Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (Arise IIP), a subsidiary of the pan-African Arise group, has revealed its plan to develop a 500 hectare industrial and logistics zone on the banks of the Dibamba River in Missole I, near Douala, the economic capital of Cameroon . This project, unveiled during a meeting to launch the information and public awareness campaign, aims to resolve the current economic and logistical challenges of the port of Douala.
The space chosen for the project will include an industrial-port zone of 350 hectares, which will accommodate agro-industrial units, a timber yard and a fishing port. A 100-hectare logistics zone will also be developed next to the industrial zone, as well as a 50-hectare living space. According to the Port Authority of Douala (PAD), this project could generate around 500,000 direct and indirect jobs. The selected site will promote the implementation of an industrial ecosystem and an integrated multimodal hub, connected to the port of Douala and the hinterland by water via the Dibamba River and by rail connection
The head of the analysis and cooperation division at PAD, Joseph Nguene Nteppe, specified that the project would be carried out in public-private partnership (PPP) with Arise IIP. In March 2024, Arise IIP signed a memorandum of understanding with the PAD, and a partnership agreement will be signed once the site is classified in the public port domain, following a Declaration of Public Utility (DUP) signed on May 15, 2024. The total amount of the project has not yet been revealed.
The proximity of Missoke 1 to the economic capital has led to strong land speculation in the region, with several real estate projects in progress. The Douala Development Company (SAD), a subsidiary of the Douala City Council (CUD), also owns lots on the site requested by the PAD. SAD officials express their concern about the impact of the project on their clients who have invested considerable sums and may not be compensated for their investments. This situation could lead to a legal battle over compensation.
The Douala port Authority has promised to hire young people from the locality of Missole I as part of this project, offering them preliminary training in port professions. The Wouri SDO reassured the populations by emphasizing that the project would be located around ten kilometers from their homes, thus avoiding possible eviction. Impacted fishermen will be integrated into the future fishing port which will be built as part of the project. The prefect also called on the Property Assessment and Evaluation Commission to immediately begin its work to respond to the concerns of the population and assess the necessary compensation.
Arise IIP’s ambitious project to build a 500-hectare industrial zone on the banks of the Dibamba in Douala raises both hopes for economic development and concerns among local populations. While the project aims to resolve the economic and logistical challenges of the port of Douala, the inhabitants of Missole I fear that their agricultural and fishing activities will be affected by the expropriation of land. The question of compensation, particularly for real estate investors already present in the region, risks triggering legal battles. However, measures are planned to alleviate concerns, such as hiring local youth and integrating fishermen into the future fishing port. Environmental and social impact studies as well as cooperation between local authorities and Arise IIP will be essential to ensure equitable and sustainable implementation of this major project.
