Cameroon is advancing a CFA350 billion ($600.7 million) railway modernization programme as Poland explores opportunities to supply equipment, technical expertise and transport technology to the Central African country.

The investment covers key railway connections linking Douala, Yaoundé and northern Cameroon, including freight routes serving neighbouring Chad.

Two major rehabilitation projects account for CFA319.3 billion($548.32 million) and cover 568 kilometres of railway infrastructure.

Poland’s interest could introduce another international partner into the sector, although no financing commitment or railway contract has been announced.

Two corridors account for $548 million

The first project involves rehabilitating 238 kilometres of railway between Douala and Yaoundé, backed by CFA152 billion($261 million) from the World Bank.

Planned improvements include new rails and concrete sleepers, automated level crossings, upgraded signalling systems and repairs to bridges and tunnels.

The second project covers 330 kilometres between Bélabo and Ngaoundéré, with an estimated cost of CFA167.3 billion($287.28 million) . Financing involves the European Investment Bank, European Union and French Development Agency.

Together, the projects represent CFA319.3 billion($548.41 million) in planned investment under Cameroon’s second five-year railway investment programme, known as PQ2.

Nearly CFA350 billion($600.7 million) has been mobilized for the broader programme from development partners.

Construction preparations advance

A July review by the Interministerial Railway Infrastructure Committee identified progress on procurement for both corridors. Documentation for the Bélabo-Ngaoundéré section had been submitted to a special procurement commission at railway operator Camrail.

Construction on the Bélabo-Ngaoundéré section was expected to begin in the first half of 2027, with completion projected for 2030, according to reports published in 2025.

The modernization programme carries implications for regional supply chains because Cameroon’s railway network connects the port of Douala with northern markets and landlocked Chad.

Camrail transported more than 778,000 tons of petroleum products in 2025, compared with over 745,000 tons in 2024, highlighting the railway’s importance to fuel distribution. Between late January and March 2025, the operator recorded eight derailments and two major traction-related incidents. The disruptions contributed to freight delays and cement shortages in Chad, according to Investir au Cameroun.

Poland explores equipment and technology deals

Poland’s interest was discussed during an October 27 meeting in Yaoundé between Deputy Foreign Minister Wojciech Zajączkowski and Cameroon’s Transport Minister Jean Ernest Masséna Ngallè Bibéhè.

Zajączkowski said Poland was particularly interested in railway cooperation and data management systems for protecting critical infrastructure. The discussions build on earlier engagement in March 2026, when Polish officials expressed interest in supplying railway equipment and providing technical expertise and maintenance services.

Proposed extensions broaden opportunities

The two countries also discussed possible railway extensions, including the Ngaoundéré-N’Djamena connection to Chad, the Edéa-Kribi-Campo corridor and the Mbalam-Kribi railway project.

Polish company Asseco Data Systems S.A. has expressed interest in deploying intelligent transportation systems to improve urban traffic management and reduce road accidents.

Zajączkowski announced plans for another working visit in 2027, accompanied by an economic delegation expected to include logistics businesses.

However, Poland has not publicly committed financing to Cameroon’s railway programme. No contract or financing agreement followed the October meeting.

Camrail operates Cameroon’s railway network, transporting passengers and freight, including petroleum products, across major domestic and regional trade routes.