Douala is investing in a 282-billion CFA mixed bulk terminal to become a regional logistics hub
A key date for the maritime future of Cameroon and Central Africa emerged on May 28, 2025. The Port Autonome de Douala (PAD) and Africa Ports Development (APD) officially initiated the financing for a colossal project: the Douala-Bonabéri Mixed Bulk Terminal. With an investment of 282 billion FCFA, this initiative aims to transform Douala into a truly indispensable logistics hub for the sub-region and beyond.
This strategic project is based on a public-private partnership (PPP) of the BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) type. This model not only attracts essential private capital but also ensures public control and the long-term sustainability of the infrastructure, a formula increasingly favored for the development of major maritime infrastructures in Africa.
Cutting-Edge Infrastructure for Maximum Efficiency
The future bulk terminal, whose construction will span five years, represents a major advancement in terms of capacity and technology for the Port of Douala-Bonabéri. It will feature 900 linear meters of quays and a vast 36-hectare platform dedicated to bulk operations. The integration of state-of-the-art equipment is central to this modernization:
- Silos and conveyors: A combined capacity of 60,000 tons for optimized storage and transfer of goods.
- Warehouses: Six hangars totaling 31,000 m² of storage space.
- Internal network: A complete system of roads and railways to streamline the movement of goods within the port and to the hinterland.
- Specific installations: Dedicated gas pipes and a latest-generation fire-fighting system to ensure operational safety.
Beyond purely operational aspects, the complex will also integrate a 4,000 m² administrative building, a 3,000 m² storage warehouse, and a 3,250 m² workshop. The entire facility, complemented by additional silos bringing the total capacity to 120,000 tons, is designed to meet the growing logistical needs of the Bonabéri industrial zone and, crucially, the landlocked countries of the sub-region, such as Chad, the Central African Republic, and Congo. The delivery of the first quay is expected by 2028, marking a decisive step in the realization of this ambition.
A Lever for Economic and Social Growth
The Mixed Bulk Terminal is strategically positioned to manage the flows of mineral and agro-food bulk, two vital sectors for the Central African economy. By strengthening its capacities in these key areas, Douala solidifies its role as an indispensable entry and exit point for raw materials and essential products for the region’s food security and industrial development.
The project’s impact extends far beyond just trade volumes. It is also a powerful catalyst for job creation, with projections for several thousand positions during both the construction and operational phases. These employment opportunities are fundamental for the socio-economic development of local and regional communities.
By investing massively in this Mixed Bulk Terminal, Cameroon demonstrates an ambitious vision for its maritime sector and, by extension, for all of Central Africa. It is a firm commitment to strengthening the continent’s logistical capabilities, thereby facilitating trade and driving the economic development of an entire sub-region.
