Helping shippers

The government of Cameroon takes steps to mitigate economic impact of Covid-19.

About 95% of trade between Cameroon and its foreign partners is seaborne. However, since the Coronavirus pandemic lockdown, trade has slowed considerably. Activities in the ports of Douala, Kribi and Limbe have been considerably affected with serious consequences on the national economy. Shippers seem to be the hardest hit.

These disruptions have seriously hampered supply chains. Since the internationalisation of the pandemic in March 2020, Cameroon ports have witnessed a noticeable drop in ship movements. Foreign trade, imports and exports have been hard-hit. 

Faced with this situation, on 30 April 2020, the government of Cameroon took nineteen measures to ease and support the national economy as part of the national response strategy against Covid-19. A good example is measure 12 concerning shippers. 

For shippers, this government decision is a lifeline and should bring hope, especially as parking penalties; demurrage  increase the cost of moving goods. The suspension of the payment of these multiple penalties guarantees supplies to local markets and landlocked neighbouring countries like Chad and CAR during this Covid-19 pandemic period.