The 5th Tripartite Forum between Chad, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic – CAR concluded on May 13, 2026, in N’Djamena, marking a decisive step toward more efficient transit corridors.
Chaired by Fatima Goukouni Weddeye, Chad’s Minister of Transport, the event brought together high-level government officials and port community leaders from all three nations. The forum emphasized a shared vision to transform transit routes into powerful engines of economic growth and regional integration, guided by the leadership of Presidents Paul Biya, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, and Faustin-Archange Touadéra.
A central theme of the closing session was the modernization of the transport system to serve landlocked nations more effectively. Minister Goukouni Weddeye highlighted the strategic importance of the Ngaoundéré-N’Djamena railway extension, reaffirming Chad’s commitment to this project to boost external trade. The forum’s general consensus was to carry forward unresolved recommendations from the previous gathering in Kribi, ensuring continuity in the efforts to streamline logistics across the sub-region.
The recommendations targeted port authorities and customs administrations, calling for simplified procedures and the digitalization of trade operations. Specifically, the ports of Douala and Kribi were urged to establish formal consultation frameworks with road transporters to reduce costs and delays for hinterland goods.
Furthermore, the forum advocated for the full implementation of the “NEXUS PLUS” system and the automation of bond releases to create a more transparent and fluid customs environment.
Infrastructure protection and safety were also high on the agenda. Participants recommended a strict crackdown on overloaded trucks through synchronized weighing data between ports and road checkpoints to preserve the regional road network.
To support the well-being of logistics workers, the National Shippers’ Council of Cameroon – CNCC was tasked with expanding “Life Centers” in other words rest areas along the corridors, while Port-Synthèse was invited to improve security for drivers and assistants within port zones.
In a forward-looking move, the forum explored the possibility of expanding its scope to include Niger, potentially evolving into a quadripartite framework. This regional expansion aims to integrate goods destined for or originating from Niger into the existing Chad-Cameroon network.
Additionally, the creation of a dedicated corridor management authority under the CEMAC and ECCAS umbrellas was proposed to centralize weighing information and harmonize transport tariffs across borders.
As the forum wrapped up, a clear roadmap was established for the next two years, with the Central African Republic set to host the next session. The commitment to signing revised inter-state transport conventions within six months underscores the urgency of these reforms.
By fostering a climate of trust and innovation, the three nations aim to build a stable, prosperous, and integrated logistics ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders in Central Africa.
