Interview granted to Mr. Ibrahim Bagarama, Head of Delegation of the Central Africa Mission of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).

1.  What is the overarching vision behind the visit of the delegation you are leading to Yaounde, here at the Ministry of State Property, Surveys and Land Tenure?  Why is this important for the bank you represent?

Thank you very much. We are having huge investments to be done that require lands for the implementation. We have major investment projects planned, which require adequate land for their implementation. That is why we deemed it necessary to meet this morning with the Minister of State Property, Surveys and Land Tenure, His Excellency Henri Eyebe Ayissi, who kindly granted us this audience.

2. What are the main economic, financial and operational benefits that this vision will bring to Central Africa?

The first project, the “the Regional Trade Centre”, as I mentioned earlier, will help revitalise and intensify trade within the country as well as across the Central African sub-region. Its objective is to stimulate economic activity, but beyond that, it will involve labour-intensive works that will generate significant employment opportunities. We estimate that more than 500,000 people will be employed during the construction phase and additional jobs will be created once the facilities are completed, particularly the hotel complex. Furthermore, hundreds of jobs will also be created through the construction of the Medical Centre of Excellence. Altogether, these jobs will contribute to the development of trade at the national level and further enhance the attractiveness of the local economy in the city of Yaounde.

3. Could you tell us about the impact of land-related issues on the implementation of these projects? What land area do you require?

For the first project, “the Regional Trade Centre”, we estimate our land requirements at between 10,000 and 15,000 square metres. For the Medical Centre of Excellence, our request to the Minister is the allocation of a 20-hectare parcel of land.

4. What do you expect from the public authorities regarding these land-related aspects?

Our main expectation is to obtain shorter timelines for the implementation of our two flagship projects As I explained earlier to the Minister, other regions have already made significant progress: Nigeria has completed its project, and two other regions are currently between 80 and 90 percent complete. Our strongest wish is therefore for the land allocation process to be expedited, so that we can also begin construction work as soon as possible. That said, we are leaving very reassured. We have received firm assurances of the full commitment and involvement of the Minister, His Excellency Henri Eyebe Ayissi, towards enabling the start of work on the land.