On Monday, November 17, 2025, the Port Authority of Douala (PAD) reached a decisive milestone in its digital transformation strategy by sealing a major strategic partnership that promises to propel the Douala-Bonabéri port complex toward international Smart Port standards.
The Director General of PAD, Cyrus NGO’O, and the CEO of INNOVENDI, Joël MONEFONG, signed this historic agreement, which officially opens the way for the deployment of a next-generation 4G/5G network and Smart Port solutions at the Port of Douala-Bonabéri.
This strategic initiative instantly positions Cameroon’s port platform within a pioneering technological dynamic in Central Africa, strongly reaffirming PAD’s determination to modernize its infrastructure and maintain its status as the leading logistics hub in the Gulf of Guinea.
A Digital Infrastructure Designed for the Ports of the Future
This public-private partnership, stemming from a spontaneous offer rigorously reviewed by an ad hoc committee, is a true digital performance contract. The project is fully financed by INNOVENDI and/or its partners, allowing PAD to undergo a profound modernization without any initial expenditure.
The technical deployment includes:
• A hybrid 4G/5G architecture ensuring ultra-fast connectivity across all port facilities.
• The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions for real-time cargo traceability and operational data collection.
• The installation of an edge cloud to optimize the local and rapid processing of critical information.
• Advanced cybersecurity tools to strengthen the safety of operations and the protection of systems.
• Intelligent interfaces for the control and automation of numerous tasks.
In practical terms, this transformation will enable optimized traffic management, extensive automation, and a significant improvement in the safety and fluidity of operations.
The Economic Model: A “Win-Win” Approach
The financial structure of the agreement was designed to be mutually beneficial. In return for the rights and facilities granted by PAD, the partner INNOVENDI will pay:
• An initial entry fee.
• A regular fixed fee.
• A variable fee based on activity.
• As well as other fees provided for in port regulations.
This financial framework ensures a sustainable source of revenue for the Port Authority of Douala and guarantees the continuity of technological investment—a true “win-win” arrangement applauded by both parties.
Social Impact and Regional Ambition
This partnership fits perfectly within PAD’s long-term ambitions: to profoundly modernize Cameroon’s primary port, optimize its operational performance, and reduce transit times—an issue frequently raised by shippers and logisticians. This technological upgrade will also enhance the competitiveness of Douala-Bonabéri amid increasing pressure from other ports in the Gulf of Guinea.
Beyond pure innovation, the project promises major social and economic impacts:
• Creation of direct and indirect jobs.
• Involvement of local SMEs in works and services.
• Training of young talents and technology transfer.
For stakeholders in the logistics chain, this modernization heralds a port that is smoother, safer, and better connected. An evolution that could ultimately reposition Douala as an essential technological and logistical hub in Central Africa.
With the signing of this agreement, the Port Authority of Douala reaffirms its determined move to elevate the Port of Douala-Bonabéri to international Smart Port standards. The shift toward 5G unquestionably marks one of the most decisive steps in its modernization.
