Cameroon and Chad are on the brink of launching a landmark railway project that would link Ngaoundéré in Cameroon to N'Djamena, the capital of Chad. This ambitious initiative, backed by over €275 million (approximately 180 billion CFA francs) from the World Bank, is designed to modernize the Douala–N'Djamena transport corridor and significantly enhance regional integration and trade. Despite the completion of feasibility studies—delayed by nearly eight years—the final decision on the precise route remains unresolved, with Yaoundé yet to confirm which alignment will be adopted.
Three major route options have been evaluated, each presenting distinct technical and financial considerations. The proposed segments include Ngaoundéré–Koutéré–Moundou (385 km), Moundou–Djoumane–Bongor (228 km), and Bongor–Mailem–N'Djamena (265 km), amounting to a total of 878 kilometers. Depending on the selected path, the project’s estimated cost ranges from CFA2,500 billion to CFA4,367 billion (roughly $4.25 billion to $7.42 billion USD). The feasibility study, conducted by CPCS and Zutari with support from the African Development Bank, revealed strong economic viability, projecting an internal rate of return of 20% for Cameroon and 12% for Chad—both figures comfortably exceeding the capital opportunity cost benchmark of 12%.
However, the project is not without its challenges. Engineers must contend with the rugged terrain of the Adamaoua Plateau, a complex network of rivers and wetlands, and the need to protect 22 designated natural areas along the proposed routes. These environmental and logistical hurdles have added layers of complexity to the planning process. Nonetheless, both governments remain optimistic. Cameroon has announced that construction is expected to commence in the second half of 2025, with calls for tenders already underway.
Once completed, the railway is expected to unlock vast economic opportunities, reduce transportation costs, and dramatically improve connectivity across some of Central Africa’s most underserved regions. For Chad, which relies heavily on road transport for its imports and exports, the railway could be a game-changer, offering a more efficient and reliable link to the port of Douala. For Cameroon, it represents a strategic investment in infrastructure that could reinforce its role as a regional logistics hub. As N'Djamena waits for Yaoundé’s final decision, the promise of a new era in cross-border connectivity hangs in the balance.