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
AI-backed agri-fintech is increasingly being used to pilot new rural credit models in Africa, where ...
Investment bank BCID-AES established in Bamako Bank aims to fund infrastructure, agricultur...
This week’s health update shows Africa edging closer to the end of the mpox public health emergency,...
Standard Bank extended a USD 138 million facility to STEP, acting as sole arranger and advisor to ...
BNP Paribas entered exclusive preliminary talks with Holmarcom to sell its 67% stake in BMCI. ...
Carrefour to enter Ghana retail market in 2026 via franchise Shoprite Ghana stores to be rebranded Carrefour from April 2026 Plan includes opening...
(HUAWEI) - Huawei Northern Africa concludes today the Huawei Northern Africa Inclusive Energy Summit 2025 at the Four Seasons Hotel in...
Malawi plans state takeover of majority fuel imports to curb shortages NOCMA to import about 60% of fuel in 2026-27 Private importers remain active...
Ethio Telecom to extend telehealth services to 200 more hospitals Expansion aims to cut costs and improve healthcare access Rollout supported by 4G,...
Palm Hills Developments signs agreement with Marriott International to introduce the St. Regis brand in West Cairo. Project to include a luxury...
(FEZ–MEKNES REGION) - As AFCON 2025 approaches: the Fez-Meknes region is emerging as one of Morocco’s most strategic tourism hubs, offering strong...