Cameroon’s Freight Transport Industry

Cameroon’s Freight Transport Industry

Cameroon’s freight transport industry plays a critical role in facilitating trade and supporting the country’s economy. Strategically located in Central Africa with access to the Atlantic Ocean through the Port of Douala, Cameroon serves as a key gateway for landlocked countries such as Chad and the Central African Republic. The industry includes road, rail, air, and maritime transport, with road freight being the dominant mode.

Road Transport

Road transport is the backbone of Cameroon’s freight logistics. It accounts for over 90% of domestic and regional cargo movement. The country has an extensive road network, although much of it remains underdeveloped or in poor condition, particularly in rural and border areas. Paved roads are primarily concentrated in urban regions and along the Douala–Yaoundé corridor, which is critical for the movement of goods between the economic capital and the political capital. Freight trucks often transport agricultural products, construction materials, oil, and consumer goods.

Rail Transport

Rail transport in Cameroon is managed by Camrail, a subsidiary of Bolloré Africa Logistics. The railway system, though limited in reach, connects the Port of Douala to key inland cities such as Yaoundé and Ngaoundéré. This mode of transport is particularly important for heavy goods, including petroleum, timber, and minerals. The government has expressed interest in expanding the rail network to improve freight efficiency and support mining exports.

Air Transport

Air freight plays a relatively small role in Cameroon’s overall freight industry due to high costs and limited infrastructure. However, Douala International Airport and Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport handle a significant portion of air cargo, primarily high-value or perishable goods such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and fresh produce. Air freight is crucial for time-sensitive deliveries but remains less competitive compared to road and sea transport.

Maritime Transport

The Port of Douala is Cameroon’s main seaport and handles most of the country’s international trade. It also serves as a vital transit hub for goods heading to and from landlocked neighboring countries. However, congestion and inefficiencies at the port have been major concerns. In response, the government and private operators have undertaken modernization projects, including port expansion, improved cargo handling, and the development of the newer Kribi Deep Sea Port, which is designed to accommodate larger vessels and reduce dependency on Douala.

Challenges and Reforms

The freight transport sector in Cameroon faces several challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, bureaucratic delays, corruption, and insecurity in certain regions. These issues increase transportation costs and reduce efficiency. However, government reforms and foreign investment initiatives aim to improve infrastructure, reduce delays at ports and borders, and promote public-private partnerships to modernize logistics services.

Outlook

With ongoing improvements in infrastructure, including road rehabilitation, rail expansion, and port modernization, Cameroon’s freight transport industry is poised for growth. The country’s strategic location and its role as a transit hub for Central Africa make it an important player in regional trade logistics. Continued investment and policy reform will be key to unlocking the full potential of this sector and supporting economic development in Cameroon and the broader Central African region.