(Business in Cameroon) – Cameroon’s public-private partnership (PPP) investments reached CFA4,895.1 billion by June 30, 2024, according to the latest monthly report from the National Sinking Fund (CAA). This figure represents about 16.2% of the nation’s GDP. However, this estimate excludes financing the railway project connecting Cameroon to Congo, with a total cost of CFA5,400 billion. The project includes the construction of the Kribi Port Mineral Terminal for CFA202.4 billion and the Mbalam-Kribi railway link for CFA2,001 billion, financed by Cameroon.
Cameroon’s public debt manager also announced a shift in funding for 14 automated toll stations, initially planned under PPP for approximately CFA30 billion, to a new contractual management model. This change was communicated to the French consortium Fayat (Razel Bec) and Egis (Egis Projects) in February 2024. Public Works Minister Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi informed Philippe Serain, president of Tollcam Partnership SAS, of the government’s decision to manage the project fully.
Cameroon’s PPP portfolio is divided into three main categories: concessional PPPs (93%), mixed PPPs (5.6%), and public payment PPPs (1.4%). The country has signed a total of 15 projects under this financing model. To enhance the regulatory framework for PPPs, a new law was enacted by the President in July 2023. This legislation aims to improve PPP implementation by reducing underlying risks and aligning national practices with international standards.
During a presentation to the National Assembly on June 13, 2023, Economy Minister Alamine Ousmane Mey highlighted that the new law supports the ongoing Economic and Financial Program (PEF) with the IMF, while contributing to infrastructure development and job creation. The government hopes this legislation will fully leverage PPPs and diversify funding sources for infrastructure projects under the National Development Strategy 2030 (SND30).
