Road infrastructure in Cameroon: 2,442 km paved but challenges remain, minister reports in Yaoundé

Ongoing projects, achieved milestones, the strategic network, and the hurdles slowing sector performance were the key topics at the public conference delivered by Minister of Public Works Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi on June 11, 2026, during the Government Action Fair (SAGO 2026) in Yaoundé. The well-attended session focused on upgrading the national road network.

Addressing journalists, road users, and SAGO visitors, the minister presented the mid-term assessment of the National Development Strategy 2020–2030, reviewed progress made since the start of 2026, and outlined the obstacles impeding road project execution. He emphasised the measures taken to sustainably enhance the quality and connectivity of Cameroon’s road network, highlighting the strategic network as the core focus of the Ministry of Public Works.

According to the ministry’s report, the minister reaffirmed that road infrastructure development is a driver of economic growth and territorial cohesion. He noted that the actions of his department contribute to fulfilling the commitments of President Paul Biya under the National Development Strategy 2020–2030.

Presenting the mid-term results of the strategy, the minister stated that nearly 2,442 kilometres of roads have been paved and approximately 833 kilometres of degraded roads rehabilitated against the sector’s targets. He acknowledged that delays persist, particularly in road maintenance.

Key factors affecting performance include insecurity in certain intervention zones, cumbersome procedures for mobilising funds, extended procurement timelines, cash-flow difficulties for construction companies, and limited resources allocated to road network upkeep.

Despite these constraints, the minister highlighted progress over the past five years. The length of paved roads increased from 8,498 kilometres in 2020 to nearly 10,939 kilometres by the end of 2025, representing an average annual increase of more than 488 kilometres.

Looking ahead, Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi indicated that actions launched since the start of 2026 align with the highest directives of the President, with particular emphasis on the strategic road network, improved infrastructure quality, and stronger connectivity between regions.