trade corridor talks: Chad, Cameroon and central african republic meet in N’Djamena

The fifth tripartite forum bringing together Chad, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic (CAR) kicked off in N’Djamena on May 11, 2026, focusing on regional transit and trade challenges.

The opening ceremony was led by Fatimé Goukouni Weddeye, Minister of Transport, Civil Aviation, and National Meteorology, alongside high-ranking officials including General Ousman Brahim Djouma, Director General of Customs and Indirect Taxes in Chad, along with customs, port, and business representatives from all three nations.

key objectives of the forum

Discussions aim to address persistent barriers that hinder the smooth flow of goods along the transcameroun corridor, a vital trade artery connecting central Africa to coastal ports. The forum emphasizes:

• streamlining transit procedures to reduce delays and inefficiencies at border crossings
• strengthening customs cooperation between the three countries to enhance border security and trade facilitation
• boosting sub-regional trade by identifying opportunities for economic integration and cross-border commerce

why this corridor matters

The transcameroun corridor serves as a critical lifeline for trade between landlocked nations like Chad and CAR and international markets via Cameroon’s ports. By improving infrastructure and regulatory alignment, the three countries aim to:

• reduce transport costs for businesses operating across borders
• increase competitiveness of local industries in global markets
• foster economic growth through enhanced trade flows and investment opportunities