• IFC reviewing €7.5M loan for Catramp’s regional logistics expansion in Central Africa
• Project to boost warehouse capacity in Cameroon, Chad, and CAR; €10.1M total cost
• Catramp commits to environmental, social safeguards ahead of IFC board review

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, is reviewing a €7.5 million loan request from Camerounaise de Transactions Maritimes et Portuaires (Catramp), a leading logistics and transport operator in Cameroon.

The financing would help Catramp expand regionally into Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR) while upgrading its existing sites in Douala and Kribi.

Expansion to Address Warehouse Deficit

The expansion is part of a broader regional effort to tackle the shortage of modern warehousing infrastructure in Chad and the CAR. The plan is expected to boost Category A warehousing capacity in Cameroon and neighboring countries, improving storage conditions for local businesses and port operators. The project should also create jobs, use local suppliers, and strengthen workforce training in the logistics industry.

It is valued at about €10.1 million, with €2.6 million to be contributed by the company’s shareholders. Justin Talom holds 85% (including 15% through his holding company, T’s Corporation), while Jean Kuate owns the remaining 15%. The plan will also benefit from the International Development Association’s (IDA) Private Sector Window hybrid finance mechanism, which provides a first-loss guarantee to mitigate risk for investments in low-income countries.

Environmental and Social Commitment

Ahead of the Board’s Dec. 15 review of the loan, the IFC confirmed it had conducted a full environmental and social assessment, including site visits to Catramp’s facilities in Cameroon and meetings with local partners such as Dino & Fils, a wood processing firm. Catramp has committed to a Stakeholder Engagement Plan involving community mapping and a grievance mechanism to prevent adverse impacts and improve project transparency.

 Sandrine Gaingne