The Ministry of Transport, Civil Aviation, and National Meteorology of Chad, in collaboration with port authorities, is hosting the fifth edition of the tripartite forum between the Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, and Cameroon. Focused on enhancing trade facilitation through Cameroonian ports, the event kicked off on Monday, May 11, 2026, in N’Djamena, under the leadership of Fatima Goukouni Weddeye, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation.
Spanning three days—May 11 to 13, 2026—the forum serves as a pivotal platform for dialogue, aiming to deepen economic cooperation among the three nations. The gathering brings together policymakers, private sector representatives, and logistics experts to address critical challenges in regional trade.
strengthening economic ties through shared infrastructure
Jean Ernest Masséna Ngallé Bibéhè, Cameroon’s Minister of Transport, highlighted the shared benefits of Cameroonian ports for CAR and Chad. He emphasized that these ports are not just national assets but regional gateways, fostering solidarity and interdependence among the three countries. “The infrastructure we build today will determine the economic resilience of our nations tomorrow,” he remarked, while also urging the peaceful resolution of disputes, such as the case of a Cameroonian driver detained in Chad.
addressing logistical bottlenecks for landlocked economies
In her opening address, Fatima Goukouni Weddeye underscored the forum’s strategic importance for landlocked nations like Chad and CAR. She noted that the efficiency of trade corridors connecting to ports in Douala and Kribi directly impacts market supply, logistics costs, and economic competitiveness. “Smoother transit means lower prices for consumers and stronger industries across our region,” she stated.
collaborative solutions for smoother trade flows
Over the three-day event, participants will engage in workshops, panel discussions, and roundtable sessions to identify actionable strategies. Key objectives include streamlining customs procedures, reducing transit delays, and optimizing supply chains to benefit all three economies. The forum also aims to foster public-private partnerships to sustain long-term improvements in regional logistics.
The tripartite forum reaffirms the commitment of Chad, CAR, and Cameroon to building a more integrated and resilient economic bloc in Central Africa.