higher vehicle maintenance costs, and safety risks, all of which undermine the corridor’s efficacy.
The project is part of a broader, multimodal strategy implemented by the Cameroon government to develop its transport infrastructure. Recognizing the importance of seamless connectivity, the government has made significant investments in roads, railways, and ports over the last decade.
The government of Cameroon has also allocated resources to maintain the railway line along the Douala-Ngaoundere corridor. In support of this strategy, the African Development Bank funded a $4 million feasibility study to explore extending the railway line from Ngaoundere to N’Djamena.
The African Development Bank has been a crucial partner in Cameroon’s transport sector development. Its financial and technical support has been instrumental in advancing projects like the Ngaoundere-Garoua rehabilitation. The appraisal report recently published by the AfDB emphasizes the strategic importance of this initiative in fostering sustainable economic growth across Central Africa.
The reconstruction of the Ngaoundere-Garoua section is expected to deliver substantial benefits to the region. It is expected to reduce journey times, lower transport costs, and boost trade efficiency along the Douala-N’Djamena and Douala-Bangui corridors. Additionally, it will economically empower communities along the route and enhance their resilience to environmental and economic challenges.
By facilitating the movement of goods, services, and people, the Douala-N’Djamena corridor plays a critical role in the economies of both Cameroon and Chad. The corridor’s convalescence will also enhance Cameroon’s standing as a regional logistics hub, leveraging its strategic location and advanced port facilities in Douala.
For Chad, a landlocked nation heavily dependent on this corridor for access to the sea, the road’s rehabilitation represents a lifeline for its import and export activities. It is expected to enhance Chad’s ability to trade competitively on international markets, fostering economic growth and development.
African Development Bank Fuels Road Upgrade Linking Douala to N’Djamena
