Ongoing road projects, achievements, the backbone network, and constraints hampering sector performance were the key topics at the public conference led by Public Works Minister Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi on June 11, 2026, at the Government Action Fair (SAGO 2026). The well-attended session focused on upgrading Cameroon’s national road network.
Addressing journalists, road users, and fair attendees, the minister presented a mid-term assessment of the National Development Strategy 2020-2030, updated progress since early 2026, and highlighted obstacles slowing road project execution. He emphasised measures to sustainably improve the quality and connectivity of Cameroon’s road network, presenting the backbone network as the core focus of the Ministry of Public Works.
The minister reminded that road infrastructure development drives economic growth and territorial cohesion. He stressed that his department’s actions help fulfill commitments made by President Paul Biya under the National Development Strategy 2020-2030.
Presenting the mid-term evaluation, the minister reported that nearly 2,442 kilometres of roads have been paved and about 833 kilometres of degraded roads rehabilitated. He acknowledged persistent delays, particularly in road maintenance.
Key factors affecting performance include insecurity in certain intervention zones, cumbersome funding mobilisation procedures, procurement delays, contractor cash-flow issues, and limited resources allocated to road maintenance.
Despite these challenges, the minister highlighted progress over the past five years. The length of paved roads increased from 8,498 kilometres in 2020 to nearly 10,939 kilometres by end of 2025, an average annual increase of over 488 kilometres.
Looking ahead, Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi stated that actions launched since early 2026 align with the President’s high-level directives, with a strong focus on the backbone road network, improved infrastructure quality, and enhanced territorial connectivity.