Senators of the South Region visit the Port Authority of Kribi
Senators of the South Region visit the Port Authority of Kribi
Immersion into Cameroon’s Economic Engine
On Thursday, 21 July 2023, eight out of nine senators from Cameroon’s South Region visited the Port Authority of Kribi (PAK), exploring its infrastructures, industrial and logistical activities, and the Phase II expansion site. The visit highlighted the port’s pivotal role in the region’s economic and social development.
Welcome and Strategic Briefing
The day began with a meeting at PAK’s Head Office and was presided over by the General Manager, Patrice Melom. The delegation of Senators was headed by Calvin Zang Oyono, President of the CPDM Parliamentary Group at the Senate. During this session, the Kribi Deep Sea Port, which is a major achievement, was presented to the Senators as a key driver of Cameroon’s economic growth and efforts to make it a reliable, competitive and sustainable Port were outlined.
Tour of Terminals and Facilities
The Senators were guided along the port’s quays, visiting both the Container Terminal (KCT) and the Multipurpose Terminal (KMT). They observed the busy operations with trucks, excavators, and compactors, as well as the additional 700-metre quay delimitation under construction, showcasing the scale of the Phase II expansion.
Visit to the Industrial Zone
The tour included the 15,000-hectares Kribi Port Industrial Zone (ZIPK), organized into clusters hosting various industrial units: ACC (cocoa processing), La Pasta (flour milling), CIMPOR (cement manufacturing), Tractafric (public works equipment), IHM (warehousing), AGL (logistics), among others. The Senators witnessed the dynamism and diversity of port and industrial activities.
Economic and Social Impact
With over 100 companies operating within its ecosystem, the Port of Kribi is expected to generate approximately 15,000 direct jobs and 25,000 indirect jobs by 2025. The upcoming road and rail projects aimed at improving connectivity promise additional development opportunities for local councils, especially in the tertiary sector: banking, trade, transport, and housing
Conclusion
The visit enabled the Senators to fully grasp the strategic importance of the Port of Kribi, the New Deal’s jewel, as they left with a renewed perspective on economic and social opportunities generated by this regional logistics hub.
