Assessment and Prospects – All lights are green!
Assessment and Prospects – All lights are green!
A port experiencing strong growth and looking toward the future
The Port Authority of Kribi (PAK) confirms its rapid development and rise to prominence in the regional maritime and port sector. The 15th Extended Operations Meeting, held on 13 March 2025, provided an opportunity to assess 2024 achievements and outline prospects for 2025.
This meeting brought together all stakeholders in the port community in a studious and inclusive atmosphere. The results presented reflect an infrastructure that is gradually gaining in stature and strategic prominence.
Figures Attest to Tangible Growth
Performance indicators for 2024 show concrete results:
- 10.84 million tonnes of goods handled (excluding transshipment).
- An upsurge in wheat imports (+710%) at the Multipurpose Terminal, boosted particularly by the Cadyst Group via its Pasta SA company (56,868 tonnes imported in 2024 compared to 7,020 tonnes in 2023).
- 1.5 million TEUs handled.
- 270 billion CFAF in customs revenue, an increase of 28.11% compared to 2023, increasing cumulative revenue since 2018 to 950.6 billion CFAF.
These achievements make the South II Customs Sector the country’s second largest contributor to customs revenue.
The Mining Project is Well Underway
On 27 January 2025, the on-site visit of the Grand Zambi iron ore mine provided an opportunity to assess the progress of this strategic project. Today, 500,000 m³ of iron ore is ready for export, marking a major milestone in this sector’s development.
The first iron ore shipments from Grand Zambi are scheduled for June 2025, via the Multipurpose Terminal. This event shows the diversification of the port’s activities and its growing role in the exploitation of Cameroon’s mineral resources.
The Ministry of Mines, Industry and Technological Development (MINMIDT) supports these changes by enhancing the dematerialisation of procedures for precious minerals, in support of strategic mining projects such as Grand Zambi, Bipindi, Lobé and Mbalam.
An Expanding Industrial Port Zone
Seven years after it became operational, the Port of Kribi has established itself as a key economic hub for Cameroon and Central Africa:
- The occupancy rate of the ZIPK continues to increase, attesting to the attractiveness of the site for investors.
- The port is being built around state-of-the-art infrastructure and cluster development, facilitating the establishment of new companies.
- The port community’s commitment is a key asset for diversifying traffic and strengthening PAK’s competitiveness.
Recent Events Marking the Speed in Development
The beginning of the year 2025 was marked by several major achievements:
- 21 February: Phase 2 technical handover, confirming the port’s increasing capacity.
- 24 February: Signing of the international Call for Tenders by the Minister of Public Works, for the reconstruction of the Edea-Kribi road (110.05 km).
- The official commissioning of Phase 2 soon, which will increase the port’s capacity to 1.5 million TEUs and boost mining exports.
A Port that Receives Leading Shipping Companies
The Kribi Port expansion is attracting new shipping lines and positioning the port as an outstanding port hub for leading international shipping companies.
In the coming weeks, the largest ship ever to dock in the Gulf of Guinea will call at Kribi, marking a key milestone in the port’s integration into major global trade routes.
With these developments, PAK is establishing itself as a strategic maritime gateway for Central Africa and a key logistics hub on the Atlantic coast.
Challenges to be Overcome Collectively
As the General Manager of PAK underscored in his address:
“Dear partners, it worth taking time to assess last year’s achievements, to evaluate our performance and jointly identify the challenges and prospects that will guide our actions for the current year. It is through this collaborative approach that we will strengthen the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Port of Kribi, for the benefit of all its stakeholders.”
This mindset will be implemented through regular operations meetings, enhancing continuous consultation between the various stakeholders to enhance customer experience and user satisfaction.
Kribi Joins the Big League
The Port Authority of Kribi keeps developing itself, consolidating its role in Cameroon’s economy and establishing itself as a key maritime trade hub in Central Africa.
With an expanding infrastructure, enhanced attractiveness and ever-expanding maritime connections, in 2025, PAK officially joins the league of the leading African port hubs.
PAK is no longer just a logistics alternative, it is becoming a benchmark, a key hub for global trade.
