Cameroon's ambitious infrastructure program, including the Kribi deep-water port and the Lom Pangar dam, has been plagued by significant cost overruns, according to a report by the national anti-corruption body CONAC. The report, released in 2025, identified over 200 billion CFA francs (approximately $330 million) in cost overruns across various public projects.
The Kribi port, a key trade gateway, saw its budget swell from an initial estimate of 450 billion CFA francs to over 700 billion CFA francs, partly due to delays and engineering challenges. Similarly, the Lom Pangar dam, intended to boost hydropower capacity, experienced cost increases of nearly 30% above its original budget.
Experts attribute the overruns to poor project planning, fluctuating material prices, and weak contract management. The government has acknowledged the issues and promised to strengthen oversight, but critics argue that more transparency is needed to prevent future cost escalations.
These financial pressures come as Cameroon grapples with economic challenges, including a high debt burden and reduced oil revenues. The government has sought to attract private investment to bridge the infrastructure gap, but the overruns may deter potential investors.
