By Andrew Nsoseka
On April 28, the European Union, EU, and the governments of Cameroon and Chad, alongside the African Development Bank, and members of Team Europe comprised of Germany, Belgium, France, Spain, and Italy, inaugurated the Logone River Bridge, which links Yagoua on the Cameroonian side, to Bongor in Chad.
The European Union’s substantial contribution estimated at over €40 million, approximately FCFA 26 billion to the Logone River Bridge project has brought new life to the CEMAC sub-regional integration.
The EU’s efforts helped in realising the very essential project, and will go a long way to foster economic growth, social unity, and regional integration between Cameroon and Chad. With a total investment of over €578 million, the EU’s €40 million grant has played a vital role in making the grand ambitious project a reality.
The project has realised 620 meters long bridge and 14 km of roads built to facilitate trade and mobility. The EU holds that its €40 million strategic investment will boost the Libreville-Kribi-Douala-N’Djamena corridor. Thus, like other actors, it expects to see improved mobility for nearly 4.6 million inhabitants and direct stimulation of cross-border trade.
The commissioning of the bridge marks an important step in strengthening connectivity and promoting sub-regional economic integration. The project is meant to serve as a concrete demonstration of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy through infrastructure serving populations.
The Logone River Bridge isn’t just another piece of infrastructure; it is a life-changing project for the thousands of people living along the Logone River. For years, locals had to risk their lives crossing the river in canoes. Some had to swim to reach the other side. The new bridge has slashed travel time from up to an hour to just minutes, connecting essential services, strengthening social ties, and boosting local economies.
With the new bridge, farmers and merchants can now transport goods easily, reach broader markets, and avoid the perils of water crossings. The bridge is expected to enhance food security, stabilise and strengthen regional supply chains, and support border economies.
This project consists of the construction of a 620m-long, two-way viaduct bridge with a connecting road of approximately 14,180km on both sides between Yagoua and Bongor, as well as related developments in both countries (markets, health centres, water points, lowland development, agricultural equipment kits, parking, equipment for the vocational training centre).
The project has also created jobs, with over 523 direct jobs generated since its start, and an estimated 7,515 to 8,827 indirect full-time equivalent jobs expected to be created. The bridge is a prime example of regional cooperation, aligning with the African Development Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy to foster regional integration and improve quality of life.
By connecting the town of Yagoua in Cameroon’s Far North to Bongor in southern Chad, the bridge makes a major contribution to regional integration, reducing logistics costs and increasing business opportunities.
The Logone River Bridge highlights the spirit of modern African unity, highlighting the real-world benefits of coordinated development efforts. With the EU’s support, this project is set to strengthen bonds between two countries and set the stage for broader continental integration.
