A “considerable number of opportunities” exist across a range of sectors around ports in Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to Paul Runge, director projects & development finance at Africa House.
Runge and a high-level business delegation recently visited Douala and Kribi in Cameroon as well as Pointe Noire in the Republic of the Congo, where new and upcoming port developments offer opportunities for a range of businesses in the support infrastructure and ancillary supply fields.
“Given the limitations of Douala port, Kribi has been identified as a future hub for development of petrochemicals production as well as general cargo use,” Runge said.
He pointed out that port improvements included the extension of the quay by 700 metres; the establishment of a new container terminal and the construction of additional warehouses.
According to Runge, a major port industrial zone is planned. An LNG plant and a cocoa processing plant are also being prepared. “Rail links to the inland iron ore mines are important components of the programme,” he said.
At Douala port, which is an important gateway for supply to the land-locked Chad and Central African Republic markets, a number of port expansion initiatives are planned. “The nearby Limbedeepwater port development will enhance capacity and a fertiliser plant is also planned for Limbe,” Runge said.
Pointe Noire port, also a gateway to the interior markets, is set to be expanded by 31 berths over an area of nine square kilometres.
Related projects are rail linkages to the inland iron ore mines, the rehabilitation of the CORAF oil refinery, the development of the Dolisie dry port and planned corridor roads. A major dedicated minerals port is also planned.
The investigation was undertaken in close collaboration with Bolloré and Necotrans, who are the holders of various concessions at the ports, and who have partnered with Africa House in facilitating site visits.
