Mbalam-Kribi Railway and Mineral Terminal: A Turning Point for Regional Integration
Mbalam-Kribi Railway and Mineral Terminal: A Turning Point for Regional Integration
Nearly USD 10 billion to connect Cameroon and Congo’s mining basins to Kribi Deep Sea Port
On February 25, 2022, the banquet hall of Olembé Stadium hosted the signing ceremony of the Partnership Agreement for the construction of the Mbalam-Kribi railway line and the concession agreement for the multimodal mineral terminal at the Port of Kribi.
The selected partners for this large-scale infrastructure are Bestway Finance Ltd and AustSino Resource Group Ltd, both recognized players in infrastructure financing and mining operations.
A flagship of Cameroon’s 2030 development vision
These projects are part of Cameroon’s National Development Strategy (SND30) and aim to unlock the potential of major iron ore deposits in Avima, Badondo, and Nabeba, located between Cameroon and the Republic of Congo.
The key components include:
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the construction of a 510-km railway linking mining zones to the Kribi Deep Sea Port;
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the development of a multimodal mineral terminal at the port to streamline mineral export operations.
The railway project is aligned with the National Railway Master Plan, which envisions building over 1,500 km of new lines by 2030, enhancing cross-border connectivity.
Economic and strategic impact
With an overall investment of nearly USD 10 billion (approx. XAF 5,500 billion), this initiative will fuel both Cameroon and Congo’s economies without impacting Cameroon’s public finances. Its benefits include:
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the opening up of isolated regions,
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the creation of tens of thousands of jobs during construction and operation,
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significant fiscal revenues for the State of Cameroon.
Through this milestone, the Port of Kribi strengthens its status as a strategic regional hub for industrial growth and logistics in Central Africa.
