The African Development Bank has published the appraisal report for the Transport Sector Support Program Phase IV, which focuses on reconstructing the Ngaoundéré-Garoua segment of the Douala-N’Djamena Economic Corridor.
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.
Trade along the corridor is facilitated by rail and road networks, but the Ngaoundéré-Garoua road section, built in the 1990s, has deteriorated significantly. Its poor condition increases journey times and transaction costs, hindering economic activity. The rehabilitation of this segment aims to restore its functionality, reduce delays, and improve trade efficiency.
Cameroon has adopted a multimodal approach to transport infrastructure development, investing heavily in road, rail, and port projects over the past decade. The government has also allocated resources to maintain the railway line along the Douala-Ngaoundéré corridor. In support of this strategy, the African Development Bank funded a UA 4 million feasibility study to explore extending the railway line from Ngaoundéré to N’Djamena.
The rehabilitation of the Ngaoundéré-Garoua section will significantly 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.
This project underscores Cameroon’s commitment to creating an integrated and efficient transport network, fostering regional trade, and driving sustainable economic growth.
