FECIAC 2025 : Kribi Autonomous Port named “Champion of Regional Integration”

(LVDE) – The Kribi Autonomous Port (PAK) has earned the prestigious title of “Champion of Regional Integration” at the Economic Forum for Growth and Investment in Central Africa (FECIAC), held in Brazzaville on November 3–4, 2025. This recognition highlights the port’s crucial role in driving the economic development of the subregion.

Following the two-day FECIAC forum, which brought together economic stakeholders, investors, and government representatives to discuss key issues for regional development, the Kribi Autonomous Port returned from Brazzaville with a major distinction — reaffirming its leadership in regional integration and infrastructure development.

Throughout the discussions, participants identified several challenges facing the subregion, including limited connectivity, the complexity of import-substitution processes, and barriers to cross-border trade. The PAK stood out for its ability to address these challenges with practical and innovative solutions.

The port’s financial performance for 2024 speaks for itself : a turnover of 35.33 billion CFA francs and a total throughput of 12.7 million tonnes. These figures not only reflect the port’s operational efficiency but also underscore its commitment to international standards and its capacity to meet the growing logistical needs of the region.

One of the forum’s highlights was the announcement of the upcoming launch of an integrated industrial zone covering 2,600 hectares, within the 15,000 hectares available around the port. This strategic zone aims to promote local processing of raw materials before export, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of Central African products in global markets. The initiative marks a decisive step toward maximizing the added value of the region’s natural resources.

The fruitful exchanges between PAK and its strategic partners have opened new horizons, reinforcing the idea that the port lies at the heart of regional economic transformation. This distinction aligns with an ambitious vision — to make Kribi a key catalyst in mastering regional value chains and accelerating economic integration in Central Africa.

According to the port’s leadership, by becoming a central hub for intra-African trade, Kribi can play a pivotal role in resource pooling and sustainable development across the subregion. This approach could help reduce Central Africa’s dependency on imports while stimulating local job creation and improving living conditions for local populations.

PAK’s success at FECIAC goes beyond mere recognition ; it represents a significant milestone in the region’s integration journey. As a new era unfolds, the Kribi Autonomous Port is poised to establish itself as an indispensable player in Central Africa’s economic growth. With a clear vision and promising projects on the horizon, Kribi is positioning itself as an architect of the region’s economic future, delivering solutions and innovations that could reshape the commercial landscape of Central Africa.

Tressy Chouente