The World Bank has approved $50 million in additional financing from the International Development Association (IDA) to support the construction of urban roads in Bamenda, located in Cameroon's North-West region. This funding is part of the Cameroon Transport Sector Development Project, which aims to enhance transport planning, improve efficiency and safety on the Babadjou–Bamenda section of the Yaoundé–Bamenda transport corridor, and bolster safety at selected airports.
The additional financing will focus on constructing and supervising urban road works in Bamenda and monitoring grievance redress and Gender-Based Violence mechanisms. The planned improvements are expected to enhance connectivity within Bamenda, positively impacting accessibility, business, and employment opportunities for residents.
"This corridor will stimulate trade with neighboring Nigeria, strengthen the economy of the country's North-West and West regions, and improve socio-economic cohesion between communities,” said Cheick Kante, World Bank Country Director for Cameroon.
This latest funding brings total World Bank financing for the Cameroon Transport Sector Development Project to $242 million.
The IDA was established in 1960 to assist the world's poorest countries by providing grants and low to zero-interest loans for projects that promote economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve living conditions. It is one of the largest sources of aid for 76 of the world's poorest countries, including 39 in Africa. Since its inception, IDA has supported development work in 113 countries with annual commitments averaging about $21 billion over the last three years.