On May 11, 2026, transport and logistics stakeholders from Cameroon, Chad, and the Central African Republic gathered in N’Djamena for the fifth edition of the tripartite forum focused on enhancing goods transit through Cameroonian ports. The event brought together port authorities, logistics providers, and government officials to address persistent bottlenecks in the region’s trade routes, with a sharp focus on streamlining corridor efficiency, trimming logistics costs, and deepening economic integration in Central Africa.
The two-day forum, held under the leadership of key figures such as Fatima Goukouni Weddeye, Jean Ernest Masséna Ngallè Bibéhè, and a senior representative from the Central African Republic’s Ministry of Transport, tackled critical issues like securing trade corridors, combating roadblock extortion, unifying regulatory frameworks, and reducing transit delays. These discussions reflect a broader ambition to transform the region’s logistics landscape into a more competitive and investor-friendly ecosystem.
For landlocked nations like Chad and the Central African Republic, which rely heavily on Douala and Kribi ports for imports and exports, the stakes are particularly high. The forum served as a platform to align strategies that could accelerate cargo movement, lower transport expenses, and foster smoother collaboration between port administrations and customs services. Cameroon, as the host and primary transit hub, stands to gain significantly by reinforcing its ports as the gateway to subregional trade.
key priorities for smoother regional transit
The agenda highlighted several focal areas to revitalize trade flows:
- Securing transit routes: Implementing measures to protect goods in transit from theft, delays, and unauthorized levies.
- Harmonizing regulations: Aligning customs, border, and transport policies across the three countries to eliminate redundancies and discrepancies.
- Reducing transit times: Identifying bottlenecks and deploying digital tools to expedite cargo clearance and inspections.
- Lowering logistics costs: Introducing competitive pricing models and shared infrastructure investments to make trade more affordable.
a step toward stronger economic ties
The forum underscored a shared commitment to deepen economic cooperation in Central Africa. By addressing logistical inefficiencies, the three nations aim to unlock new trade opportunities, attract foreign investments, and boost intra-regional commerce. For Cameroon, this initiative reinforces its strategic position as a logistical hub, while for Chad and the Central African Republic, it offers a pathway to economic resilience through reliable trade routes.
As the discussions progressed, participants emphasized the need for sustained political will and practical follow-through to translate these plans into tangible outcomes. The next steps include drafting actionable agreements, setting measurable benchmarks, and ensuring continuous dialogue among all stakeholders.
