The first phase of funding for the 800-kilometer trade corridor linking Douala in Cameroon to Bangui in the Central African Republic has been secured. The World Bank has committed $425 million to modernize this critical economic artery, with construction work scheduled to begin next year.
Modernizing Africa’s key trade artery
This Douala-Bangui economic corridor serves as a vital lifeline, handling 80% of goods destined for the Central African Republic and 70% toward Chad. Yet its deteriorating condition has long hampered transport efficiency. Currently, the journey of 1,400 kilometers between Douala and Bangui can take between nine and twelve days—largely due to poor road quality and 17 informal checkpoints along the route.
«We are introducing automated pre-selection systems where only vehicles suspected of overloading will be weighed at stations. Fines, if any, will be automatically recorded, and receipts printed on the spot», explains Donnat Takueté, Director General of Studies at Cameroon’s Ministry of Public Works.
Phased investment and regional impact
The World Bank will channel the bulk of initial funding to Cameroon, with $425 million allocated for the first phase. The Central African Republic will receive $90 million, while regional support through CEMAC will prepare for subsequent project stages. «This corridor will streamline trade operations, reduce transport delays, and boost economic integration across Central Africa», notes Anne-Cécile Souhaid, Director of the World Bank’s West and Central Africa Region.
Cameroon’s road rehabilitation plan
Cameroon’s Ministry of Public Works outlines key interventions:
- Reconstruction of the 215-kilometer Yaoundé-Douala road
- Rehabilitation of the 332-kilometer Yaoundé-Bonis-Ayos segment
- Upgrade of the 253-kilometer Bonis-Bertoua stretch
Together, these upgrades will cover approximately 800 kilometers of roads, designed to meet both economic and logistical demands. The project is expected to create between 2,000 and 4,000 direct and indirect jobs over several years of implementation.
