Cameroon: The African Development Bank Group Supports the Launch of an Ambitious Development Project for the Integrated Industrial Zone at the Port of Kribi

A true regional competitiveness hub, the Integrated Industrial Zone at the Port of Kribi aims to become a catalyst for inclusive industrialization, sustainable job creation, and economic integration in Central Africa.

The company in charge of developing the future integrated industrial zone linked to the deep-sea port of Kribi, Kribi Port Industrial Zone (KPIZ), was officially launched on February 26, 2026, in Yaoundé. This ambitious initiative is part of a transformative project supported by the African Development Bank Group.

The ceremony, chaired by Patrice Melom, Chairman of the Board of KPIZ and Director General of the Port Autonome de Kribi, was attended by shareholders involved in the development of the zone, namely Africa Global Logistics (AGL), Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms, and Belmont Investments LTD, as well as government officials, heads of diplomatic missions, and representatives of international organizations.

Backed by the Port Autonome de Kribi, now one of the continent’s major port hubs, the integrated port industrial zone stands out as a strategic lever supporting Cameroon’s Industrialization Master Plan and National Development Strategy. It seeks to diversify national production, increase the manufacturing sector’s share of GDP, and boost exports.

Through this initiative, the Port of Kribi aims to combine the performance of a deep-water infrastructure with the expertise of leading investors.

By 2040, the expected impact is significant: cocoa and derivative product exports are projected to rise from 11,487 tons in 2025 to 191,639 tons; at least 50,000 direct jobs and 150,000 indirect jobs will be created; tax revenues will increase substantially; and the multiplier effect on the initial investment could reach up to twenty times its original value.

As lead arranger and main strategic partner, the African Development Bank Group has committed to mobilizing the full €411 million in public financing and has positioned itself to support €384 million in private financing.

“The State guarantees strategic vision, stability, and alignment with national priorities; the private sector brings capital, technical expertise, execution speed, and innovation; and the African Development Bank provides financial leadership, structuring of financing, and overall coherence,” said Léandre Bassolé, Director General of the Bank Group’s Regional Development, Integration and Service Delivery Office for Central Africa. “By financing this strategic project, we aim, alongside the Government of Cameroon, to catalyze private investment, create sustainable jobs, and strengthen the country’s competitiveness in regional and global markets,” he added. The Bank had presented the project at the Africa Investment Forum 2024, held in Rabat.

Beyond financing, the African Development Bank will also provide high-level technical assistance, strengthen local capacities, and ensure the integration of stringent standards in energy efficiency, responsible resource management, and climate resilience.

“Through this initiative, the Port of Kribi intends to combine the performance of a deep-water infrastructure with the expertise of leading investors to build a world-class port industrial zone serving Cameroon’s economic transformation and enhancing Central Africa’s regional influence,” Mr. Melom stated.

A genuine regional competitiveness hub, the Integrated Industrial Zone at the Port of Kribi is poised to become a catalyst for inclusive industrialization, sustainable job creation, and economic integration in Central Africa.