A WFP Delegation Visits the PAK 2021
A WFP Delegation Visits the PAK
PAK: A Strategic Logistics Hub Supporting Humanitarian Operations
On June 17, 2021, the Port Authority of Kribi welcomed a delegation from the World Food Programme (WFP) to explore the port’s humanitarian logistics capabilities. This visit underscores PAK’s strategic role as a supply hub for landlocked countries in the sub-region, including Chad and the Central African Republic.
The discussions focused on the facilities offered by the Port of Kribi for humanitarian logistics, an area in which PAK provides premium services to support humanitarian organizations in carrying out their critical missions.
A Port Supporting Humanitarian Aid
The WFP representative from Chad, leading the delegation, highlighted that Cameroon is a strategic entry point for transporting food aid to landlocked countries such as Chad and the Central African Republic.
“The Port of Kribi shows great potential. Alongside the Port of Douala, it can serve as a new entry point to facilitate the transfer of our food aid,” he emphasized.
Every year, the WFP must preposition food supplies between June and October to assist vulnerable populations. The role of Cameroonian ports, particularly Kribi, is therefore crucial for the safe and timely delivery of humanitarian shipments.
Promising Infrastructure, Remaining Challenges
The Kribi Container Terminal has been identified as an effective solution for the transit of humanitarian cargo. However, the delegation also highlighted the need to strengthen road and rail connections to optimize the logistics corridor between Kribi, N’Djamena, and the hinterland of Chad and the Central African Republic.
“These are not commercial goods, but lifesaving supplies,” the WFP official reminded, urging all stakeholders—including public authorities, concessionaires, and partners—to adopt a humanitarian approach to ensure the efficiency of the supply chain.
A Partnership with Strong Potential
The WFP has already begun pilot operations importing supplies via Kribi, which were deemed successful. These initial efforts pave the way for a strengthened partnership between the humanitarian agency and the Port Authority of Kribi, benefiting populations in Cameroon, Chad, the Central African Republic, and the wider sub-region.
PAK thus confirms its role as a regional logistics platform, serving not only international trade but also vital humanitarian missions.
