In Douala, the Kempinski Shekinah Palace is taking shape. The laying of the foundation stone on 25 September 2026, presided over by Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute, marks the launch of this 220 billion CFA francs hotel project in Bonanjo.
In Cameroon, the city of Douala is preparing to welcome a new five-star hotel complex. In Bonanjo, the business district of the economic capital, the foundation stone of the Kempinski Shekinah Palace was laid on 25 September, presided over by Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute, the Head of State’s personal representative. The ceremony was preceded by a ritual led by the traditional chiefs of the city of Douala, in the presence of members of the government and administrative and traditional authorities.
I therefore hope that the foundation stone we are laying today will mark the starting point of an exemplary project, commensurate with the determination of our private sector and the commitment of the public authorities to the structural transformation of our economy.
JOSEPH DION NGUTE, Prime minister
Led by the ALS Group, the project represents an investment of 220 billion CFA francs. Spanning nearly two hectares, a 27-storey building is set to house a hotel, serviced apartments and commercial premises.
The project will generate 7,000 direct and indirect jobs during its construction and operational phases. It will also give rise to an international luxury hospitality school, established in collaboration with our partner, Kempinski Hotels. Set to be operational a year before the hotel complex is inaugurated, this institution will train our young people to the highest global standards of hospitality and accommodation.
RODOLPHE SIMO KAM, Chief executive officer – ALS Group
The complex will feature 214 rooms and suites, 35 serviced apartments and nearly 17,000 square metres of office space. Five restaurants, five bars, two swimming pools and a 2,000-seat conference hall will complete the offering.
This ceremony would not have been possible without unwavering perseverance. The development of this project has required six years of tireless work, complex negotiations and the overcoming of obstacles since 2019. This project, which should have been launched earlier, is now entering its construction phase.
RODOLPHE SIMO KAM, Chief executive officer – ALS Group
Construction is scheduled to take 36 months, with the facility due to come into service around 2029. Around 3,000 jobs are expected to be created during the construction phase, followed by 4,000 direct and indirect jobs in the long term. The project thus aims to strengthen Douala’s hotel capacity and its ability to host business and international events.
