Cameroon’s road infrastructure: achievements, challenges and future outlook

The Minister of Public Works, Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi, recently provided a detailed assessment of Cameroon’s road infrastructure at the Government Action Salon in Yaoundé. The presentation highlighted progress made in paving and rehabilitating roads, while also addressing persistent obstacles affecting the sector’s performance.

Key achievements in Cameroon’s road infrastructure

According to the minister’s report, significant strides have been made in expanding and maintaining Cameroon’s road network. Nearly 2,442 kilometers of roads have been paved, and approximately 833 kilometers of degraded routes have been rehabilitated since the beginning of 2026. These efforts align with the country’s 2020-2030 National Development Strategy, which prioritizes infrastructure as a driver of economic growth and territorial cohesion.

The progress is particularly notable when compared to previous years. Since 2020, the total length of paved roads has increased from 8,498 kilometers to nearly 10,939 kilometers by the end of 2025, representing an average annual growth of over 488 kilometers.

Persistent challenges in road development

Despite these advancements, several challenges continue to hinder the sector’s full potential. The minister identified key obstacles, including:

• Security concerns in certain regions, which disrupt construction and maintenance activities
• Bureaucratic delays in securing financing and awarding contracts
• Cash flow difficulties faced by construction companies
• Limited budget allocations for routine road maintenance

These factors contribute to project delays and increase the overall cost of infrastructure development.

Focus on the strategic road network

The minister emphasized that the strategic road network remains a top priority for the Ministry of Public Works. Efforts are being intensified to improve infrastructure quality and enhance connectivity between regions. The actions taken in 2026 are guided by the Very High Instructions of the President of the Republic, ensuring alignment with national development goals.

Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi underscored the importance of these projects in fostering economic integration and social cohesion across Cameroon’s diverse territories.