EU backs Central African trade growth with €40 million corridor upgrade

The EU is investing €40 million to modernize the Douala N'Djamena trade corridor, a key route in Central Africa.
This initiative is part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy to promote sustainable infrastructure globally.
Upgrading the corridor is expected to lower trade costs, increase efficiency, and strengthen EU-Africa partnerships.

This strategic route connects Douala, Cameroon’s largest port and economic hub, to N’Djamena, the capital of Chad, facilitating trade and transport across Central Africa.

This investment is part of the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, a comprehensive strategy to promote sustainable infrastructure projects globally by mobilizing public and private sector financing.

Specifically, the funding for the Douala N’Djamena corridor is structured under a guarantee mechanism developed jointly by the EU and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). This mechanism is designed to reduce investment risks and encourage private sector participation in critical infrastructure projects.

Koen Doens, Director General for International Partnerships at the European Commission, emphasized the broader objectives of this corridor upgrade.

According to Doens, the project is not solely about improving trade logistics; it also aims to strengthen regional integration, generate employment opportunities, and enhance stability throughout Central Africa.

These goals align with the EU’s evolving approach towards Africa transitioning from traditional aid giving to fostering strategic partnerships and investments that support sustainable development and economic sovereignty.

Inside the Douala-N’Djamena trade route

The Douala N’Djamena corridor plays a crucial role in linking landlocked Chad with international markets through Cameroon’s port facilities, thereby facilitating the movement of goods, services, and people.

The EU aims to contribute to Africa’s economic integration and sustainable development by supporting infrastructure projects like the Douala N’Djamena corridor constructafrica

Enhancing this corridor is expected to reduce transit times and transport costs, which have historically hindered trade efficiency and economic growth in the region.

While specific details of the infrastructure improvements were not outlined in the announcement, the investment likely encompasses upgrades to transport infrastructure and border management systems, given the corridor’s role as a major trade artery.

Improving these elements can significantly impact the ease of doing business, attract further private investment, and promote intra-African trade.

Coordination between the European Union and the governments of Cameroon and Chad is central to the success of this project.

The EU is focused on ensuring that financial resources are managed with transparency and accountability, supporting governance reforms to maximize the development impact.

This initiative represents a clear shift in the EU’s Africa policy, signaling a move away from one-way aid models towards partnership-based engagement.

By supporting infrastructure projects like the Douala N’Djamena corridor, the EU aims to contribute to Africa’s economic integration and sustainable development while strengthening political and economic ties.

Fathia Olasupo