Paul Biya: Décret Prêt Route Douala-Bafoussam Autorise Accord Banque Islamique

• President Paul Biya signed a decree on October 2, 2026, authorizing the Minister of Economy to secure a 139.2 billion loan for the Douala-Bafoussam road rehabilitation.
• The funding for this extensive project, covering the Bekoko-Pont du Nkam-Echangeur de Bandjoun sections, is provided by the Islamic Development Bank.
• The procurement process is well underway, with technical control services expected to be awarded by late 2026, and pre-qualified firms for works contracts advancing to a restricted international tender.
• The 218.9 km road project is divided into three distinct lots and includes the construction of a new 14-meter bridge over the Moumé river, alongside the rehabilitation of five other bridges.
• Construction work on the Douala-Bafoussam road is projected to begin in the first quarter of 2027.

The presidential decree, signed on October 2, 2026, by Paul Biya, formally enables the Minister of Economy, Planning, and Regional Development to finalize a significant loan agreement of 139.2 billion with the Islamic Development Bank, specifically earmarked for the comprehensive rehabilitation of the Douala-Bafoussam road.

A pivotal step towards the comprehensive rehabilitation of the Douala-Bafoussam road was taken on October 2, 2026, when President Paul Biya signed a decree. This executive action formally authorizes the Minister of Economy, Planning, and Regional Development to execute a crucial loan agreement. The financing, amounting to 139.2 billion, has been secured from the Islamic Development Bank, specifically designated for this vital infrastructure project.

This `décret Paul Biya prêt route Douala-Bafoussam` marks the full entry of the project into its acquisition phase, setting the stage for the commencement of physical works. The ambitious undertaking, officially termed the reconstruction of the Douala-Bafoussam road, focuses on the Bekoko-Pont du Nkam-Echangeur de Bandjoun segments. Following the presidential decree, the next critical administrative milestone is the formal signing of the `accord de prêt Banque Islamique de Développement` between the Minister of Economy and the funding institution, solidifying the financial commitment for the `réhabilitation route Douala-Bafoussam financement`.

Even prior to the presidential decree, the project owner had initiated a robust `passation marchés Douala-Bafoussam` process, which has been actively ongoing for several months. This proactive approach involved launching a Call for Expressions of Interest for the selection of project management services (Maîtrise d'œuvre). The offers received have already undergone thorough analysis, and the current trajectory anticipates the award of technical control services before the close of 2026.

For the main works contracts, the pre-qualification process for companies has been completed, with approximately thirty offers from both Cameroonian and multinational firms submitted on February 2, 2026. These submissions have been meticulously evaluated, and the selected entities will soon be invited to participate in a restricted international tender. This next stage will require them to submit detailed technical and financial proposals for the `marchés publics route Douala-Bafoussam`. Lawyers should note these imminent public procurement opportunities, particularly for technical control and construction contracts, as the project moves rapidly towards implementation. Compliance officers, in turn, must closely monitor the procurement process to ensure strict adherence to both national regulations and international standards.

This multi-stage procurement strategy underscores the project's complexity and its significant economic implications, offering substantial engagement opportunities for various stakeholders in the construction and engineering sectors. The transparent and structured approach to `passation marchés Douala-Bafoussam` aims to ensure efficiency and accountability in the allocation of these critical contracts.

The comprehensive `réhabilitation route Douala-Bafoussam` spans a total distance of 218.9 kilometers and is strategically divided into three distinct lots to facilitate execution. These segments include Bekoko-Penja, covering 70 kilometers; Penja-Pont sur le Nkam, extending for 77.9 kilometers; and Pont sur le Nkam-Bandjoun, which measures 71.2 kilometers. This phased approach allows for efficient management and deployment of resources across the extensive route.

Beyond basic resurfacing, the road works encompass significant upgrades and new constructions. Major agglomeration crossings along the route will be expanded to a 2x2 lane configuration, enhancing traffic flow and safety. A notable structural addition will be the construction of a new 14-meter reinforced concrete bridge at PK 159+800, spanning the Moumé river. Furthermore, the project includes the crucial rehabilitation of five other existing bridges, ensuring the long-term integrity and functionality of the entire road network. With the financial backing secured and the procurement process well advanced, the project owner's projections indicate that construction activities are slated to commence in the first quarter of 2027.

Lawyers should note the imminent public procurement opportunities for the Douala-Bafoussam road project, including technical control and construction contracts, following the presidential decree enabling the loan. Compliance officers must monitor the procurement process for adherence to national and international standards.

Source: Original reporting via Actu Cameroun