(Business in Cameroon) – Authorities set aside CFA490 million to compensate residents affected by expansion.
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First CFA200 million tranche to be paid in 2025, second in 2026 for farm losses.
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The project is part of a CFA72 billion program to modernize three regional airports.
The expansion of Bertoua airport has entered a new stage. On August 20, 2025, the prefect of Lom-et-Djerem, Nkwedi Simon Ndoh, met residents of the Aviation and Mboutoutou neighborhoods to explain the compensation plan for those losing land and crops.
The Cameroon Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA) said a total of CFA490 million has been earmarked. A first tranche of CFA200 million will be paid in 2025 to directly affected households, while a second phase in 2026 will cover agricultural losses. Discussions also addressed the registration process and required documents, issues that have already raised concerns among residents.
Beyond compensation, the project is considered strategic. Bertoua airport is seen as too small and is slated for modernization to boost regional connectivity and the economy of the East. The works fall under the 2024–2026 Priority Investment Program, which allocates CFA72 billion for the rehabilitation of the airports of Bertoua, Kribi, and Tiko. Construction, managed under public contracting, was expected to begin in 2024 and finish in 2027.
In 2022, the President instructed the CCAA to lead the project and speed up contract signings with selected firms. Three years later, residents are still waiting for work to start on the ground.
