Cameroon is on track to asphalt an average of 488 kilometers of roads annually between 2020 and the end of 2025, according to official figures released by the government. This ambitious pace reflects the country’s commitment to addressing its long-standing infrastructure deficit, where paved roads remain a minority compared to the nation’s vast expanse and the logistical demands of the Central African region.
Paving progress reshapes the national road network
By adhering to this annual target, Cameroon expects to complete nearly 2,928 kilometers of asphalted roads over the six-year period. The initiative aligns with the strategic vision of the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Economy, which are spearheading major projects including intercity highways, urban access roads, and regional connectors. In Cameroon, asphalt isn’t just a construction material—it’s a political and economic symbol that unlocks agricultural markets, facilitates export corridors, and connects remote areas in the North and East.
The national road network, historically dominated by unpaved tracks, is gradually gaining a sturdy asphalt backbone. While the current pace marks a significant improvement over past performances—often plagued by delays in donor-funded projects—the ratio of paved roads to the total classified network still lags behind regional benchmarks in the CEMAC zone, keeping pressure on policymakers to deliver more.
Logistics corridors boost regional competitiveness
The impact of this paving surge extends far beyond Cameroon’s borders. As a logistical hub, Cameroon serves Chad and the Central African Republic, two landlocked neighbors whose imports and exports rely heavily on the port of Douala. Every kilometer of asphalt on the Douala-N’Djamena and Douala-Bangui corridors translates into lower transport costs, faster transit times, and greater reliability for shippers. Port operators and freight companies often adjust pricing based on road conditions, which deteriorate rapidly during the rainy season, squeezing profit margins.
This road expansion also supports Cameroon’s 2030 development strategy, which prioritizes infrastructure densification as a foundation for industrial growth. Key agro-industrial zones in the South-West, Littoral, and northern regions depend on reliable road links to transport goods to domestic markets and export hubs. Additionally, road connectivity plays a crucial role in attracting mining and timber investors who assess evacuation routes for raw materials.
Funding, debt, and long-term sustainability
The financing behind these roadworks is a blend of domestic budgets, concessional loans from the World Bank and African Development Bank, bilateral funding, and Chinese-backed credit lines through Eximbank China. While this model accelerates funding for large-scale projects, it also increases the public debt burden and demands strict fiscal discipline to preserve future flexibility.
Sustaining the current paving rate hinges on the government’s ability to meet payment obligations to contractors, some of which have recently raised concerns over delayed payments. Equally critical is road maintenance: without a dedicated and consistent funding mechanism like the Road Fund, newly paved roads can deteriorate within five to seven years, turning initial investments into long-term liabilities. Authorities have responded by announcing plans to strengthen toll systems and earmark revenue streams specifically for maintenance.
Whether Cameroon can maintain—or even accelerate—its 488-kilometer annual paving target remains uncertain, particularly amid tightening budget constraints and persistent demand for secondary and rural road improvements.
