
How to Start a Logistics Business in Cameroon
In November 2024, I stood at the Douala Port, watching containers being offloaded from ships. Nearby, trucks queued for customs clearance, some carrying cocoa beans from the Centre Region, others loaded with electronics from Asia.
A driver named Emmanuel told me, “We lose a whole day sometimes because the paperwork is slow and tracking is manual.” He wasn’t exaggerating. Many Cameroonian logistics operators still rely on paper manifests and phone calls.
The government’s 2024 transport sector report revealed that freight volumes grew by 8.1% compared to 2023, driven by increased exports to Nigeria and Chad, and rising domestic demand. It’s a clear sign: the country’s logistics market is expanding, but efficiency gaps remain.
This is where a well-built Logistics App comes in, a tool that can transform how goods move from Douala to Yaoundé, from Bamenda to Garoua.
In 2024 alone, the Douala Port Authority reported handling over 13 million tons of cargo, thanks to new container terminals and improved scanning systems. The government’s road rehabilitation program is finally connecting rural producers in the North West and East regions with major urban markets. And with e-commerce players like Jumia Cameroon and Glovo expanding into more cities, demand for Last Mile Delivery App solutions is rising fast. Regional trade is also shifting gears. The Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) has been streamlining border procedures, cutting wait times for cross-border trucks by an average of 18%. For a Logistics Company, that’s not just good news; it’s a green light to expand. Whether you’re starting small with a single truck or planning to operate as a 3pl Logistics Company, the combination of infrastructure upgrades, mobile money adoption, and regional trade growth makes 2025–2030 a once-in-a-generation window to enter the market.
Why Build a Logistics App in Cameroon?
Cameroon is geographically strategic; it’s the gateway to Central Africa with access to six landlocked countries. Yet, poor coordination and limited tech adoption slow operations.
Here’s why a Logistics App makes sense now:
- Port-to-hinterland speed: Live shipment tracking can slash delays for containers headed to N’Djamena or Bangui.
- Customer confidence: E-commerce platforms like Jumia Cameroon have shown that visible delivery tracking increases repeat orders.
- Cost control: Route optimization cuts fuel costs on the Douala–Yaoundé corridor, where congestion is common.
- Scalable operations: Whether you’re a small courier or a 3PL Logistics Company, digital systems make expansion easier.
In 2024, a Yaoundé-based distributor, CamLogix, implemented a Last Mile Delivery App for retail clients and saw delivery accuracy rise by 28% in just six months.
What are the Essential Features of a Logistics App?
Based on conversations with two logistics managers, one in Douala, one in Bafoussam, here’s what’s essential for Logistics App Development in Cameroon:
- Live GPS tracking: For city routes and cross-border trips.
- Multi-stop route planning: Vital for mixed cargo runs to rural areas.
- Mobile money integration: MTN Mobile Money and Orange Money support.
- Push notifications: Real-time updates for clients on delivery progress.
- Driver performance reports: Helps improve Logistics Management.
- Offline mode: For areas with unstable 4G coverage.
- Warehouse management link: To connect with a 3PL Warehouse.
- Data analytics: To spot inefficiencies in Logistics and Transportation.
- Bilingual interface: French and English to serve all regions.
A transport operator in Garoua told me, “If I could see all my trucks’ fuel usage in one dashboard, I’d save millions of CFA yearly.” That’s the kind of problem a Best Logistics Company can solve with the right tech.
What are the Opportunities in B2B and B2C Logistics?
B2B growth potential:
- Cocoa and coffee export logistics
- Cross-border deliveries to Chad, CAR, and Nigeria
- Industrial supply chain support for oil and mining projects
B2C opportunities:
- E-commerce delivery partnerships
- Grocery chain Last Mile Delivery App solutions in Yaoundé and Douala
- Intercity parcel services targeting students and small merchants
The African Development Bank’s 2024 Cameroon Infrastructure Outlook predicted freight transport demand would nearly double by 2032. A tech-driven Logistics Company that starts now could position itself as a regional leader.
What is the Cost of Logistics App Development?
Here’s a realistic projection for the Cameroonian market:
- Basic tracking and booking app: $10k–$15k
- Mid-tier with routing, analytics, and payments: $20k–$35k
- Full enterprise solution with Logistics Supply Chain Management tools:– $45k+
Working with a Logistics App Development Company that understands Cameroon’s local payment gateways and connectivity challenges can save time and money.
Projected Logistics Market Growth in Cameroon (2025–2030)
Year | Estimated Market Size (USD Millions) | Growth Rate | Key Drivers |
---|---|---|---|
2025 | 2,100 | — | Port upgrades, Yaoundé–Douala corridor expansion |
2026 | 2,310 | 10% | Rise in B2C e-commerce deliveries |
2027 | 2,575 | 11.5% | Growth in cross-border Freight Transportation Services |
2028 | 2,895 | 12.4% | Increased adoption of Last Mile Delivery App solutions |
2029 | 3,260 | 12.6% | Regional trade agreements boosting exports |
2030 | 3,680 | 12.9% | Tech-driven Logistics Supply Chain Management efficiency gains |
What are the Case Studies or Regional Examples?
1 CamLogix (Yaoundé):
Started as a courier for retail chains. After integrating a Last Mile Delivery App in 2024, they reduced failed deliveries by 28%.
2 TransAfrique Sarl (Douala):
A 3PL Logistics Company managing container transport for importers. Adopted Logistics Supply Chain Management tools for real-time cargo status updates.
3 NordExpress (Garoua):
Focused on Northern Cameroon and cross-border Freight Transportation Services. Their offline-compatible Logistics App keeps drivers connected even on routes to N’Djamena.
How Appicial Applications Delivers Scalable Logistics Apps?
Appicial understands that a Logistics App in Cameroon needs to handle real-world constraints: patchy internet, traffic congestion, and mixed cargo types.
Their services include:
- Offline-friendly designs for rural routes
- Integration with mobile money platforms
- GPS tracking for any fleet size
- AI-powered route optimization for Logistics Transportation
- Support for 3PL Warehouse and Logistics Management integration
With Appicial, the Best Logistics Company can start with five trucks today and grow to fifty without re-engineering their systems.
Conclusion
Cameroon’s logistics sector is on the move. Road upgrades, port expansions, and e-commerce growth are creating opportunities that didn’t exist a decade ago.
If you’re starting a Logistics Company here, investing in Logistics App Development isn’t a luxury; it’s the foundation of future competitiveness.
The gap between winners and laggards in this market will come down to speed, transparency, and adaptability. With the right tech partner and an eye on both B2B and B2C markets, you can position yourself among the country’s top logistics players by 2027.
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Author's Bio
Vinay Jain is the Founder at Grepix Infotech and brings over 12 years of entrepreneurial experience. His focus revolves around software & business development and customer satisfaction.
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