Cameroon faces a major infrastructure challenge, with three-quarters of its road network rated in poor or mediocre condition, according to a September 2025 review by the Ministry of Public Works.
Out of the nation’s 121,873 km of roads, 91,405 km are in disrepair, creating a significant obstacle to trade, mobility, and economic growth.
Only 25% of the network—30,468 km—is considered to be in good or fair condition.
The quality varies sharply by road type.
While Cameroon’s 109 km of motorways are fully operational and in good condition, only 18% of municipal roads meet the same standard. National roads perform better, with 69% rated good or fair, but regional routes lag behind at just 35%.
The report notes a marginal improvement of five percentage points compared with 2024, but systemic challenges continue to hinder progress. Pavement degradation, climate change impacts, and undisciplined road usage are cited as contributing factors.
A key issue is the limited capacity of the domestic construction sector. Many local firms lack the financial, technical, and logistical capabilities to execute large-scale projects effectively. Between 2019 and 2024, 27 contracts were terminated, and several other projects were suspended due to the struggles of local contractors.
In response, the government is implementing reforms to strengthen infrastructure management.
A 2022 law designed to protect national road assets is being enforced to improve durability, while a July 2025 decree reorganised the national Road Fund to ensure better allocation of maintenance and rehabilitation resources.
As of December 2024, Cameroon’s network included 10,576 km of paved roads and 111,297 km of dirt roads. Looking ahead, authorities plan to launch 132 major road projects beginning in 2025. The initiative aims to pave 882 km of new roads, rehabilitate 661 km of existing paved roads, and maintain 828 km more by 2027, covering a total distance of 2,371 km.
The report underscores that urgent action is needed to address the deteriorating network, with economic activity and regional connectivity heavily dependent on the success of these ambitious rehabilitation plans.
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