To modernise, extent railway network: PAD, Bonabari Railway Network sign partnership agreement.

The partnership agreement was signed on March 19, 2026, at the headquarters of PAD. The Port Authority was represented by its Director General, Cyrus Ngo'o, and DPRIC, represented by Nicolai Rose. 

Officials said the public-private partnership, of the Design-Build-Finance-Maintain, DBFM, type arrange represents an overall investment of 40 billion FCFA, entirely financed by the private partner over a period of 25 years, covering all phases, ranging from financing to maintenance, before it’s transferred back to PAD. 

The partnership, officials revealed, will notably provide for the carrying out of studies, design, construction, modernisation, as well as the operation of a high-performance railway network integrating innovative technologies.

According to PAD, the expected benefits are significant, with 120 direct jobs and 360 indirect jobs to be generated, with priority given to local expertise. 

Beyond the economic impact, PAD said the project will contribute to the improvement of urban living conditions, notably through the decongestion of road traffic related to trucks, the reduction of traffic accidents, as well as the decrease in air and noise pollution. 

PAD further added that an annual joint programme for the training and professional integration of young Cameroonian graduates will be implemented by both parties, thus strengthening the development of human capital.

On the financial level, PAD said the partnership will generate substantial income, thanks to a fixed annual fee and a progressive percentage based on turnover, 5% during the first 10 years, 7% from the 11th to the 20th year, and 8% from the 21st to the 25th year. All of this for a total amount estimated at 8,563,928,075 FCFA excluding taxes over the duration of the project.

The modernisation and extension of the railway network in the port area of ​​Douala-Bonabéri is provided for by the 2020-2050 Development Master Plan, with PAD noting that it is also included in its Project Bank, in direct line with the vast program of renovation, modernisation, and development of infrastructure and superstructure currently being implemented at the Port of Douala-Bonabéri. 

PAD said it aims to strengthen the performance, attractiveness, and competitiveness of this major port, while consolidating its position as a reference logistics hub in the Gulf of Guinea.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3740 of Wednesday March 25, 2026