On a pivotal two-day gathering in N’Djamena, logistics and transport stakeholders from Cameroon, Chad, and the Central African Republic convened for the fifth tripartite forum, this time focusing on reviving transit efficiency through Cameroon’s ports. The high-stakes meeting centered on unlocking smoother trade flows, cutting logistics expenses, and deepening economic ties across the subregion.

The sessions brought together port authorities, transport operators, and government officials to tackle persistent bottlenecks that continue to hamper cross-border trade. With Chad and the Central African Republic—both landlocked nations—heavily reliant on Douala and Kribi for imports and exports, the urgency to streamline transit corridors has never been clearer.

Led by key figures including Fatima Goukouni Weddeye, Jean Ernest Masséna Ngallè Bibéhè, and a senior representative from the Central African Republic’s Ministry of Transport, discussions zeroed in on critical priorities: securing safer transit routes, eradicating roadblock extortion, aligning regulatory frameworks, and trimming transit delays. These efforts underscore a broader commitment to fostering economic integration in Central Africa.

The forum’s ambitions extend beyond technical fixes, aiming to forge a more competitive logistics network that bolsters regional trade and lures foreign investment. Anticipated outcomes include faster cargo clearance, reduced transport costs, and tighter collaboration between port administrations and customs agencies. For Cameroon, the stakes are high—reinforcing its ports as pivotal hubs for subregional commerce.