Cameroon is home to two major ports: the Port of Douala, the largest in the Central African sub-region, and the Port of Kribi, the country’s only deep seaport, which opened in 2018. The government is developing a special economic zone (SEZ) around the Kribi port that will include manufacturing and industrial sites, as well as energy and mineral terminals. Expanding the Kribi port to include the SEZ could create opportunities in port logistics, industrial infrastructure, energy services, and specialized construction, particularly through private-sector partnerships and projects supported by export credit or blended financing mechanisms.
Leading Sub-sectors
- Warehouse and Storage: Expanding trade and logistics networks in Cameroon are driving demand for modern warehouse facilities, racking systems, and climate-controlled storage solutions.
- Manufacturing: Cameroon’s industrialization push, particularly in agro-processing, cement, and consumer goods, creates openings for U.S. firms to supply machinery, and automation equipment.
- Distribution Centers: Growing e-commerce and retail sectors are highlighting the need for efficient distribution hubs, inventory management systems, and material-handling equipment, where firms can provide turnkey solutions and software-enabled operations.
- Port Equipment: Expansions at the ports of Kribi and Douala are generating demand for cranes, forklifts, conveyor systems, and logistics technology.
Opportunities
The Port of Kribi’s expansion, primarily financed by China Eximbank, and the Port of Douala’s new terminals, backed by Afreximbank, AFG Bank, and public-private partnerships, offer firms opportunities in port construction, logistics, equipment supply, and industrial services, potentially supported by EXIM or DFC financing. Kribi, with its deep seaport capacity and growing industrial zone, offers potential in manufacturing and warehousing, while Douala focuses on modernization through public-private partnerships.
Resources
Port of Kribi - https://www.pak.cm/
Port of Douala - https://pad.cm/a-propos-du-pad/