ARISE IIP and the Port Authority of Douala sign a partnership agreement to establish the Dibamba Industrial Port Zone, a new catalyst for Cameroon’s industrialisation

ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP), a developer and operator of world-class industrial ecosystems in Africa, recently signed a partnership agreement with the Port Authority of Douala (PAD) for the creation of the Dibamba Industrial Port Zone.

This ambitious public-private partnership aims to leverage the strategic sectors of Cameroon, aligning with the National Development Strategy 2030 (SND 30) to promote a diversified, resilient, and globally competitive economy.

The agreement outlines the establishment of an industrial ecosystem covering 517 hectares, which will include several distinct areas:

• – a multimodal logistics hub, the Dibamba Douala-Port Logistics Platform (DDLP), featuring warehouses and storage facilities. This platform will help alleviate traffic congestion in Douala ;
• – an integrated industrial park, the Dibamba Douala Industrial Platform (DDIP), which will be developed and equipped with infrastructure to foster industrialisation ;
• – a single-window clearance for administrative procedures ; and
• – a vocational training center aimed at capacity building.

The primary goal of this project is to attract local and international investors to develop value chains focused on the transformation of local resources, particularly in the agro-industry, timber, construction materials, and pharmaceuticals.

Industries will be organized by sector, with individual plots ranging from 5,000 square meters, tailored to the needs of investors. The zone will also offer various incentives, including tax and customs benefits, as well as preferential access to global markets.

As the first initiative in Cameroon combining industrial and port facilities, the Dibamba Industrial Port Zone will be connected by the national road N3 and maritime routes to the port of Douala. Comprehensive environmental protection measures, including the conservation of sensitive areas, will be integrated into the zone’s development plans.

The establishment of the Dibamba Industrial Port Zone represents a key milestone in Cameroon’s industrialization, generating thousands of jobs and contributing to a sustainable economy.

Gagan Gupta, Founder and CEO of ARISE IIP, stated: “By combining our expertise with that of our partners at the Port Authority of Douala, we are poised to create a world-class industrial ecosystem that will enhance local resources, attract significant international investments, and generate thousands of jobs, fostering sustainable growth for Cameroon and the CEMAC region.”

In addition to this new industrial development, businesses shipping goods to Cameroon should be aware of the mandatory BESC (Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons) certificate, which is required for all maritime shipments. This certificate ensures cargo tracking and facilitates the clearance process at Cameroonian ports. Failure to obtain the BESC can result in significant penalties and delays in customs clearance.

Port Autonome de Dakar: Exchange and sharing workshop on the platform of the Single Window for the electronic collection of goods

On Wednesday 11 September 2024, the Port Autonome de Dakar (PAD) organised a workshop to discuss and share information on the ORBUS INFINITY dematerialised single window platform for the collection of goods. The event, chaired by Mr Waly Diouf Bodiang, Managing Director of PAD, was attended by several port authorities and strategic partners.

The aim of the workshop was to ensure ownership of the project by PAD staff, to communicate the benefits and added value offered by the platform, to gather the specific needs of operational staff, and to formulate relevant recommendations for improving the tool in order to guarantee its optimal use.

Operational since February 2024, the Single Window Platform integrates the information systems of the PAD and other port stakeholders, thereby facilitating the clearance process. To date, the major shipping lines are processing the admissibility and issuance of BADs through the platform, and over seven hundred (700) customs agent profiles have been created and are active.

During the workshop, the Authorities present emphasised the importance of this Community project, which will improve the speed of operations and reduce the time and costs involved in the passage of goods, while ensuring transparency and operational efficiency. Constructive discussions helped to identify additional needs in terms of access, analysis and data exchange.

By bringing together authorities from the PAD, customs and players in the logistics chain, this workshop demonstrates the PAD’s commitment to strengthening its competitiveness. Thanks to this collaboration, the Port Autonome de Dakar is positioning itself as a model of performance, optimising its logistics operations to better meet the expectations of its customers.

Alongside the efforts to modernize operations at the Port Autonome de Dakar, shipments to Senegal also require a mandatory Bordereau de Suivi des Cargaisons (BSC) certificate. The BSC is necessary for all imports and must be obtained prior to the shipment's arrival in Senegal. This certificate ensures proper tracking and documentation of goods, aligning with Senegal's customs regulations and contributing to a more efficient and transparent import process.

Liberia Explores Collaboration with EU to Strengthen Maritime Security

The Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) is exploring a new partnership with the European Union (EU) aimed at enhancing port safety and security in the country. Commissioner Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr., Tuesday, October 8, 2024 held discussions with an expert mission from the French and Belgian Technical Cooperation agencies: Expertise France and Enabel, to potentially integrate Liberia’s seaports into an EU-funded project on port safety.

The proposed project would focus on building Liberia’s capacity in cybersecurity, handling dangerous goods, and enhancing Port State Control personnel capabilities—key areas identified by LiMA as critical to maintaining the country’s maritime security. Liberia is a major maritime stakeholder globally and within the Gulf of Guinea region.

During the meeting, Commissioner Lighe, Sr. emphasized Liberia’s eagerness to strengthen its maritime security infrastructure. “The support of the European Union through this new project would prove pivotal to our vision for the safety of seagoing activities,” he said. He also highlighted LiMA’s strategic goal of increasing Liberia’s representation at the World Maritime University (WMU), seeking more opportunities for young Liberians to benefit from advanced maritime education.

The EU delegation, consisting of Mr. Nico Vertongen and Mr. Fabrice Tollari, praised Liberia’s comprehensive presentation of its maritime sector, noting the country’s advanced approach compared to others in the region. Mr. Vertongen expressed his admiration, stating, “In the past four years, I have not seen a maritime authority provide such a complete overview of how the sector operates in terms of priorities, strengths, and challenges. Liberia is ahead of many countries in port security management.”

The EU-funded project aims to address port security by enhancing measures against cybersecurity threats as ports increasingly move toward digitization. The initiative would also evaluate industrial risks related to the handling of dangerous goods, assess International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) compliance, and offer technical assistance to boost capacity building.

LiMA officials, including Deputy Commissioner for Safety Mr. John F. Harvey and other senior personnel, echoed the Commissioner’s sentiments. Mr. Emmanuel Dolakeh, Director of Safety Inspection Survey and Audits (SISA), highlighted the urgent need for capacity building within the department, while Mr. Simeon Cheah, Director of Maritime Security and Head of Liberia’s ISPS program, outlined the country’s progress in maritime safety despite ongoing challenges.

The EU mission’s visit marks a critical step toward strengthening Liberia’s port security and ensuring the resilience of its maritime infrastructure in the face of emerging threats.

Along with Liberia's efforts to bolster maritime security, shippers should be mindful of the mandatory Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) certificate for all shipments to Liberia. It aligns with Liberia's customs regulations, helping to ensure smoother processing at ports and minimizing potential delays or penalties. Compliance with the CTN requirement is crucial for an efficient shipping experience in Liberia.

An ACD Certificate will be mandatory for shipments to Yemen, effective January 1, 2025

The Yemen Ministry of Transport has introduced the mandatory ACD procedure for all shipments bound for Yemeni ports. Effective January 1, 2025, shippers, exporters, and freight forwarders are required to secure the ACD number at the port of origin. This ACD number must also be referenced on the bill of lading.

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