Total Project Cost
Investment Required
Stakeholders
Countries
Project Overview
Description
Construction of a bridge over the Ntem River connecting Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea along the Kribi-Campo-Bata transnational corridor, including approach roads and border facilities to enhance cross-border connectivity and regional integration.
Objectives
Establish a permanent river crossing between Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea to replace the current ferry system; improve regional connectivity along the Kribi-Campo-Bata corridor; reduce transit times and transportation costs for cross-border trade; enhance reliability of transport connections; support regional integration within the ECCAS region; facilitate implementation of free movement protocols; improve access to the deep seaport of Kribi for Equatorial Guinea; create employment opportunities during construction and maintenance phases; and strengthen institutional capacity for cross-border infrastructure management.
Strategic Importance
This bridge project represents a critical missing link in the regional transport network, connecting Cameroon's newly developed Kribi deep seaport with Equatorial Guinea's major coastal city of Bata. By replacing the unreliable ferry crossing at the Ntem River, the project will significantly enhance regional connectivity and trade potential between the two countries and beyond to Gabon. The bridge will provide Equatorial Guinea with improved access to international markets through the Kribi Port, while offering Cameroon enhanced access to markets in Equatorial Guinea. The project directly supports implementation of ECCAS regional integration policies, including free movement of people and goods. Beyond transportation benefits, the bridge will facilitate greater economic and social interaction between communities on both sides of the river, which share strong cultural and historical ties.
Technical Specifications
Technology & Design
The bridge will employ modern design suitable for the tropical river environment, with consideration for periodic high water levels and challenging foundation conditions. The structure includes a two-lane bridge approximately 300 meters long with modern approach roads and integrated border control facilities.
Capacity & Size
Two-lane bridge approximately 300 meters long; 4 km of approach roads; Modern border control facilities on both sides; Design capacity for 5,000 vehicles daily
Technical Details
Bridge specifications: 300m length, 2-lane carriageway (11.5m width); Reinforced concrete structure with piled foundations; Design flood return period: 100 years with appropriate freeboard; Approach roads: 4 km total (2 km each side) with 7.5m carriageway; Border facilities: Modern control buildings, inspection areas, parking, and related utilities; Design standards: AASHTO with modifications for local conditions
Development, Implementation & Financial Details
Development Timeline
Feasibility and detailed design (2019-2021); Financing arrangements (2020-2022); Construction (2023-2025)
Latest Implementation Updates
UPDATED2025-06-11 — IATI project record updated; detailed studies on the Kribi–Campo–Bata crossing show planned end 29-Dec-2025. Link: https://datastore.iatistandard.org/activity/46002-P-Z1-DB0-173
2024-11-19 — EU pledges €91m to Cameroon for infrastructure incl. Ntem River bridge, supporting works mobilisation and co-financing. Link: https://apnews.com/article/2135ed9da95c43dbdc1516cee959fdb7
Financing Structure
The project is financed through a bilateral arrangement with: sovereign contributions from both Cameroon (40%) and Equatorial Guinea (40%); African Development Bank loan (20%) for technical assistance and supervision components; and National Road Fund resources for maintenance. Construction financing is secured with both countries having allocated resources in their national budgets.
Capital Structure
Public financing through sovereign resources (80%) and multilateral development bank financing (20%)
Project Timeline
Start Date
June 2019
Expected Completion
December 2025
Development Timeline
Feasibility and detailed design (2019-2021); Financing arrangements (2020-2022); Construction (2023-2025)
Project Status History
Status 2022
Structuring
Status 2024
Implementation
Additional Project Details
Preparation Funding Gap
USD 0.00M
Construction Timeline
Bridge construction: 2023-2025; Approach roads and border facilities: 2023-2024
Legal & Financial Advisors
STUDI International providing technical supervision services; legal services by national agencies
Market Analysis
Market Analysis
Current river crossing is via ferry with capacity for only 8-10 vehicles per trip, causing delays of 2-6 hours during peak periods and complete service disruptions during high water. Traffic volumes are currently constrained by this bottleneck, with potential for significant growth with a permanent bridge. The corridor connects Kribi Port (24 million ton capacity) with Bata (major economic center of Equatorial Guinea), with substantial potential for increased trade.
Market Demand
The bridge and approach roads will be designed to handle approximately 2,000 vehicles daily initially, with capacity for growth to 5,000 vehicles daily. The corridor will serve populations in southern Cameroon and mainland Equatorial Guinea, with wider benefits for regional trade between Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon.
Key Stakeholders
Project Sponsor
Ministry of Public Works (Cameroon), Ministry of Infrastructure (Equatorial Guinea)
Key Parties
Ministry of Public Works (Cameroon), Ministry of Infrastructure and Transportation (Equatorial Guinea), ECCAS Secretariat
Investors
Government of Cameroon, Government of Equatorial Guinea, African Development Bank
Contractors & Operators
China Road and Bridge Corporation (main contractor)
Risk Assessment
General Risk Assessment
Major construction risks have been addressed as the project is already under construction. Remaining risks include: potential delays in completion due to technical challenges or resource constraints; cross-border coordination in operationalization; and long-term maintenance sustainability. Risk mitigation includes strong supervision, established bilateral frameworks, and technical assistance for maintenance systems.
Regulatory Risks
The project operates under an established bilateral framework agreement for the development and operation of the cross-border infrastructure. Both countries have harmonized border control procedures to facilitate efficient movement, with agreed protocols for operations, maintenance responsibilities, and dispute resolution.
Impact Assessment
Environmental Impact
The project has completed comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessment with approved management plans currently under implementation. Key environmental considerations include river ecosystem protection during construction, sedimentation management, protection of sensitive coastal forest habitats, and climate resilience measures for the structure and approach roads.
Social Impact
The bridge is generating approximately 300 direct jobs during construction and will create an estimated 150 permanent jobs during operation. Socioeconomic benefits include improved market access for local communities (particularly for agricultural products), enhanced mobility between countries, reduced isolation during high water periods, new economic opportunities in the border region, and strengthened social and cultural ties between communities.
Investment Opportunities
Private Sector Opportunities
Limited but focused opportunities exist in: construction subcontracting; supply of materials and services; maintenance operations through performance-based contracts; border facility operations; and commercial services in the development zone around the bridge.
Next Steps & Agreements
Next Steps
Complete ongoing construction; establish bilateral maintenance framework; implement border crossing procedures; develop corridor management system; monitor environmental and social management plan implementation
Offtake Agreements
Bilateral agreement between Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea establishing shared maintenance responsibilities, with specific allocations from National Road Funds of both countries. Performance metrics and inspection protocols are established in the bilateral maintenance framework.
Contact Information
Eng. Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi, Minister of Public Works, Cameroon, Email: contact@mintp.cm; Hon. Baltasar Engonga Edjo, Minister of Infrastructure, Equatorial Guinea, Email: info@mintrans.gq
