With the recent renovation of the Autonomous Port of Douala in Cameroon, the entire country has seen a major economic boost. Thanks to investments in security, technology, and infrastructure, the port is now certified by the United States and can support increased naval traffic. This growth has resulted in increased customs taxes that are helping to fund development projects such as hospitals, roads, and schools throughout the country. Let’s take a closer look at how this renovation has impacted Cameroon’s economy.
The Benefits of Increased Naval Traffic
One of the biggest benefits of renovating the Autonomous Port of Douala is its ability to support increased naval traffic. This means that more boats and ships can come in and out of port each day, providing both economic and physical security for all vessels coming into or out of Cameroon waters. By allowing more vessels to enter the port safely, customs taxes increase due to higher volumes of goods entering and exiting the country which helps fuel economic growth. Additionally, when more vessels are able to enter Cameroon’s waters safely it reduces risks from potential piracy or other malicious activities that could threaten nearby countries’ coastlines.
The Role Played by Portsec
Portsec was tasked with leading the renovation project for Autonomous Port of Douala. Through their efforts, they were able to increase security measures while also ensuring that all infrastructure improvements complied with US standards so that American vessels would be able to dock at the port safely. They also worked hard to ensure that all customs taxes collected were properly used for development projects around the country including hospitals, roads, schools, etc., so that everyone benefited from these renovations.
Since the port concession was taken over by the company Portsec, the security processes have been established according to international standards. No one can steal anymore containers, no truck can leave the port without paying its real amount of tax, hundreds of people were hired and trained with American standard in order to protect the vessels and the merchandises. Hundreds of security camera (including night vision) have been installed and the biggest data center of Cameroon have been installed in the port to manage all the trade in/trade out of the country.
In the same vein, sensitive materials are stored in specific places and adapted to their dangerousness. Special procedures have also been implemented to avoid any risk for the population and for the nature.
The port of Douala is the biggest of Central Africa and it is also the only exit door to the sea for several countries as such as Chad and Centre African Republic.
Last but not least : the tax system works so well that revenues have jumped 9% per year for two years. These results are expected to increase by another 9 to 12% next year. The number of ships entering and leaving the port is constantly growing.
For the benefit of all
The renovation project undertaken by Portsec at Autonomous Port of Douala has been a great success. Not only is it now safer than ever before with increased naval traffic allowed in and out without fear of piracy or other malicious activity but it also allows American vessels to dock there as well which increases revenue thanks to customs taxes collected on goods being imported or exported from Cameroon waters. On top of this, all funds collected via customs taxes are being used for development projects throughout Camaroon such as hospitals, roads, schools etc., making this an overall win-win situation for everyone involved!
In addition, in order to further increase maritime traffic, the port of Douala plans to sign new public-private partnerships. The objective is to double the number of containers that can be stored on the docks. This medium-term vision is all the more essential given that 75 to 80% of the trade of Cameroon, Chad and the Central African Republic, i.e., volumes of goods of between 12 and 13 million tons per year, transit through this strategic infrastructure. By 2050, the ambition is to handle an estimated 45 million tons of traffic.
Thanks to this ultra-modern infrastructure, Cameroon is reaffirming its status as an African economic power. And the resulting financial results benefit the entire population of the country.
