Enhancing regional trade: the 5th RCA–Tchad–Cameroun tripartite forum
The Ministry of Transport, Civil Aviation, and National Meteorology has joined forces with key port stakeholders to organize the 5th edition of the RCA–Tchad–Cameroun tripartite forum. This year’s event, focused on facilitating goods transit through Cameroonian ports, kicked off on Monday, May 11, 2026 in N’Djamena, under the leadership of Minister Fatima Goukouni Weddeye.
The forum, running from May 11 to 13, 2026, serves as a vital platform for strengthening economic cooperation among the three nations. In his keynote address, Cameroon’s Minister of Transport, Jean Ernest Masséna Ngallé Bibéhè, highlighted the critical role of Cameroonian port infrastructure in supporting trade for both the Central African Republic and Tchad. He emphasized the deep-rooted geographical and historical bonds uniting these countries, describing their collaboration as a promising step toward deeper regional integration.
Key priorities: reducing transit delays and logistics costs
Minister Bibéhè also addressed ongoing trade challenges, including the detention of a Cameroonian driver in Tchad, urging a swift resolution grounded in solidarity. His remarks underscored the forum’s mission to tackle systemic barriers that hinder seamless cross-border commerce.
In her opening statement, Minister Fatima Goukouni Weddeye underscored the forum’s strategic importance for landlocked nations like Tchad and the Central African Republic. She noted that the efficiency of transit corridors connecting to Douala and Kribi ports directly impacts market supply, logistics expenses, and economic competitiveness in the region.
Collaborative solutions for smoother trade flows
Over the three-day event, public and private sector delegates will exchange insights and propose actionable strategies to:
- Streamline transit procedures for goods moving through Cameroonian ports;
- Lower logistical overheads to enhance trade affordability;
- Deepen economic integration across the three countries.
By fostering dialogue and collaboration, the forum aims to unlock new opportunities for regional growth while addressing longstanding bottlenecks in cross-border trade.