The government of Cameroon is actively courting British investors to help build a world-class airport in the country. Currently, Cameroon is limited to two small international airports: Douala and Nsimalen in Yaoundé.
In a recent meeting with British investors in Yaoundé, Transport Minister Jean Ernest Massena Ngalle Bibihe outlined key areas for investment in Cameroon’s transport sector. While emphasising the need for a world-class airport, the minister also pointed to opportunities in the construction of the Limbe Deep Sea Port and the creation of a dry port. According to Bibihe, these projects would ease congestion at the country’s existing seaports in Douala and Kribi.
However, the government’s repeated focus on the Limbe Deep Sea Port has raised doubts about its commitment to the project, as Cameroon has been promising its construction for decades without significant progress.
Minister Bibihe also highlighted the need for infrastructure improvements, including the extension and construction of new railway tracks. The railway sector, he noted, continues to struggle in Cameroon, with most long-distance travel still relying on cars.
Additionally, Bibihe urged the investors to consider importing less-polluting vehicles into the country, emphasizing the need for cleaner transportation options, including electric cars.
The meeting, facilitated by Britain’s High Commissioner to Cameroon, Matthew David Woods, underscored the strong relationship between Cameroon and Great Britain. Woods reaffirmed the UK government’s commitment to collaborating with Cameroon, with hopes of forging new trade and economic partnerships that benefit both nations. He assured the investors that they would receive detailed documents outlining the various projects.
Challenges Facing Cameroon’s Infrastructure Development
While the government is eager to introduce electric vehicles, it faces significant challenges in terms of electricity supply. Over 70 percent of Cameroonians still lack access to reliable electricity, raising questions about the practicality of widespread electric vehicle adoption in the short term.
The state of Cameroon’s roads also presents a concern for potential investors, as poor infrastructure could influence decisions on the types of vehicles to import.
In the aviation sector, Camair-Co, the national airline, continues to struggle with outdated aircraft, high ticket prices, and unreliable schedules, leaving passengers dissatisfied. Despite these challenges, the government remains determined to create an international-standard airport.
Similarly, promises of developing the Limbe Deep Sea Port have yet to materialize, and the once-operational port has fallen into disrepair since the 1972 referendum.
With these challenges in mind, it remains to be seen whether British investors will commit to the government’s ambitious infrastructure plans.
