Cameroon: Nearly $200 million for the revival of the Bekoko-Limbe-Idenau corridor

To revive the Bekoko-Limbe-Idenau road project, the Cameroonian government intends to invest 113 billion CFA francs (approximately $197 million). This strategic infrastructure, covering about 107 kilometers (km), aims to modernize a key axis between the Littoral and the Southwest regions. Its revival is part of the rehabilitation of National Road No. 3, essential for economic exchanges.

To accelerate the technical and financial studies of this project, on June 19, 2026, in Yaoundé, the State of Cameroon, through the Minister of Public Works, Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the British company PROPAV Infrastructure Ltd, represented by its Country Manager, Paula Miguel, supported by the UK High Commissioner to Cameroon, Matt Woods, acting as the company’s guarantor. The Ministry of Public Works indicates that “through this memorandum of understanding, Cameroon and its British partner are laying the groundwork for a collaboration aimed at accelerating the maturation of the project and moving closer to its concrete phase. The next step involves both parties analyzing the work schedule proposed by the MINTP for on-site visits.” The project aims to “facilitate the movement of goods and people on a heavily used corridor.”

Economically, the stakes are high for Cameroon. As the Minister of Public Works, Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi, points out, “high logistics costs still penalize the competitiveness of local companies.” Thus, the government argues that “a modernized road will reduce transport times. It will also limit the additional costs associated with the deteriorated state of the current roadway.”

Furthermore, it is expected that the project will support the activity of the Limbe port. It will strengthen connections with surrounding industrial and agricultural areas.

For public finances, the investment remains significant. It comes at a time of strong budgetary constraints for the State. The revival of the project is therefore based on innovative financial structures in which public-private partnerships (PPP) are a central lever of this strategy. Authorities hope to attract private and international capital. The objective is to limit the direct impact on the State budget.

The expected benefits are numerous for local economies. The construction phase will generate direct and indirect jobs. The construction and public works (BTP) and logistics services sectors are expected to benefit. Local commercial activities could also gain momentum.

In the long term, the infrastructure will promote regional integration. It will enhance the flow of exchanges between economic basins. The Bekoko-Limbe-Idenau road is also strategic for tourism. Access to coastal areas will be faster and safer.

However, several challenges remain. Cost control is a critical issue for the success of the project. Execution delays have often affected large public projects. Governance and operational monitoring will be crucial. Transparency in the awarding of contracts is also a challenge. It will determine the confidence of investors and partners.

If commitments are met, the macroeconomic impact could be significant. The road would strengthen the competitiveness of the transport sector.

In conclusion, the revival of the Bekoko-Limbe-Idenau corridor marks a key milestone. It illustrates Cameroon’s ambition to modernize its infrastructure.