Cameroon is set to advance its railway corridor project linking Edéa, Kribi, Lolabé, and Campo, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s infrastructure development. On June 4, a key agreement will be signed in Yaoundé, bringing together the Cameroonian government, Africa Global Logistics (AGL), and Camalco, a local subsidiary of Australian miner Canyon Resources. The event, hosted at the Starland Hotel, will be led by the Minister of Transport, Jean Ernest Massena Ngallè Bibehe, signaling the project’s strategic importance.
The Edéa–Kribi–Campo corridor has long been part of Cameroon’s railway masterplan, aiming to integrate national rail networks with the deep-water port of Kribi and future mining export flows. Initially discussed in 2021, the project spans two key sections: a 184.5-kilometer stretch from Edéa to Kribi and Campo, and another 107-kilometer link from Douala to Limbé and Idénau. The updated vision now includes a connection to Lolabé, adjacent to Kribi’s deep-water port, reinforcing the project’s logistical coherence.
a game-changer for Cameroon’s supply chain
This initiative is more than just an infrastructure upgrade—it’s a strategic overhaul of Cameroon’s supply chain, uniting rail, ports, and mining sectors. The public-private partnership (PPP) model under discussion will cover every phase of the project, from feasibility studies and financing to construction, operation, and maintenance. While no final investment decision has been made, critical details—such as the exact route length, phased construction timeline, total budget, concession duration, and service launch schedule—remain under review.
For the Cameroonian government, the corridor addresses long-standing challenges of regional connectivity and export competitiveness. For AGL, already a major player in Central African logistics, the project presents an opportunity to strengthen its dominance in cargo transportation. Meanwhile, the deep-water port of Kribi, the country’s only such facility, stands to benefit significantly from improved rail access, reducing congestion at Douala’s port, which struggles with the Wouri estuary’s navigational constraints.
kribi’s strategic role in mining logistics
The corridor’s economic viability hinges on Kribi’s ability to handle growing mineral export volumes. Currently, Douala’s logistical bottlenecks limit the port’s efficiency, making a direct rail link to Kribi a high priority. The deep-water infrastructure at Kribi would enable smoother handling of bulk commodities, particularly bauxite, aligning with Cameroon’s push to expand its mining sector.
Camalco, the local arm of Canyon Resources, is central to this vision. The company is developing the Minim Martap bauxite project in the Adamawa region, one of the world’s largest deposits. With proven reserves of 144 million tonnes grading 51.2% alumina and 1.7% silica, and an estimated total resource of 1.102 billion tonnes, the project demands a robust evacuation chain—from mine to rail, storage terminals, and specialized mineral vessels.
camalco secures key logistics links
In the meantime, Camalco is taking steps to ensure seamless logistics through Douala. The company has invested 9.852 billion CFA francs to increase its stake in Camrail—the national rail concessionaire—from 9.1% to 26.9%. Additionally, it has allocated 347.447 million CFA francs to expand the Douala Port Wood Terminal. Preparations are also underway for the Inland Rail Facility and port infrastructure upgrades. Locomotives are slated for delivery by the end of Q2 2026, followed by wagons in July, with the first bauxite shipment expected by Q3 2026.
However, Douala’s navigational limitations continue to pose challenges for large-scale mineral exports. The Edéa–Kribi–Lolabé–Campo corridor offers a long-term solution by providing direct access to a deep-water port, reducing reliance on the current system. For Cameroon, this project represents a triple win: unlocking regional trade potential, maximizing natural resource value, and positioning Kribi as a key export hub.
Yet, significant uncertainties remain. The memorandum does not yet specify investment costs, risk-sharing frameworks, or environmental and land-use impacts. These factors will determine the project’s appeal to international investors and the sustainability of its economic model. Nevertheless, the Yaoundé signing signals the corridor’s return to the forefront of Cameroon’s national development agenda, outlining a future where rail, ports, and mining operate in harmony.
