Kribi Deep Seaport: Dream Come True!

March 02, 2018 was certainly not a good date for doubting Thomases who thought the construction of the Kribi Deep Seaport was a dream. The deep seaport which has the potential of becoming a transport hub for Atlantic coast countries spanning from Senegal to Gabon and landlocked Chad and Central African Republic, is one of the major projects that saw the light of day in 2018 rekindling very high hopes of the country's programmed superlative economic checkered board come the famous 2035. Contrary to what many would have expected, the launching was so humbled and void of fanfare. For a project tipped to create an estimated 4,000 jobs, it would have been but normal to make it an event of the year. However, the low-key launching reduces nothing from the important economic role the deep seaport is expected to play as could be testified by the ducking of the Bianca cargo ship on the day of the launching. The ship in full capacity of 8500 containers was so far the biggest cargo ship to have ducked in Cameroonian waters. It took off from Point Noir in Congo and had to off load some 400 containers before continuing its journey to other ports in Africa.

The Kribi Deep Seaport is expected to play a serious complementary role considering that the Douala port was already seen as being overcharged. Douala, of course will continue to play its main role as the key and pioneer port in Cameroon. The March launch constitutes the first phase in the whole process of developing a port and industrial complex at the seaside town of Kribi. It remains one of the country's ambitious projects, one that will not only transform the sleepy fishing town of Kribi into an industrial hub but will open up  mineral wealth such as iron ore, manganese, cobalt, nickel and commodities such as cocoa, cotton, coffee and timber from Cameroon to the World market. According to Patrice Melom, Director General of the Kribi Ports Authority, The development of an industrial complex around the port will significantly contribute to easing commercial activities, boosting economic growth and creating multiple jobs for the youth. The General Manager affirmed that governm...