The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved financing of CFAF 203.3 billion (approximately €309.93 million) for the construction and development of the Ngoura II-Yokadouma road in Cameroon. The announcement was made on March 9, 2026, following the project's validation by the AfDB Board of Directors on February 18.
This funding is part of the Programme for the Opening Up and Connectivity of Cross-Border Economic Zones in the East Region (PDCBET). The main objective is to improve connectivity in this region, particularly with neighboring Congo, and to facilitate the transport of agricultural and forestry products.
The Ngoura II-Yokadouma section, which is 156 kilometers long, is part of the Bertoua-Batouri-Ngoura II-Yokadouma-Moloundou axis, which extends to the Congolese border. Léandre Bassolé, Director General of the Bank Group for Central Africa, emphasized the AfDB's commitment to supporting Cameroon's economic transformation: "By improving the connectivity of the East region and its integration with cross-border corridors, we are helping to unlock productive potential and strengthen regional integration in Central Africa".
The East region, despite its large area (approximately 23% of the national territory), suffers from a lack of road infrastructure. Only 6.25% of the roads are paved, with a road density of 0.70 kilometers per 1,000 inhabitants. Improving the Ngoura II-Yokadouma road is therefore seen as an essential lever for local economic development, facilitating access to markets and reducing transport costs.
The AfDB estimates that this project could generate at least 2,500 direct and indirect jobs, particularly for young people, women and vulnerable populations. In addition, as a communication route to the Republic of Congo, this improved road should boost cross-border trade and commercial flows between the two countries. The AfDB's current portfolio in the Cameroonian road sector comprises nine active projects, representing a total investment of approximately €1.19 billion.
