The program aims to modernize a strategic axis of Cameroon’s road network, which is essential for facilitating the transport of people and goods between the north and south of the country.
The African Development Bank Group has granted a loan of 330.48 million euros to Cameroon for the rehabilitation and expansion of the 246 km Ngaoundéré-Garoua section along the Douala-N’Djamena economic corridor. This initiative is part of Phase 4 of the Transport Sector Support Program (PAST4).
The agreement, covering one of the country’s and Central Africa’s most strategic corridors, was signed on March 19, 2025, in Yaoundé by Solomane Koné, Acting Director General of the African Development Bank Group for Central Africa, and Alamine Ousmane Mey, Minister of Economy, Planning, and Regional Development and Governor of the Bank for Cameroon.
The ceremony brought together Hilarion Etong, First Vice-President of the National Assembly, as well as several government officials, including Minister of Transport Jean Ernest Ngallé Bibéhè, Minister of Public Works Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi, Minister Delegate to the Presidency in charge of Public Contracts Ibrahim Talba Malla, and local elected officials and regional governors, particularly from the Adamawa and North regions.
“The reconstruction of the Ngaoundéré-Garoua road section is crucial for the competitiveness of our economy, as it enhances connectivity and facilitates mobility. Furthermore, it optimizes the agro-pastoral and commercial potential of the regions it crosses, to the great benefit of local populations,” stated Minister Mey.
“Phase 4 of the Transport Sector Support Program, approved by the African Development Bank’s Board of Directors on December 13, 2024, was designed to amplify the impact of previous Bank interventions and to support its leadership and dynamic cooperation with Cameroon in the transport sector,” highlighted Mr. Koné.
The Bank Group is financing 97% of the total cost of Phase 4 of the Transport Sector Support Program, which amounts to 340.7 million euros. The Cameroonian government is contributing 9.14 million euros.
The program aims to modernize a strategic axis of Cameroon’s road network, essential for facilitating the transport of people and goods between the north and south of the country. Additionally, three interchanges are planned to improve traffic flow. The program also includes transport facilitation measures and support for local communities, such as the construction of socioeconomic infrastructure, including markets, schools, and health centers. Upgrading this road segment to international standards will have a positive impact on economic competitiveness and regional integration.
“Cameroon’s geostrategic position places our country at the heart of CEMAC (Economic and Monetary Community of Central African States) integration efforts. A well-maintained Ngaoundéré-Garoua road will undoubtedly boost cross-border trade by significantly increasing traffic along the Garoua-Maroua-Kousseri-N’Djamena (Chad) axis and the Garoua-Magada-Yagoua-Bongor-N’Djamena route,” noted Minister Mey.
Phase 4 of the Transport Sector Support Program aligns with Cameroon’s National Development Strategy for 2020-2030 (SND30) and the African Development Bank Group’s priorities under its Cameroon Country Strategy Paper for 2023-2028. This strategy supports economic diversification by facilitating market access for agricultural and industrial producers in the country’s northern regions.
The African Development Bank Group is a strategic partner for Cameroon, particularly in infrastructure development, with investments totaling 1.88 billion dollars in the transport sector. Its commitment is reflected in major investments in road construction and modernization, bridges, and strategic corridors, thereby improving mobility for populations and facilitating the transportation of goods at both national and regional levels. Through an integrated and inclusive approach aligned with its 2024-2033 Ten-Year Strategy, the Bank Group is driving structural economic transformation and regional integration to promote sustainable growth and job creation for the benefit of the population.
