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
MTN Zambia tests Starlink satellite service connecting phones directly from space Direct-to...
Togo parliament adopts WAEMU law against currency counterfeiting Bill defines offences including ...
Since its 2019 IPO, Airtel Africa paid Deloitte over $37 million in audit and non-audit fees,...
Tilenga oil project required land from 4,954 households in Uganda Over 99% of affected households...
World Bank announces $137 million to boost West Africa digital economy Program expands broad...
Starsight Energy Africa has secured $15 million in mezzanine financing from British International Investment. The funds will support the...
Algeria is preparing a new licensing round, Algeria Bid Round 2026, for oil and gas exploration blocks. The tender will be organized by ALNAFT, the...
The World Bank has approved a $250 million program to support access to finance for SMEs in Niger. Around 7,500 micro, small and medium-sized...
Senegal plans to revoke 71 mining and quarry licenses as part of a sector cleanup. The move follows similar reforms in Guinea, Mali and...
Mbanza Kongo, located in northern Angola, is one of the most important historic cities in Central Africa. The capital of Zaire Province, it stands on a...
Actress Wunmi Mosakuand director Kaouther Ben Haniarepresent Africa among contenders at the 2026 Oscars. Mosaku received a nomination for Best...