That is the rationale that led Patrice MELOM, PAK General Manager, to sign on 15 February 2023 a Mémorandum of understanding with four private partners fully committed to support the project to develop an integrated industrial zone in the port of Kribi. These partners are namely Bolloré Africa Logistics (BAL), China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) and Tanger Med Special Agency (TMSA). The MoU focuses on structuring the project to develop the integrated industrial zone as this is a step prior to the planned implementation of the project in 2024.

This project consists of developing an area of about 1,500 hectares at the port of Kribi, following the standards of the best special economic zones and other international free zones. This zone will thus be equipped with quality infrastructure (roads, water distribution networks, energy, fibre optics and sewage system, etc.), but also with buildings including an ultra-modern business centre (commercial spaces, offices, exhibition and conference centres, etc.) and logistics warehouses for rent.

Companies established in the ZIIPK will also benefit from various value-added services (single desk for administrative services, security, etc.), as well as tax and customs incentives provided for by the regulations in force in the Republic of Cameroon. This project will undoubtedly contribute to the establishment, within the industrial port area of Kribi, of first-class logistic and industrial companies, especially those operating in the priority sectors of the NDS 30 (Agro-Industry, Forestry-Wood, Textile-Craft, Mining-Metallurgy-Steel Industry, etc.).

With an estimated investment cost of USD 900 million, the integrated industrial zone should eventually generate over 50,000 direct jobs. Moreover, with a total land reserve of 15,000 hectares, the port of Kribi ranks among the largest industrial port complexes in the world and offers ideal installation conditions for large-scale industrial projects.