French ambassador reviews Douala port’s expansion plans

French ambassador Sylvain Riquier visited the Douala Port Authority on October 21 with Anne Brouard of the embassy’s economic service. Deputy general manager Charles Michaux Moukoko Njoh received the delegation and co-chaired a working session on the modernization of Douala-Bonabéri. Officials presented the port’s 2020–2050 master development plan, which aims to raise annual cargo-handling capacity from approximately 13 million tonnes to more than 45 million tonnes by 2050. Proposals include an extension toward Manoka Island and a new bulk terminal on the right bank of the Wouri River, alongside improved cargo scanning and access security. The discussions also covered digitization, energy transition, professional training, technical exchanges and regional maritime security. Riquier emphasized connectivity and public-private partnerships before touring operational facilities and construction sites. The visit presented potential areas for French commercial and technical cooperation; the reported capacity figures are development targets, not capacity already delivered. Journal du Cameroun describes modernization as a process under way since 2016. The deputy general manager hosted the visit on behalf of Cyrus Ngo'o, who was attending the Translog Africa symposium. The delegation's interest in Manoka and other projects forms part of that longer development programme. The source presents opportunities for French institutional partners, logistics businesses and equipment suppliers, but does not identify a signed financing agreement, contract value or construction deadline arising from the meeting. Its language about stronger bilateral relations should therefore be distinguished from a funded project announcement. Nexus analysis: The visit documents diplomatic and commercial engagement around an existing master plan; implementation will have to be assessed against individual project commitments rather than the plan's 2050 capacity ambition alone.