Cameroun’s road infrastructure: 2 442 km paved but challenges remain
Progress, obstacles, and future plans for the national road network were highlighted during a public briefing in Yaoundé.
Key achievements and ongoing projects in road infrastructure
During a public conference held at the Salon de l’Action Gouvernementale (SAGO 2026) in Yaoundé, Minister of Public Works Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi presented a mid-term review of the 2020-2030 National Development Strategy, alongside updates on road projects initiated in early 2026. The briefing also addressed persistent challenges hindering the sector’s performance.
The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to improving the quality and connectivity of Cameroon’s road network, with a focus on the structuring road network—a priority for the Ministry of Public Works. He highlighted that road infrastructure development is a critical driver of economic growth and territorial cohesion, aligning with the President of the Republic’s commitments under the National Development Strategy.
Milestones and remaining hurdles
According to the Ministry of Public Works, nearly 2,442 kilometers of roads have been paved and approximately 833 kilometers of degraded roads have been rehabilitated as part of the mid-term review. However, delays persist, particularly in routine road maintenance.
Several factors continue to impede progress, including:
- Security concerns in certain project zones;
- Cumbersome financing mobilization procedures;
- Extended delays in contract award processes;
- Liquidity constraints faced by construction firms;
- Limited budgetary allocations for road maintenance.
Despite these obstacles, significant progress has been made over the past five years. The total length of paved roads has increased from 8,498 kilometers in 2020 to nearly 10,939 kilometers by the end of 2025, representing an average annual expansion of over 488 kilometers.
Future roadmap and strategic priorities
Minister Nganou Djoumessi outlined that the initiatives launched in early 2026 are designed to fulfill the President’s High-Level Directives, with a strong emphasis on:
- Expanding the structuring road network;
- Enhancing infrastructure quality;
- Strengthening inter-territorial connectivity.
These efforts aim to create a more resilient and integrated road network capable of supporting Cameroon’s economic and social development goals.
