Cameroon and Chad Strengthen Trade Route Security on Douala-N'Djamena Corridor

November 8, Cameroon’s Customs Director Fongod Edwin Nuvaga and Hamid Djoumino, Director of Chad’s Shippers’ Council (COC-Tchad), signed a partnership agreement in Yaoundé. This deal sets up a framework for information-sharing, collaboration, and consultation to improve the safety and efficiency of goods in transit from Cameroon to Chad.

The main aim of the agreement is to assist shippers in navigating customs transit procedures in Cameroon, lower costs and delays, and enhance reliable data on goods transiting the Douala-N'Djamena corridor. This framework will ultimately boost revenue by improving transit statistics and understanding trade patterns on this key route.

A key part of this collaboration is the creation of a joint electronic data exchange platform, enabling the COC-Tchad to share active records of Chadian shippers with Cameroon’s Customs Department (DGD). COC-Tchad will also integrate Chad’s Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (BESC) with Cameroon’s customs information system, Camcis, and Chad’s maritime levy system. To protect privacy, all data exchanged will remain confidential and cannot be shared outside the agreement without permission from COC-Tchad’s Director General.

For its part, Cameroon’s Customs Department agreed to address the transit issues that Chadian transporters frequently face, such as the wheel-clamping of Chadian-bound trucks. The DGD will use stickers for tracking trucks without GPS and reduce tracking costs from CFA35,000 to CFA25,000 starting January 1, 2025. It will also offer private geolocation options, develop an online GPS request system, and create a transit cost guide for goods moving to and from Chad.

For years, Chadian transporters on the Douala-N'Djamena corridor have voiced concerns about the delays caused by customs and law enforcement in Cameroon. The new agreement is expected to make goods transit more efficient and secure, addressing these longstanding issues.

According to Cameroon’s Freight Management Office, roughly 20,000 truck movements transport over a million tons of goods annually between Cameroon and Chad. Cameroon’s customs also report over CFA350 billion in annual revenue generated from Chadian goods passing through the country. The partnership marks a new step in strengthening trade and cooperation along this vital corridor.

In addition its important to note the Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN) which is mandatory for shipments to Cameroon and Chad, ensuring compliance with customs regulations and efficient cargo tracking. Exporters must validate the ECTN to avoid delays and penalties, enhancing trade transparency and security.

National Port Authority of Liberia Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Marsa Maroc to Modernize and Expand Liberia’s Port Infrastructure

The National Port Authority of Liberia (NPA) and Société d’Exploitation des Ports SA – Marsa Maroc signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Monrovia to strengthen Liberia’s port infrastructure and enhance regional trade potential.

This strategic partnership aims to modernize and expand Liberia’s key ports under a Development Master Plan. Two primary projects include:

1. New Multipurpose Terminal at Port of Monrovia: A Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to develop a terminal for diverse cargo, boosting efficiency and service capacity.
2. Enhanced Terminal at Port of Buchanan: Design, construction, financing, and management improvements for efficient cargo handling and economic growth.

The 18-month MoU outlines collaboration between NPA and Marsa Maroc, a subsidiary of Tanger Med Group, leveraging expertise in sustainable port operations. Hon. Sekou H. Dukuly, NPA Managing Director, emphasized the partnership's potential to transform Liberia’s ports into key West African logistics hubs.

Reda Moukhli, Marsa Maroc’s Director of Port Strategy, highlighted the MoU as pivotal for achieving modernized and competitive port operations in Liberia. Liberia’s Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti affirmed the importance of strategic partnerships for national development under the government’s ARREST agenda.

Visiting investors from Marsa Maroc and Tanger Med pledged their commitment to state-of-the-art port modernization, with Tanger Med Engineering Managing Director Nasser Tlassellal expressing gratitude for the collaboration.

The MoU reflects Liberia's dedication to advancing its port infrastructure and regional trade capabilities, marking a significant step toward economic growth and development.

Important Note: All cargo shipments to Liberia require a mandatory Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) certificate. This certificate ensures the transparency and security of cargo movements while complying with international shipping regulations. Exporters and freight forwarders are urged to secure the CTN certificate to avoid delays or penalties in port operations.

Congo Terminal accelerates the implementation of its project to extend the port of Pointe-Noire

Congo Terminal, a subsidiary of AGL and concessionaire of the container terminal within the Autonomous Port of Pointe-Noire (PAPN), is accelerating the implementation of its ambitious port extension project, which will result in an investment of more than €400 million. The objective is to anticipate the evolution of global maritime transport capacities and to position Pointe-Noire as the reference port platform in Central Africa.

Thus, Congo Terminal signed a contract with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) at the beginning of November for the construction of the new quay of the port extension project. The CRBC Group was selected following an international call for tenders and a rigorous selection process. The quality of its offer on a technical level, as well as its already significant presence in Congo and its commitments in terms of local content, were decisive assets.

In March 2024, earthworks were undertaken on the East Mole to create an additional 9 ha of embankment in addition to the existing 18 ha, and in the coming weeks, a new step will be taken with the start of construction work on the new quay.

Congo Terminal is fully committed to commissioning this new port platform in early 2027. This innovative project is part of a positive dynamic and will have a major impact on the country’s economic growth, the development of local activities, and job creation.

« This port extension project crystallizes all the standards of a modern terminal capable of accommodating the largest container ships. It will create 900 additional jobs, boost economic exchanges in the sub-region and strengthen the positioning of the port of Pointe-Noire on the world stage, thus contributing to the attractiveness of investors in Congo » Anthony SAMZUN, Managing Director of Congo Terminal

The new port platform will have 750 m of quay at a depth of -17 m and a 27-hectare embankment. Concerned about its impact on the environment, Congo Terminal Môle Est will be equipped mainly with electric handling equipment: 5 STS quay gantry cranes, 15 eRTG gantry cranes, and 30 eTT fleet tractors and will have 1,680 reefer sockets. The project also includes 4,000 m² of buildings.

For shipments to the Republic of Congo, it is important to note that an Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN) is required. This mandatory document ensures compliance with local regulations and facilitates the smooth clearance of goods at the port. Exporters and freight forwarders are encouraged to obtain the ECTN prior to shipment to avoid delays or penalties. For assistance with the ECTN process, our expert team is available 24/7 to support you.

MSC’s new service to improve Europe-West Africa trade connections

This service complements the company’s existing NWC to WAF service, enabling it to enhance its presence and connectivity in the region.

The Switzerland-based shipping company – MSC – has announced a new direct service connecting trade between Europe and West Africa. The company’s first direct service from NWC- Angola, Congo and DR Congo aims to provide faster transport of dry, reefer and project cargoes.

Based on MSC’s new NWC-Morocco to West Africa service, the company will offer:

• A direct call to Pointe Noire with transit times of 23 days from Rotterdam, 21 days from Antwerp and 19 days from Le Havre,
• A direct call to Luanda with transit times of 25 days from Rotterdam, 23 days from Antwerp and 21 days from Le Havre,
• Expanded trade access to Matadi (DR Congo) from Pointe Noire via feeder service.

According to a recent release by MSC, “Direct service will be complemented by our intermodal solutions from Pointe Noire to key capitals of Kinshasa and Brazzaville. Additionally, our intermodal presence in Angola allows for the delivery of cargoes from Luanda to inland destinations.”

The company stated that the enhanced rotation would start from week 48 on 25 November 2024 with MSC SUEZ voyage WM448A and rotate as – “Rotterdam – Antwerp – Le Havre – Casablanca – Las Palmas – Dakar – Conakry – Lome – Pointe Noire – Luanda”.

This new service is in addition to its existing NWC to WAF service. In January 2024, MSC announced enhancements to its Europe-South Africa shipping services. The NWC to South Africa route added Bremerhaven as a direct stop, starting March 2024. MSC also introduced the Ingonyama feeder service, linking East London with Coega in South Africa, offering improved connectivity and alternatives to road transport for South African cargo.

For shipments to the ports mentioned in MSC's new service, it is essential to comply with mandatory documentation requirements: the Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison (BSC) for Senegal , the Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN)for Guinea Conakry, Togo, and the Republic of the Congo , as well as the Conselho Nacional de Carregadores de Angola (CNCA) certificate for Angola. These documents are crucial to ensure smooth customs clearance and adherence to local regulations. Exporters and freight forwarders are advised to obtain these certificates before shipment to avoid delays or additional fees.

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