News & Insights
Logistics intelligence, trade updates, and operational insights from Central Africa and global freight markets.
Douala Port’s Phase III Expansion Signals New Era for Central African Trade
The Port Autonome de Douala has confirmed the third phase of its berth expansion programme, set to add 600,000 TEU capacity and reduce cargo dwell times by up to 40%. For logistics operators across Cameroon, Chad, the Central African Republic, and the Congo Basin, this investment reshapes the economics of regional import and export flows — lowering transit costs, improving turnaround times, and opening new possibilities for time-sensitive commodity exports.
From the Freight & Logistics Industry
WTO Projects 2.7% Growth in Global Merchandise Trade for 2025
The World Trade Organisation’s latest forecast points to moderate recovery in merchandise volumes driven by services trade and renewed demand from emerging markets. African mineral and agricultural exporters stand to benefit from improved western demand cycles.
ICGLR Strengthens Mineral Traceability for Central African Exporters
Updated ICGLR guidance on the Mineral Certification Scheme introduces stricter documentation requirements for gold, coltan, and cassiterite shipments. Operators must now integrate full chain-of-custody traceability data from mine-site to export port.
Air Freight Rates Stabilise After 2024 Red Sea Disruptions
Global air cargo rates, which spiked during 2024 Red Sea shipping disruptions, are stabilising heading into 2025. For time-sensitive cargo from Central Africa — high-value minerals, pharmaceuticals, and perishables — air freight remains the premium reliability option.
Cameroon–Chad Corridor Upgrade: Reduced Transit Times on N’Djaména Route
A joint infrastructure agreement between Cameroon and Chad targets a 30% reduction in transit documentation times and improved road conditions along the Ngoaundéré–N’Djaména corridor — a critical artery for landlocked Chad’s import and export flows via Douala Port.
Cold Chain Logistics in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Fast-Growing Sector
The World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index identifies cold chain infrastructure as critically underdeveloped across Sub-Saharan Africa. But pharmaceutical multinationals and NGO procurement partners are driving rapid growth in GDP-compliant refrigerated transport — creating new opportunities in Yaoundé and Douala.
ZenithFret Expands Armoured Convoyage for Minerals Export Operations
ZenithFret SARL has expanded its armoured convoyage capacity to meet growing demand from mining operators across Cameroon’s Eastern and Southern regions, adding GPS-tracked escort vehicles and newly certified handling teams for gold and strategic mineral export operations.
Key Sources & References
ZenithFret monitors the leading international logistics, trade, and infrastructure publications to keep clients informed.
World Bank LPI
Logistics Performance Index — benchmarking 160+ countries on customs, infrastructure, and timeliness.
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WTO Trade Data
Global merchandise trade statistics, tariff data, and market access updates from the World Trade Organisation.
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African Dev. Bank
Infrastructure investment reports, transport corridor updates, and trade facilitation programmes across Africa.
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