On June 24 and 25, 2026, Cameroon’s capital pulsed with a debriefing workshop that marks a turning point for the country’s infrastructure. In a context where economic competitiveness hinges on reliable roads, efficient railways and smooth logistics, the government unveiled an ambitious roadmap extending to 2035.
Gathered around a table were Mbamome Nkendong Divine, Director of Road Transport, Claude Misse Ntone, Director of Rail Transport, consultants from Idea Consult International and TRT Studi Cameroon, as well as representatives of the World Bank and the African Development Bank, who reviewed the feasibility studies underpinning the project.
One major finding concerns the creation of a Land Transport Regulation Agency (ARTT). The agency will be based in Yaoundé, with an initial mandate focused on road transport, before gradually expanding its remit to other modes of travel. This structure aims to harmonise standards, secure supply chains and reduce bottlenecks that hinder domestic trade.
The launch cost of the ARTT is estimated at 260 million CFA francs. This funding will cover, among other things, the establishment of governance bodies, information systems and the first quality‑control programmes for road infrastructure. No further figures were disclosed, but the investment already constitutes a significant portion of the budget earmarked for infrastructure projects over the next two years.
For Cameroonian users, road modernisation will quickly translate into shorter travel times, controlled fuel costs and easier access to regional markets. Rural areas, often isolated, will benefit from better connections to economic hubs, thereby boosting agricultural activity and local small businesses.
At the same time, the Director of Rail Transport presented the foundations of the National Logistics Strategy (SLN), which will revolve around a modernised railway network, a multimodal hub and the digitalisation of customs procedures. The goal is to create a logistics corridor that can compete with those in North and West Africa, while facilitating the transit of goods to the ports of Douala and Kribi.
The financial partners, the World Bank and the African Development Bank, expressed support contingent on rigorous implementation of the reforms. Their involvement guarantees not only financing but also access to international expertise that can guide the country through the execution and monitoring phases of the projects.
Challenges remain numerous: coordination among multiple ministries, cost control, anti‑corruption efforts and mobilisation of local expertise. Nevertheless, the timetable sets clear milestones, with the first tranche of road infrastructure slated for commissioning by 2029, followed by a gradual expansion of the ARTT’s mandate and the rollout of the railway network by 2032.
As Cameroon prepares to cross a decisive threshold, observers and economic actors will scrutinise every development. The success of this action plan could reposition the country as a major logistics hub in Central Africa, providing its citizens with opportunities for mobility, employment and sustainable growth.
