Thanks to efficient operational management, the Autonomous Port of Douala has progressed at all levels of public governance over a six-year expansion cycle. Indeed, the company was placed at the third level by Ministerial Order No. 00000200/MINFI dated May 4, 2020; then, it joined the second group thanks to Order No. 00000001/MINFI dated January 3, 2023. 

To join the restricted circle of major entities, the Autonomous Port of Douala needed to achieve an annual turnover of 100 billion FCFA, a requirement that the institution now meets thanks to the exploitation of the Wouri channel.

This ascent is based on a deep restructuring of industrial activities. By taking over the dredging of navigable waterways in-house (a task previously entrusted to costly external providers), the Autonomous Port of Douala achieved significant economies of scale, secured navigation for deep-draft vessels, while modernizing its container terminal, not to mention the digitization of customs procedures. These reforms have accelerated cargo turnover and increased gross profitability.

By consolidating its role as a hub for supplying neighboring countries such as Chad and the Central African Republic, the port platform strengthens its self-financing capacity in the face of heavy maritime maintenance costs. Moreover, a stronger financial footing will enable it to negotiate bank loans with international lenders. These funds will be used to expand docking quays and develop new logistics zones.


Nlend Flore

Tags: port autonome de douala entreprises publiques classement entreprises gouvernance publique chiffre d'affaires dragage wouri modernisation portuaire logistique cameroun approvisionnement tchad financement infrastructure