(Business in Cameroon) - The Cameroonian government is actively seeking opportunities to improve the competitiveness of the deepwater port of Kribi. Yesterday, a delegation of about thirty experts was sent on a 2-day mission at the Port Authority for that purpose. The objective was to assess the situation on the ground and design appropriate solutions.

The experts, who came from the Ministries of Finance, Transport, and Public Works, as well as specialized bodies such as the Autonomous Depreciation Fund (CAA) and the Support Council for Partnership Contracts (Carpa), will discuss many issues with PAK authorities. These include the connectivity of the port to the hinterland, the current status of major projects at the port (particularly terminal extensions), the development of an integrated industrial zone, the challenges involved in attracting private investment to the port platform, and the constraints related to the smooth flow of traffic on the corridors.

"All stakeholders, including the port authority and players operating in Kribi, have high expectations. They expect the State to become more involved and to help boost the port's performance, attractiveness, and competitiveness. They also expect red tape to be simplified, and various incentives to be put in place to make it easier for investors to set up. The government's commitment is also awaited on the challenging issue of an extensive and efficient land transport network,” the Port Authority of Kribi (PAK) said.

Regarding the issue of connectivity and accessibility of the port of Kribi, which is often cited as the main obstacle to optimizing the activities of this port platform, despite having the largest draught in the entire Gulf of Guinea, several projects will be closely examined. These include the construction of the Kribi-Edéa highway, which will extend the existing infrastructure between Kribi and Mboro. Another essential strategic project is the 179 km road that will connect the cities of Ebolowa and Akom2 to the port of Kribi, according to PAK officials.