A crucial step has been taken in improving trade relations between Chad and Cameroon. The Chadian Shippers Council (COC-Tchad) and the Autonomous Port of Douala (PAD) officially signed a historic memorandum of understanding on Monday, April 28, 2025, aimed at facilitating and securing the transit of Chadian goods through the Cameroonian port platform.
During the signing ceremony, the Director General of COC-Tchad, Mr. Hamid Djoumino, emphasized the importance of this protocol: “Through the signing of this memorandum of understanding, we are consolidating our ties, our sincere friendship, and our shared ambition to more closely link our economic destinies to build a more fluid, more competitive, and more promising corridor for our economic operators.”
Described as a historic event and a decisive step towards improving the working conditions of Chadian shippers, freight forwarders, and transporters operating between Douala and the main cities of Chad, this agreement aims to transform the daily lives of these stakeholders by addressing the main logistical challenges encountered.
The partnership sealed between COC-Tchad and PAD revolves around several strategic axes:
- Increased facilitation and security of Chadian goods transit: The primary objective is to make the passage of goods easier and less exposed to risks
- Significant reduction in logistics costs: By optimizing procedures and reducing delays, this agreement should positively impact the overall cost of transportation.
- Training and support for Chadian shippers: An important component of the protocol provides for strengthening the capacities of Chadian stakeholders through adapted training programs.
To translate these ambitions into concrete actions, several initiatives are planned: - Establishment of modern and secure logistics zones: These infrastructures will optimize the storage and handling of goods in transit.
- Construction of modern rest areas for transporters and drivers: Recognizing the essential role of drivers, the agreement provides dedicated spaces for their well-being and safety.
- Development of data exchange platforms to ensure the transparency of operations: The digitalization of information will allow for more effective monitoring of goods and better coordination between the various stakeholders.
- Establishment of community centers to support communication and training for shippers: These spaces will promote the exchange of information and the development of skills within the Chadian shipper community.
This agreement between COC-Tchad and PAD opens a new era of cooperation and promises significant economic benefits for both countries by boosting trade and strengthening regional integration. Transport and logistics stakeholders eagerly await the implementation of these measures, which should transform the Douala-Chad corridor into a model of fluidity and efficiency.
