Douala–N’Djamena Corridor Project Approves 2026 Work Plan and FCFA 11.12 Billion Budget

Cameroon’s Ministry of Transport has approved the 2026 Work Plan and Annual Budget for the Douala–N’Djamena Corridor Performance Improvement Project, marking a key step in efforts to strengthen one of Central Africa’s most strategic multimodal trade corridors.

The decision was taken during the first ordinary session of the National Steering Committee of the project, held on 18 December 2025 in Yaoundé under the chairmanship of the Minister of Transport. The meeting brought together national stakeholders and international development partners supporting the programme.

Launched in June 2024, the project is designed to address persistent structural constraints along the Douala–N’Djamena corridor, including ageing rail and road infrastructure, weak intermodal connectivity, and slow administrative and customs procedures that continue to weigh on trade flows between Cameroon and its landlocked neighbours, particularly Chad.

During the session, the Steering Committee reviewed progress since the project became effective on 13 June 2024. Project management units presented updates on achievements to date, constraints encountered, and operational priorities across the different components. The Committee acknowledged progress made while issuing guidance aimed at improving implementation efficiency and coordination.

For 2026, the Steering Committee approved a Work Plan and Annual Budget amounting to FCFA 11.12 billion, representing approximately 6.2 percent of total project financing. Within the rail component, priorities include the acquisition of equipment required for the rehabilitation of the 238 km Douala–Yaoundé railway section, as well as the recruitment of consultants responsible for works supervision and control.

The facilitation component will focus on studies and priority procurements, rehabilitation of the Ngaoundéré rail–road platform, acquisition of road safety equipment, and measures aimed at streamlining transit procedures and modernising customs and transport administrations.

The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to close oversight of project execution, with particular emphasis on adherence to timelines, transparent use of funds, and the removal of institutional bottlenecks that could delay implementation.

International financing remains central to the programme. Support from the World Bank, through the International Development Association, amounts to €275.9 million, approximately FCFA 181 billion, and continues to underpin the project’s implementation.

The Douala–N’Djamena Corridor Performance Improvement Project aims to enhance efficiency, security and competitiveness along the corridor, reduce transport costs, and support stronger regional trade and economic integration within the CEMAC region, particularly between Cameroon and Chad.

Douala–N’Djamena Corridor Project Approves 2026 Work Plan and FCFA 11.12 Billion Budget

Cameroon’s Ministry of Transport has approved the 2026 Work Plan and Annual Budget for the Douala–N’Djamena Corridor Performance Improvement Project, marking a key step in efforts to strengthen one of Central Africa’s most strategic multimodal trade corridors.

The decision was taken during the first ordinary session of the National Steering Committee of the project, held on 18 December 2025 in Yaoundé under the chairmanship of the Minister of Transport. The meeting brought together national stakeholders and international development partners supporting the programme.

Launched in June 2024, the project is designed to address persistent structural constraints along the Douala–N’Djamena corridor, including ageing rail and road infrastructure, weak intermodal connectivity, and slow administrative and customs procedures that continue to weigh on trade flows between Cameroon and its landlocked neighbours, particularly Chad.

During the session, the Steering Committee reviewed progress since the project became effective on 13 June 2024. Project management units presented updates on achievements to date, constraints encountered, and operational priorities across the different components. The Committee acknowledged progress made while issuing guidance aimed at improving implementation efficiency and coordination.

For 2026, the Steering Committee approved a Work Plan and Annual Budget amounting to FCFA 11.12 billion, representing approximately 6.2 percent of total project financing. Within the rail component, priorities include the acquisition of equipment required for the rehabilitation of the 238 km Douala–Yaoundé railway section, as well as the recruitment of consultants responsible for works supervision and control.

The facilitation component will focus on studies and priority procurements, rehabilitation of the Ngaoundéré rail–road platform, acquisition of road safety equipment, and measures aimed at streamlining transit procedures and modernising customs and transport administrations.

The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to close oversight of project execution, with particular emphasis on adherence to timelines, transparent use of funds, and the removal of institutional bottlenecks that could delay implementation.

International financing remains central to the programme. Support from the World Bank, through the International Development Association, amounts to €275.9 million, approximately FCFA 181 billion, and continues to underpin the project’s implementation.

The Douala–N’Djamena Corridor Performance Improvement Project aims to enhance efficiency, security and competitiveness along the corridor, reduce transport costs, and support stronger regional trade and economic integration within the CEMAC region, particularly between Cameroon and Chad.

https://www.railwaysafrica.com/country-updates/douala-ndjamena-corridor-project-approves-2026-work-plan-and-fcfa-11-12-billion-budget