Kribi Port Expansion Faces Delays from Failing Infrastructure

Kribi Port remains underutilized despite recent upgrades, as weak road conditions and the absence of a railway link continue to hinder its growth and competitiveness in global trade. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The inauguration of a new 715-meter terminal on May 9, 2025, was a milestone, but concerns over the stalled Edéa-Kribi railway and crumbling roads overshadowed the celebration.

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Nicolas Sartini, Vice President of MSC, stressed that only reliable transport infrastructure can unlock the port’s true potential and allow it to rival global container hubs.

MSC, a global shipping leader, included Kribi Port in its Africa Express route, deploying its largest ships to connect Asia and West Africa, aiming to boost trade volumes.

Yet local leaders argue that success hinges on better connectivity. They urge the government to rehabilitate the Edéa-Kribi road and move forward with long-delayed railway construction.

Kribi Port Requires Immediate Road and Rail Solutions

Patrice Melom, Managing Director of the Port Authority of Kribi, emphasized these infrastructure gaps directly to the Minister of Transport during the opening ceremony.

He called for urgent progress on key projects, including paving the Ebolowa-Kribi axis and initiating the Edéa-Kribi rail line to support port traffic and economic growth.

Philippe Labonne, President of Africa Global Logistics, pledged financial support for these developments and confirmed AGL’s commitment as a strategic partner.

AGL, which manages Kribi’s terminals and owns stakes in regional rail operators, sees transport integration as vital to the port’s long-term success.

Kribi Port Delivers Results but Faces Growth Barriers

Since operations began in 2018, the port has attracted over $550 million in foreign investment and generated more than $2 billion in customs revenue.

Cargo throughput reached 60 million tons, while container capacity rose to 1 million TEUs per year following the terminal expansion.

Currently, Kribi handles one-third of Cameroon’s container traffic and acts as a key transshipment point for Douala-bound shipments.

The port has also created 15,000 jobs, including 10,000 indirect positions, showing clear economic impact despite lacking modern road and rail connections.

To realize further gains, Kribi Port must be fully integrated into a reliable multimodal transport network, aligning infrastructure with its rising strategic importance.

Source, photo: www.businessincameroon.com

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