5th tripartite forum advances regional trade ties between Cameroon, Chad and Central African Republic

The Ministry of Transport, Civil Aviation and National Meteorology, in collaboration with port stakeholders, is hosting the 5th tripartite forum focused on streamlining goods transit through Cameroonian ports for the Central African Republic (CAR) and Chad. The opening ceremony, held on Monday, May 11, 2026 in N’Djamena, was led by the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Fatima Goukouni Weddeye.

The three-day event, running from May 11 to 13, 2026, serves as a pivotal platform for fostering economic cooperation among Cameroon, Chad and the Central African Republic.

Strengthening regional trade and logistical efficiency

Speaking at the event, Cameroon’s Minister of Transport, Jean Ernest Masséna Ngallé Bibéhè, commended the unwavering commitment of the three nations’ leadership. He emphasized the critical role of Cameroon’s port infrastructure in supporting trade for both CAR and Chad, highlighting the deep-rooted geographical and historical ties that bind these countries together.

The forum aims to address pressing logistical challenges, including the persistent issue of delayed shipments. Recent reports indicate over 2,300 containers from Chad remain stranded in Cameroonian ports, underscoring the urgency of improving transit efficiency.

Minister Bibéhè also acknowledged a diplomatic incident involving a Cameroonian driver detained in Chad, calling for a swift and amicable resolution to strengthen fraternal relations.

Prioritizing landlocked nations’ access to sea trade

In her keynote address, Minister Fatima Goukouni Weddeye underscored the forum’s strategic importance for landlocked nations like Chad and CAR. She noted that the performance of key trade corridors such as Douala and Kribi directly impacts market supply, logistical cost control and the overall competitiveness of these economies.

Strengthening transit corridors is essential to reducing bottlenecks, lowering operational expenses and enhancing regional economic integration. Over the next three days, delegates from public and private sectors will engage in discussions to identify actionable solutions for smoother trade flows and greater collaboration.

Key objectives of the forum

• Facilitate dialogue between policymakers, port authorities and private sector players;
• Identify bottlenecks in transit processes and propose policy reforms;
• Enhance infrastructure and digital solutions to reduce logistical delays;
• Promote sustainable trade partnerships that benefit all three nations.