For years, the Bamenda industrial zone in Nkwen stood as a near empty promise. Basic infrastructure was in place, roads, electricity and demarcated land, but economic activity failed to follow. The absence of anchor projects left the zone underutilised, fuelling public frustration and investor caution.
The formal start of works in October 2025 with the site installation, led by the
President of the Regional Executive Council, Prof. Fru Angwafo III, marked a
turning point. The project, financed under the PROLOG programme with World Bank
backing, is conceived not as a standalone market but as a central node within a
larger trade ecosystem.
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At site level, that shift is already visible. Construction
has advanced to key structural phases, including the first floor nearing completion, while
contractor Dreamland Connect continues steady execution within timelines.
According to Edison Fru Ndi, Chief Executive of Dreamland Connect, the project addresses a fundamental economic gap.
“Where you produce should be
able to sell,” he said during a guided tour adding that “this particular project is
pivotal… it will be more of a specialised market.”
The design reflects that intent. With 57 sheds targeting
wholesalers and distributors, the market is structured as a commercial
interface for goods produced within and beyond the industrial zone. It is
expected to function as a showroom, supported by planned warehouse
infrastructure that will handle storage and bulk distribution.
This integrated model is a direct response to the zone’s
earlier stagnation. A 2021 visit to the same site revealed vast unused land,
despite earlier claims of investor uptake. Locals at the time spoke of missed
opportunities and declining confidence.
The current development signals a reversal. Complementary
infrastructure, including an external customs clearance warehouse and a food
transformation unit, is expected to deepen value chain activity, improve food
safety and reduce post harvest losses.
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Edison Fru Ndi emphasizes the urgency of delivery, linking time directly to cost.
“The more delay… the more expensive it is on the side of the
contractor,” he said, pointing to weekly labour payments over FCFA 1.5million and rising operational
expenses.
The expected impact extends beyond the market itself. By
activating trade within the industrial zone, the project is transforming
dormant infrastructure into a functioning economic hub, laying the groundwork
for further investment and sustained commercial activity.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices web
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