Cameroon and Chad pledge to streamline trade transit

Cameroon’s Minister of Transport, Jean Ernest Masséna Ngallè Bibéhè, held a landmark meeting in N’Djamena with Chad’s Prime Minister Allamaye Halina on May 13, 2026. The high-level discussions centered on enhancing the efficiency of goods transit between the two nations, particularly along the critical Douala-N’Djamena corridor.

The bilateral talks took place following the Tripartite Forum involving Chad, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic. Key officials from both countries were present, including Chad’s Minister of Transport, Fatima Goukouni Weddeye, alongside representatives from the Port of Douala, Chad’s Shippers’ Council, and the Central African Republic’s Shippers’ Council.

Key outcomes from the N’Djamena meeting

The agenda covered several pressing issues affecting cross-border trade. The ministers reviewed progress on the N’Djamena Forum outcomes and assessed the implementation of recommendations from the 2024 edition held in Kribi. Discussions also addressed the operational status of CamTchad, the condition of the trans-Cameroonian corridor, and persistent challenges faced by transporters along the Douala-N’Djamena route.

Cameroon’s delegation underscored its commitment to improving transit fluidity for goods bound for Chad. Chad’s Prime Minister, in turn, assured that Cameroonian drivers and motorcyclists detained in Chad would receive favorable resolution. He also highlighted ongoing roadblock disruptions that hinder freight movement along the corridor and tasked the Cameroonian minister with relaying these concerns to national authorities.

Next steps and commitments

The two governments agreed to accelerate joint efforts to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and enhance infrastructure reliability. Both sides emphasized the need for coordinated action to protect the interests of transporters and ensure seamless trade flows. The meeting concluded with a pledge to convene follow-up consultations within the coming months to track progress on these commitments.

This engagement reflects the growing recognition of trade transit as a cornerstone of economic integration in Central Africa. By addressing long-standing bottlenecks, Cameroon and Chad aim to unlock new opportunities for businesses and strengthen regional trade networks.