Our history
The Port Authority of Limbe (PAL) is a public institution located in the coastal city of Limbe, Cameroon. Strategically positioned along Ambas Bay in the Gulf of Guinea, PAL serves as a key maritime gateway, supporting national and regional trade. Its location complements the operations of other major Cameroonian ports such as the Port Authority of Douala and the Port Authority of Kribi.
Limbe, formerly known as Victoria, is a historic coastal town situated on the southern slopes of Mount Cameroon. Its natural harbor has long made it suitable for maritime activities. In the late 1990s, the Government of Cameroon initiated major reforms of the port sector aimed at improving efficiency, governance, and institutional autonomy. This reform was formalized through Law No. 98/02 of 24 December 1998, which restructured maritime institutions across the country.
Following this reform, the Port Authority of Limbe was officially established by Decree No. 99/0133 of 1999. The institution was created as a public entity with financial autonomy, responsible for managing port activities within the Limbe area. At its inception, however, the Port of Limbe functioned under the operational supervision of the Port Authority of Douala (PAD), reflecting a centralized management structure within Cameroon’s port system.
Reorganization and Institutional Evolution
A major milestone in the evolution of PAL occurred on May 5, 2020, with the enactment of Presidential Decree No. 2020/246, which reorganized the institution. This reform marked a significant step toward strengthening PAL’s institutional framework and preparing it for eventual autonomy. The reorganization was influenced by recommendations from the Major National Dialogue held in Yaoundé from September 30 to October 4, 2019, which emphasized decentralization and the need for regional infrastructure such as the Limbe port to operate with greater independence. Under this reform, PAL’s structure was clarified and aligned with modern port governance standards, with provisions for key governing bodies including a General Assembly, Board of Directors, and A General Management team.
Transitional Administration and Path to Autonomy Despite the 2020 reorganization, the Port Authority of Limbe remains in a transitional phase and has not yet attained full operational autonomy. The institution continues to benefit from the technical and operational support of the Port Authority of Douala. To facilitate this transition, a Transitional Administration was established. On March 1, 2022, Thomas Molungu Ndive was appointed and installed as Director Delegate of the Transitional Administration of PAL. This appointment marked a crucial step in the gradual transfer of responsibilities and the establishment of independent governance structures. The transitional administration is tasked with building instutional operational capacity, setting up governance organs, preparing the port for full autonomy, and ensuring the continuity of operations under the PAD's supervison.
The history of the Port Authority of Limbe reflects a progressive evolution from centralized management toward institutional independence. From its creation in 1999, through sector reforms and its reorganization in 2020, to the establishment of a transitional administration in 2022, PAL continues to advance toward becoming a fully autonomous and strategic maritime hub in the Gulf of Guinea.