Cameroon’s road network expands but faces persistent challenges

Cameroon’s road infrastructure development remains a cornerstone of national growth, yet significant hurdles continue to impede progress. At a high-profile briefing in Yaoundé, the Minister of Public Works, Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi, outlined the sector’s achievements, ongoing projects, and lingering obstacles during a public conference at the 2026 Government Action Showcase (SAGO).

Strategic road projects and mid-term progress under scrutiny

Addressing journalists, stakeholders, and attendees of the event, Minister Nganou Djoumessi presented the mid-term progress report of the 2020–2030 National Development Strategy. He highlighted key developments in road infrastructure since the start of 2026, emphasizing the persistent challenges that continue to slow project execution. The Minister underscored the need for sustainable improvements in road quality and territorial connectivity, positioning the structuring road network as the top priority for the Ministry of Public Works.

The Ministry’s report stressed that road infrastructure is a vital driver of economic growth and territorial cohesion. It reaffirmed that the actions undertaken by the ministry align with the commitments made by President Paul Biya within the framework of the National Development Strategy.

Mixed results: expansion amid delays

According to the Minister, nearly 2,442 kilometers of roads have been paved and approximately 833 kilometers of degraded roads rehabilitated—key milestones in the sector’s progress. However, he acknowledged that delays persist, particularly in routine maintenance.

The main bottlenecks affecting performance include insecurity in certain regions, cumbersome financing procedures, prolonged market award timelines, financial difficulties faced by contractors, and limited funding allocated to road maintenance.

Despite these obstacles, the Minister pointed to notable progress over the past five years. The total length of paved roads increased from 8,498 kilometers in 2020 to nearly 10,939 kilometers by the end of 2025—an average annual growth of over 488 kilometers.

Future outlook: focus on structuring networks and quality improvement

Looking ahead, Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi emphasized that initiatives launched in early 2026 are designed to fulfill the President’s High-Level Directives, with a strong focus on the structuring road network, enhancing infrastructure quality, and strengthening inter-territorial connectivity.