The European Union has committed €40 million to upgrade the Douala-N’Djamena trade corridor, a key route connecting Douala, Cameroon’s largest port, to N’Djamena, the capital of Chad.
This investment is aimed at boosting trade, transport efficiency, and regional integration across Central Africa.
The funding is part of the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, which promotes sustainable infrastructure by mobilizing both public and private financing.
For this corridor, the EU has partnered with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to implement a guarantee mechanism that reduces investment risks and encourages private sector involvement.
Koen Doens, Director General for International Partnerships at the European Commission, noted that the project goes beyond improving trade logistics.
It is designed to create jobs, enhance regional stability, and deepen economic ties between African nations—key components of the EU’s broader strategy to shift from traditional aid to long-term, strategic investment in Africa’s sustainable development.
The Douala-N’Djamena corridor is vital for landlocked Chad, providing direct access to global markets through Cameroon’s port.
Upgrading the corridor is expected to lower transport costs, cut down transit times, and ease the movement of goods and people—factors that have long hindered economic growth in the region.
Although specific infrastructure upgrades were not detailed, the project is likely to include road improvements, modernized transport systems, and enhanced border management to improve the ease of doing business and stimulate further private investment.
Effective coordination with the governments of Cameroon and Chad will be crucial to the project’s success.
The EU has emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in managing funds and supporting governance reforms to ensure maximum development impact.
This investment underscores a major shift in the EU’s Africa policy—from one-way aid to mutually beneficial partnerships that support infrastructure, economic integration, and long-term growth.
Through initiatives like the Douala-N’Djamena corridor, the EU is working to strengthen Africa’s trade networks while deepening political and economic cooperation.
