Today, a major Global Gateway milestone was reached with the inauguration of the Logone bridge, linking Yagoua in Cameroon’s Far North Region and Bongor in Chad. Thanks to this new bridge over 4.7 million people in Cameroon and Chad will benefit from easier access to markets, education, healthcare, and new business opportunities.
Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, said: "The construction of the Logone Bridge will not only improve the daily lives of people in both Chad and Cameroon, but also boost the flow of goods between the two countries, creating new opportunities for local communities. This Team Europe project, supported by the EU and five of its Member States, will bring more jobs, greater stability, and build stronger partnerships for the future. And that is what the Global Gateway is about."
Built with a total investment of EUR 113 million — including a EUR 40 million contribution from the European Union — this new 620-meter-long cross-border bridge strengthens the entire regional economy by improving transport logistics in the Lake Chad Basin. The new bridge will greatly reduce cross-border transit times. Previously, it took up to half a day for goods transported by boat and around two hours for passengers during the rainy season. Now, the crossing takes just five minutes. This improvement will allow a higher volume of passengers and goods to move between Cameroon and Chad. It will also strengthen connections to Nigeria, boosting the region’s overall competitiveness.
The European Union has not only provided EUR 40 million in financing but also brought in leading European civil engineering expertise through the French company Razel, ensuring the bridge’s quality, safety, and long-term sustainability. Beyond financial support, the EU contribution included technical studies, project management support, and capacity building, ensuring the project serves the local population’s needs today and into the future.
The Logone bridge is part of the Africa-EU Global Gateway flagship projects, aiming to connect African regions through sustainable, strategic transport corridors that unlock the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The bridge’s inauguration coincides with the 50th anniversary of EU-Cameroon cooperation (1975–2025), highlighting decades of strong partnership and shared commitment to economic development.
Global Gateway is the EU's offer for smarter, cleaner, and more secure connections across the digital, energy, and transport sectors worldwide, while supporting health, education, and research systems. Between 2021 and 2027, Global Gateway aims to mobilize up to €300 billion in investments, creating essential connections that empower local communities rather than creating dependency.
Source: European Commission