The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a €330.48 million loan to rehabilitate and expand the 246-km Ngaoundéré-Garoua road, a vital trade corridor linking Cameroon to its regional neighbours.
This funding falls under Phase 4 of the Transport Sector Support Program (PAST4), which aims to modernise Cameroon’s road infrastructure, according to an official statement seen by APA on Monday.
The agreement was signed in Yaoundé on March 19 by Solomane Koné, AfDB’s Acting Director-General for Central Africa, and Alamine Ousmane Mey, Cameroon’s Minister of Economy, Planning, and Regional Development.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, including Minister of Transport Jean Ernest Ngallé Bibéhè and Minister of Public Works Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi.
“Rebuilding the Ngaoundéré-Garoua road is crucial for improving our economy’s competitiveness, ensuring better connectivity, and easing mobility,” stated Minister Ousmane Mey. He added that the project will boost agricultural and commercial activities in the affected regions, enhancing local livelihoods.
AfDB is covering 97% of the total €340.7 million cost. The Cameroonian government contributes €9.14 million. Three new interchanges will be built to improve traffic flow. Additional social and economic infrastructure will be developed, including markets, schools, and health centers.
Minister Ousmane Mey emphasised Cameroon’s central role in the CEMAC regional integration strategy, stating that the revamped road will boost cross-border trade, particularly between Cameroon and Chad.
This initiative is aligned with Cameroon’s National Development Strategy (2020-2030) and the AfDB’s 2023-2028 country strategy, which focuses on economic diversification and improving market access for agricultural and industrial producers in northern Cameroon.
With $1.88 billion already invested in Cameroon’s transport sector, the AfDB remains a key partner in enhancing mobility, trade, and sustainable growth in Central Africa.
ODL/te/sf/lb/as/APA