The Saudi Fund for Development has signed a $75mn loan agreement with Cameroon to finance the rehabilitation of the Sorawel-Dourbeye Road, strengthening a transport corridor linking the country with Nigeria and Chad.

The agreement was signed by SFD chief executive Sultan Abdulrahman Al Marshad and Cameroon's Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Development Alamine Ousmane Mey in Yaoundé on March 24, in the presence of Saudi Ambassador to Cameroon Ibrahim Al-Ghamdi.

The Sorawel-Dourbeye Road rehabilitation is among a series of infrastructure investments SFD has backed across sub-Saharan Africa as Saudi Arabia seeks to raise its development profile beyond the Middle East and Gulf region.

The project falls under Cameroon's National Development Strategy 2030 and aims to reduce rural isolation, improve access to markets, healthcare and education, and support regional trade and economic integration.

"This agreement reflects SFD's commitment to supporting development that improves people's daily lives and creates long-term opportunity," Al Marshad said. "By enhancing connectivity, expanding access to essential services, and supporting regional trade, the project will contribute to sustainable development in Cameroon and the wider region."

Ousmane Mey said Cameroon expressed its "deep appreciation to the Saudi Fund for Development for its continued support to Cameroon's structural projects."

SFD's partnership with Cameroon stretches back more than 40 years. The fund has supported ten development projects in the country totalling more than $180mn across infrastructure, education and healthcare.

Across Africa, SFD has financed 458 projects in 47 countries, the fund said, describing itself as a long-term development partner on the continent.