Cameroon moves forward with rail project linked to Minim Martap bauxite development

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Cameroon, Africa Global Logistics (AGL) and Camalco signed a memorandum of understanding in Yaoundé on June 4 for the proposed Edéa–Kribi–Lolabé–Campo rail corridor.

The agreement establishes a framework for discussions on the railway project, which is intended to connect the country's rail network with the deep-water Port of Kribi and support future mining exports.

The signing ceremony took place at the Starland Hotel under the patronage of Transport Minister Jean Ernest Massena Ngallè Bibehe.

The MoU covers discussions related to feasibility studies, financing, construction, operation and maintenance of the railway infrastructure. It does not constitute a final investment decision.

The corridor has featured in Cameroon's railway development plans for several years. In 2021, authorities considered railway projects covering 291.5 km, including the 184.5-km Edéa–Kribi–Campo line and the 107-km Douala–Limbe–Idenau line.

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The government believes the project will improve transport links in southern Cameroon and strengthen trade corridors. AGL, which operates in rail and port logistics, will have a chance to expand its freight transportation activities through the corridor.

The project is also linked to the development of the Minim Martap bauxite project. Camalco, a subsidiary of Canyon Resources, is developing the project in the Adamawa Region. According to the company, Minim Martap contains 144 million tonnes of ore grading 51.2 per cent alumina and 1.7 per cent silica, with total resources estimated at 1.102 billion tonnes.

Canyon Resources has been advancing logistics preparations through Douala. Camalco recently increased its shareholding in Camrail from 9.1 per cent to 26.9 per cent through an investment of CFA 9.852 billion (USD 17.5 million). The company also invested CFA 347.447 million (around USD 616,000) in Terminal Bois du Port de Douala S.A.

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The first locomotives for the project are expected before the end of the second quarter of 2026, followed by wagon deliveries in July. The first shipment of bauxite is scheduled for the end of the third quarter of 2026.

However, Douala's location in the Wouri estuary is a limitation on its ability to handle large-scale mineral exports compared with a deep-water port. Improved rail access to Kribi could provide a more direct export route and reduce dependence on Douala over the longer term.

Several details regarding the proposed Edéa–Kribi–Lolabé–Campo corridor, including project cost, route alignment, concession structure and construction schedule, have yet to be announced.