Cameroon’s Autonomous Port of Douala (PAD) is transforming its real estate holdings into a lucrative and strategically managed portfolio, following the creation of a dedicated Real Estate Asset Management Agency in May 2023.
The agency is tasked with overseeing the former National Ports Office of Cameroon (ONPC) assets now under PAD’s control, encompassing 20.7 hectares across 23 registered properties, 22 in Douala and one in Yaoundé.
The new management structure is responsible for controlling existing and future assets, maintaining and developing properties, operating rentals, and acquiring new real estate.
Early signs of activity have been evident since the agency’s establishment, with a March 2025 selection of companies chosen to develop housing projects following an international call for expressions of interest launched in December 2024.
These initiatives will be delivered through public-private partnerships (PPP), where service providers will finance, design, construct, and operate the developments before transferring them to PAD management under agreed timelines.
The projects, scheduled to start in early 2026, include 12 buildings across Douala’s Bonanjo and Bepanda districts and Yaoundé’s Tsinga area, featuring residential units, office spaces, and parking facilities.
Another high-profile development is the construction of a five-star hotel in Douala’s Joss Plateau. On August 1, PAD’s Director General signed a partnership agreement with US-based Leilak Estates Corporation Sarl.
The project, valued at approximately 160.3 billion CFA francs, will be fully funded by the private partner, without requiring guarantees or approval from PAD or the Cameroonian government.
Analysts say these moves signal a shift in PAD’s strategy, transforming underutilized land into high-value assets that strengthen both revenue streams and the port’s role as a key economic hub.
The focus on PPPs and private investment reflects a broader trend of leveraging public infrastructure for commercial growth while ensuring sustainable management of state assets.
As PAD continues to integrate real estate into its broader operational strategy, these developments are expected to boost urban development in Douala and Yaoundé while generating significant returns for the port authority.
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