The Government of Cameroon, Aéroports du Cameroun (ADC S.A.) and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) have formalised a major financing agreement to renovate the passenger terminal at Douala International Airport. The loan convention was signed on Monday, 15 December 2025, in Yaounde, marking the launch of the Passenger Terminal Renovation Project at Douala International Airport (RAP-AID). The agreement underpins a works programme valued at FCFA75 billion and anchors a broader investment aimed at modernising airport infrastructure, raising international compliance standards and strengthening the economic role of the country’s main air gateway.
The financing structure combines external credit, corporate funding and state contributions within a total project cost estimated at FCFA95 billion, taxes included. The AFD has granted a loan of FCFA38.3 billion to ADC S.A., with a five-year grace period and a 15-year amortisation schedule, and a first drawdown planned for 2026. ADC S.A. will contribute FCFA36.7 billion from its own resources, while the State of Cameroon will provide an estimated FCFA20 billion, corresponding to taxes and customs duties.
The works component, estimated at FCFA75 billion before taxes, will support the technical rehabilitation of the terminal, including capacity expansion, equipment modernisation and improved accessibility. The project targets compliance with International Air Transport Association (IATA) “C” standards and alignment with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and CEMAC requirements.
AFD Cameroun Director Virginie Dago said the project aligns with long-term support for strategic infrastructure and passenger traffic growth. “The renovation project being launched will profoundly transform the passenger experience with a modernised terminal that is more fluid and more secure, compliant with international standards and capable of fully accommodating up to 1.5 million passengers per year,” she said.
Technical details of the RAP-AID project were presented by Emmanuel Sime, Technical Adviser No.3 at ADC S.A. and Project Lead, while ADC S.A. Finance Director Serge Mbella outlined the financial parameters during the ceremony.
The signing ceremony, held at the Ministry of Transport, was presided over by Nji Njoya Zakariaou, Minister Delegate at the Ministry of Transport, representing the minister. Officials from the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Regional Development attended alongside ADC S.A. executives, AFD representatives, the RAP-AID project team and institutional partners.
In his address, the ministerial representative underscored the strategic importance of the project for improving the competitiveness of the Douala airport platform through higher check-in capacity, modernised systems and smoother passenger flows. He instructed ADC S.A. to ensure rigorous contractor selection and transparent supervision of works. The exchange of signed documents concluded the event, formalising a financing package positioned to support airport performance, trade facilitation and aviation-linked economic activity.
Mercy Fosoh
