Cameroon and Congo Boost Economic Ties with New Transport Line

Cameroon and Congo have taken a significant step towards strengthening economic ties with the launch of their first cross-border public transport service. The new route, which connects Yaoundé to Brazzaville, marks a major milestone in the implementation of the Economic Community of Central African States' (CEMAC) policies aimed at promoting free movement of persons and goods. The service, operated by Saint Denis Voyages, is expected to increase the flow of people and goods between the two countries.

The launch of this transport line is a significant development in the region, particularly given the completion of the Sangmélima-Ouesso road, which was inaugurated in 2021. The road, which forms part of the trans-African highway network, has greatly reduced travel time between Yaoundé and Brazzaville. According to Louis-Marie Magloire Nkoum-Me-Ntseny, Cameroon's ambassador to Congo, the new transport line will not only boost passenger transport but also the transportation of goods.

The impact of the completed road section has been significant, with a notable increase in the fluidity of transport and a reduction in travel time. Prior to the completion of the road, the journey between Yaoundé and Brazzaville took several days, but now takes just two to four days. This has had a positive impact on trade, particularly in the transportation of perishable goods such as onions. The ambassador noted that the journey from northern Cameroon to Brazzaville used to take 14 days, but now takes just four days.

The new transport line is also expected to have a positive impact on the national economy, particularly in the evacuation of wood from the Mbalam locality in eastern Cameroon to the port of Douala. The ambassador expressed confidence that the transport line will integrate well into the trans-African highway network and boost economic ties between Cameroon and Congo. He also noted that the initiative is a step towards achieving the CEMAC goal of free movement of persons and goods.

One of the challenges facing the corridor is the multiplicity of checkpoints, which can slow down the movement of goods and people. However, the ambassador noted that a mixed commission of cooperation between Cameroon and Congo will meet in Brazzaville to discuss ways to address this issue. The commission will review the current cooperation between the two countries and identify areas for improvement.

The ambassador emphasized that the issue of checkpoints is a transversal one that requires a joint approach. He suggested that the number of checkpoints could be reduced and replaced with mixed barriers comprising police, gendarmerie, health, customs, and water and forestry services. This, he believes, will help to facilitate the movement of goods and people along the corridor.

The launch of the new transport line is a significant step towards achieving the CEMAC goal of economic integration. The ambassador expressed optimism that the initiative will have a positive impact on economic ties between Cameroon and Congo and pave the way for further cooperation between the two countries. He also noted that the transport line will help to promote trade and economic growth in the region.

Key points

• The new transport line between Cameroon and Congo is expected to boost economic ties between the two countries and promote trade and economic growth in the region.