(Business in Cameroon) – Thychlof is in advanced talks with Afriland First Bank for a loan of nearly CFA3 billion, Business in Cameroon has learned. “The bank’s credit committee should decide on our file in the coming days,” a company source said, adding that Afriland has already supported the firm in previous contracts.
The financing would strengthen the company’s working capital for six to seven months and allow the renewal of part of its aging vehicle fleet. The modernization plan includes the purchase of 25 new trucks, mainly for operations on the Cameroonian market. The upgrade is considered urgent, as Thychlof’s current fleet reportedly has only about 15 trucks, 12 of which are out of service, sharply limiting its operational capacity.
The new vehicles are expected to be sourced from China, where factory prices range between CFA40 and 50 million per truck, offering the company a cost advantage.
At the same time, Thychlof has also been approached by another bank for a leasing arrangement that could quickly provide new vehicles. This option, still under review, comes with strict conditions, including guarantees since the contract is not domiciled with that bank, as well as full insurance coverage for all trucks.
Thychlof’s growth ambitions are supported by recent contracts. The Yaoundé Urban Community awarded the company a direct contract for waste collection in Yaoundé’s 3rd and 6th districts. This follows an emergency international tender launched in June 2024 covering four lots, with Lot 3 valued at over CFA16 billion. The decision comes amid a chronic waste management crisis in Yaoundé, worsened by population growth, poor civic behavior, and limited public funding.
In April, Afriland First Bank had already financed a CFA5 billion investment plan for Hysacam to renew its fleet, including the acquisition of 80 trucks. A first batch of 10 vehicles was officially presented to the mayor of Yaoundé on April 5.
