The North West Regional Assembly has placed the proposed dry port high on its 2026 agenda, signalling a major shift in how the region intends to handle trade, transport and economic competitiveness. During the opening of the December budgetary session, councillors underscored that the project could be one of the most transformative investments for Bamenda in decades.
For years, businesses across the region have struggled with long haulage routes, unpredictable transport costs, the armed conflict in the last nine years and bottlenecks that slow down the movement of goods. These challenges have kept local enterprises small, limited market access and weakened the region’s ability to attract serious investment. The proposed dry port is being framed as a practical response to this persistent problem.
With a budget projection of more than 14 billion francs for 2026, the Assembly stated that establishing a dry port would give traders direct access to customs and freight services without relying entirely on coastal terminals. Experts argue that such a facility would reduce transport time, lower costs for importers and exporters and make it easier for agricultural cooperatives, manufacturers and small producers to ship goods reliably.
The plan comes alongside other major infrastructure proposals, including the construction of the Mutan regional market and a broader push to improve mobility and access across the seven divisions. Together, these projects are expected to position the region as a stronger economic player within the national supply chain.
They noted that improved logistics would help stabilise local markets, stimulate job creation and give young entrepreneurs the platform they need to scale their businesses.
Committees are reviewing the details ahead of the budget vote, with the Assembly stressing the need for sustained funding and a long-term plan. The leadership has opened the session to public scrutiny through livestreams and invited citizens to contribute ideas, arguing that a project of this scale must reflect the region’s shared priorities.
If adopted and properly funded, the dry port could mark a turning point, offering Bamenda and the wider region a chance to break free from years of logistical barriers and step confidently into a more competitive economic future.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Online
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