The Director General of the Port Authority of Douala, Cyrus Ngo’o, and the Chairman of Innovendi Data Technologies, Joël Daniel Monefong, signed a comprehensive convention aimed at equipping the port with state-of-the-art digital infrastructure.
This agreement follows a spontaneous offer submitted by Innovendi in November 2023, which was thoroughly assessed by a specially appointed Ad-hoc Technical Committee. After extensive technical and financial evaluations, the project was validated as a structuring public-private partnership (PPP) perfectly aligned with the PAD’s broader modernisation agenda and national objectives for digital transformation.
A 100% financed project to deploy a next-generation 4G/5G network
Under the terms of the convention, Innovendi commits to fully financing the design, construction, operation, maintenance and upgrade of the digital infrastructure before its final handover to PAD. The investment includes a dedicated, hybrid and scalable 4G/5G network for PAD, IoT (Internet of Things) technologies for real-time tracking and automation, edge and proximity cloud services for secure data processing and storage, advanced cybersecurity tools for protecting critical operations and itelligent interfaces and digital platforms to optimise operational performance
This modern ecosystem is expected to streamline operations, enhance transparency, reduce inefficiencies and significantly boost productivity across the port.
Key objectives: cmpetitiveness, efficiency and digital transformation
The project aims to strengthen the attractiveness of the Douala-Bonabéri Port by reducing cargo dwell times, improving logistics flows and enhancing service quality for shipping lines, importers and exporters.
Through digital tools and smart management systems, the port will be able to modernise documentation, automate cargo handling, strengthen traceability and improve coordination between all port stakeholders.
The use of IoT sensors, digital dashboards, data analytics and secure connectivity will ensure faster operations, reduced risks and a more reliable workflow across terminals and port services.
With an estimated value of 10 billion CFA francs, the project reinforces Cameroon’s commitment to modernising its strategic infrastructures and expanding the role of digital technologies in public services.
Social and economic impact
Beyond its technological ambitions, the convention integrates a strong socio-economic dimension focused on local development priority recruitment of Cameroonian professionals, involvement of local SMEs in project execution, training programmes for young talents, technology transfer and capacity-building initiatives and a robust Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility (CSER) policy
This approach supports national efforts to reduce unemployment and promote inclusive growth through technology and innovation.
A Smart Port is defined as a port that uses advanced technologies IoT, AI, cloud services, digital analytics and cybersecurity to optimise operations, improve safety, reduce environmental impact and minimise costs. Through this partnership, PAD is: taking a decisive step toward full Smart Port integration, aligning with international best practices observed in modern ports, Enhancing its status as a leading logistics hub in Central Africa and strengthening its role as a strategic gateway for trade in the Gulf of Guinea
The introduction of intelligent digital systems will allow the port to anticipate disruptions, automate decisions, enhance transparency and improve customer satisfaction.
