PORT OF DOUALA-BONABÉRI : Celebrating 150 Years of Heritage and a Promising Future for Cameroon and the Gulf of Guinea

(LVDE) – On September 26, 2025, the Douala Autonomous Port (PAD) officially launched the festivities marking the 150th anniversary of this landmark infrastructure at Wharf 14, under the patronage of the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute. The ceremony was a historic milestone for Cameroon’s economy.

Opened on September 26, 2025, by Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute, the personal representative of the Head of State, the celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the Douala-Bonabéri Autonomous Port took place in an atmosphere filled with pride and reverence for national history, in the presence of government members, administrative authorities, dignitaries, economic stakeholders, and citizens from across the nation and abroad.

The event began with a solemn docking at the container terminal, accompanied by national anthems and a specially composed piece of music for the occasion. This highlighted not only the importance of the port infrastructure but also the significance of the event, which brought together a distinguished audience from across the country and beyond.

In keeping with tradition, Sawa chiefs performed a libation to honor the ancestors, underscoring the port’s foundational role in trade and the nation’s history. Dion Ngute recalled that the port is the cradle of Cameroon, illustrating its central role in the country’s economic and social development. “One hundred and fifty years ago, our ancestors established trade ties with foreign partners, laying the foundations of our current economy,” he declared, evoking the site’s historical legacy.

Indeed, the Douala-Bonabéri Port, celebrating its 150th anniversary today, is more than just a docking point: it is a strategic pillar of both the national and regional economy. According to statistics, it generates about 14% of the country’s formal jobs, while handling 70% of domestic trade and nearly 80% of customs revenue. Joseph Nguene Nteppe, Director of Analysis and Forecasting, emphasized this major contribution during his address, highlighting the port’s key role in Cameroon’s economic growth.

Over the years, the port has undergone major transformations, notably with the recovery of the container terminal’s management by the public enterprise, a symbol of sovereignty and entrepreneurial dynamism. The Prime Minister welcomed these advances, affirming that “the determination of Cameroonian executives promises a bright future for the Douala-Bonabéri Port.” This proactive management aims to make the port an essential player in international trade.

Cyrus Ngo’o, Director General of PAD, spoke with emotion about the challenges faced over the years, recalling that the port has witnessed both glorious times and difficult periods. He mentioned the human tragedies that marked its history, particularly during colonial exploitation. “This celebration is an opportunity to pay tribute to past generations who built this infrastructure with courage and determination,” he said.

Since independence, the Cameroonian state has gradually regained control of the port, launching several expansion projects in the 1970s and 1980s. However, the subsequent years were marked by infrastructure decline. It was only from 2016 that the port was revitalized thanks to significant investments. “We are experiencing a physical transformation comparable to that of the 1970s,” added Ngo’o, stressing the importance of the ongoing structural projects.

Beyond the festivities, the commemoration also highlighted initiatives such as a commemorative stele, a Documentation and Archives Center, and an international scientific symposium. These efforts aim to strengthen collective memory and project the port toward the future. “We are announcing a port that is increasingly efficient, ready to meet the challenges of international trade and globalization,” concluded the Director General.

The highlight of the day was the unveiling of the 150th anniversary monument, a powerful symbol of remembrance and hope for the future. By celebrating this milestone, the Douala-Bonabéri Autonomous Port positions itself as a key player in the logistical development of Central Africa and the Gulf of Guinea, combining tradition and modernity for a promising future.

Esther Grace