A discreet yet pivotal event took place on May 28, 2025, at the headquarters of the Port Authority of Douala. There, the company Africa Ports Development (APD) presented the financing for a project likely to reposition Douala-Bonabéri at the heart of the logistics of a rapidly evolving sub-region: the Mixed Bulk Terminal.
Costing 282 billion FCFA, this project represents a major investment in the future. It’s designed to transform the Port of Douala-Bonabéri into a true logistics hub of reference in Central Africa and beyond. This initiative is part of a public-private partnership (PPP) of the BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) type, aiming to guarantee innovative financing and long-term sustainability.
A Colossal Infrastructure for Growing Needs
The project, which is now entering its concrete implementation phase, is of impressive scale. Over five years, 900 linear meters of quays will be built, accompanied by a 36-hectare bulk terminal. The planned equipment is designed to optimize handling and storage: silos with conveyors boasting a combined capacity of 60,000 tons, six warehouses totaling 31,000 m², a complete network of roads and a railway, gas pipes, and a state-of-the-art fire fighting system.
The new infrastructure isn’t limited to purely operational aspects. It will also include a 4,000 m² administrative building, a 3,000 m² storage warehouse, and a 3,250 m² workshop. With a series of storage silos with a capacity of 120,000 tons, the port is acquiring the means to meet the growing logistical needs of the Bonabéri industrial zone and, crucially, landlocked countries in the sub-region such as Chad, the Central African Republic, and Congo. The first quay is expected by 2028, marking a crucial step towards the full operationalization of this terminal.
Mineral and Agro-food Bulk: Strategic Stakes
Ultimately, this terminal will play a pivotal role for mineral and agro-food bulk. These two sectors are economic pillars for Central Africa. Efficient transport and secure storage of these goods are crucial for the region’s industrial development and food security. By modernizing its capacities, Douala isn’t just modernizing itself; it’s positioning itself as an essential facilitator of sub-regional trade.
Beyond purely economic aspects, such a project is a driver of social development. It’s estimated that the project will generate several thousand jobs in its various phases, from construction to the terminal’s operationalization, thereby contributing to job creation in the region.
The Douala-Bonabéri Mixed Bulk Terminal project represents a strong statement of intent, demonstrating Africa’s determination to take charge of its logistical destiny. The implementation of this project should be closely monitored to ensure that the 282 billion FCFA investment translates into economic and social success for Central Africa.
