DOUALA PORT AUTHORITY : The Towage Authority surpasses the CFAF 7.263 billion turnover mark in five years

(LVDE) — A subsidiary of the Douala Port Authority (PAD), the Towage Authority S.A. (RDR S.A.) is posting unprecedented financial and operational performance. Five years after the port authority took back control of this strategic activity, the results presented on January 9, 2026, during the celebration of its 5th anniversary, confirm the relevance of the new governance model.

The atmosphere was festive on January 9 at the access quay of the Port of Douala-Bonabéri. Port authorities, administrative officials and partners attended the ceremony marking five years of what are considered exceptional performances by Towage Authority S.A. The event, chaired by the Director General of the Douala Port Authority, Cyrus Ngo’o—also Chairman of the Board of RDR S.A.—provided an opportunity to unveil an impressive financial trajectory.

The figures speak for themselves. In 2025, RDR S.A. recorded a turnover of CFAF 7.263 billion, compared with CFAF 4.345 billion in 2021, the first year after the PAD resumed control of the activity. This growth contrasts sharply with the situation inherited from the former concessionaire, Boluda, which generated CFAF 3.389 billion in turnover in 2020 and paid only CFAF 587 million in royalties to the port. As early as 2021, royalties paid by the new structure had already reached CFAF 727 million, reflecting a clear change in momentum.

Over the entire 2021–2025 period, cumulative royalties paid to the PAD amount to CFAF 5.4 billion—more than 70% of what the former concessionaire had paid over seventeen years of operation. Added to this is a significant contribution to public finances, with nearly CFAF 4.879 billion paid to the State in taxes and duties. These indicators strengthen the subsidiary’s economic credibility and support the economic sovereignty strategy pursued by the Port Authority of Douala.

Beyond financial performance, management also highlights operational progress. The availability of tugboats, service reliability and the professionalization of teams have improved, contributing to smoother port operations. RDR S.A. also claims a positive impact in terms of job creation and the strengthening of local skills, thereby contributing to the overall competitiveness of the Port of Douala-Bonabéri, a true economic lifeline for Cameroon.

Esther Grace