Trump's Kribi port 'will open bright prospects' - Central Africa

In 2017, former US President Donald Trump commented positively on the Kribi port project in Cameroon, describing it as an initiative that will 'open up bright prospects' for the region. Trump emphasised the importance of the port in strengthening the economy of Central Africa, seeing it as a significant opportunity for Cameroon and its neighbouring countries, including Chad and the Central African Republic. According to the former president, the port of Kribi will not only increase the region's trade capacity, but also help improve infrastructure and stimulate local economic development.

Index

Director Patrice Melon's Opinion on Trump's Statements

Following Trump's statements, the General Manager of the Port of Kribi, Patrice Melon, responded in an interview with the Cameroonian newspaper Mutation. Melon stated that the port is ready to receive hundreds of ships on a regular basis as early as next year, emphasising the importance of the new infrastructure for Cameroon.

A Different Opinion: Not everyone shares the positive view. Christian Penda Ekoka, technical advisor at the Presidency of the Republic, expressed scepticism about the project. According to Ekoka, the real commercial capacity of the region would not justify the construction of the port of Kribi, considering that the neighbouring port of Douala already covers most of the needs.

Situation of the Neighbouring Countries Served by the Port of Kribi

The economic situation in neighbouring countries, such as Chad and the Central African Republic, is complex and often compromised by a lack of infrastructure and weak local authorities. In these countries, the need for a large capacity port is pressing, given their dependence on imports. However, according to the Director General of the Port of Kribi, the lack of commercial activity has tested the sustainability of the infrastructure.

The Development of the Kribi Industrial Zone

The port of Kribi is not only a port infrastructure, but was also intended as a starting point for an adjacent industrial zone. However, according to Patrice Melon and Christian Penda Ekoka, the development of an industrial area around the port has not yet taken place. Ekoka attributed this delay to the withdrawal of Rio Tinto, the project's initial partner.

Funding and Expectations for the Port of Kribi

The port of Kribi was realised with the financial support of China, through China Eximbank, for a total investment of about EUR 1.1 billion. This investment aimed to transform Kribi into a maritime hub of central importance for Africa, facilitating trade and improving access to the markets of landlocked countries such as Chad and the Central African Republic. However, some social and environmental concerns have raised doubts about the real sustainability of the project, especially in terms of benefits for the local population.