(Business in Cameroon) – The Urban and Rural Lands Development and Equipment Authority (MAETUR) has launched construction of an FCFA 25 billion multipurpose commercial complex in Douala. The project, covering nearly three hectares of MAETUR-owned land, is designed as a 24‑hour hub integrating trade, services, and leisure.
The project is being implemented by MAETUR, in partnership with a consortium of two firms, GIC ASCOVEMN and SGCRTP. The agreement formalizing this partnership was recently signed at MAETUR’s headquarters in Yaounde. It was endorsed by MAETUR Director General Louis Roger Manga, GIC ASCOVEMN Promoter His Majesty Vincent Ngambou, and SGCRTP Director General Essimi Epse Bassomo Nadine.
The deal commits the three parties to developing the complex, with MAETUR acting as both the landowner and the state urban planning authority throughout the project’s implementation. According to MAETUR’s Director General, the site forms part of MAETUR’s land portfolio earmarked for value enhancement, distinct from plots usually allocated to individuals after development. He noted that the project followed an international call for expressions of interest, through which the two partner firms were selected.
On his part, MAETUR’s Assistant Director General, Mbong Michel, said the project aligns with the authority’s mandate to modernise urban spaces by developing commercial, social, cultural, and community facilities. He stated that the initiative is expected to support national development objectives and strengthen MAETUR’s productivity. “The project is aimed at improving the standard of living of the population of Douala… and is in line with government policy for economic growth,” he said.
Concerning the project specificities, Urban Planner at MAETUR, Tchapa Tolalé Thierry, detailed the technical configuration, indicating that the built-up area will cover 2.8 hectares. He said the average floor area will stand at 8,000 square metres across four levels: a ground level plus three storeys. Tchapa described the project as a multifunctional commercial hub designed to integrate retail, services, and leisure activities within the new town of Douala-North. “The project is integrated into a district… where it will serve as a facility to revitalise and boost the local economy,” he said.
His Majesty Ngambou added that the complex will include disability-access ramps, escalators, central air-conditioning, and 24-hour video surveillance. Planned facilities include shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, a nightclub, a cinema, business spaces, offices, banks, and a hotel. He said the facility is intended to operate continuously, combining business and leisure. “It will be a centre where there will be no resting hours,” he stated.
MAETUR indicated that the signing marks the second stage of the project, following the selection of the development consortium. Construction will begin once the partners finalise the remaining administrative and technical formalities, with exploitation scheduled to roll out progressively as portions of the complex are completed.
Mercy Fosoh
