• 500-ha site on Dibamba River: rail, road, river links.

• Phase 1: 100-ha multimodal logistics zone, CFA 160 bn.

• Phase 2: 350-ha industrial-port with agro units, timber cluster, fishing port.

On July 24, Cameroonian Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute officially launched the construction of a 500-hectare industrial and logistics complex along the Dibamba River. This project is a CFA 230 billion ($411 million) partnership between India’s Arise IIP and the Port Autonome de Douala (PAD).

The project is scheduled to progress in two phases. Phase 1 involves a 100-hectare multimodal logistics zone, costing CFA 160 billion, planned for completion within 24 months and expected to generate approximately 15,000 direct and indirect jobs. Phase 2 involves a 350-hectare industrial-port zone, valued at CFA 70 billion, to be developed over 36 months. This project will include agro-processing units, a timber cluster, and a modern fishing port.

Once fully operational, the complex is expected to anchor an ecosystem that could support up to 500,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs, ease pressure on the main Douala port and strengthen trade links with Cameroon’s hinterland via river and rail corridors.

The initiative aligns with Cameroon’s National Development Strategy 2020–2030, which aims to accelerate industrialisation and enhance regional connectivity.

Originally reported in French by Frédéric Nonos; English adaptation by Ola Schad Akinocho.