The abandoned Bimbia Historic Slave Trade area
By Mesumbe Nelly
In a bid to revitalize the historic Bimbia Slave Trade Center, Gilgal Tours CEO has unveiled a visionary plan to transform the site into a premier tourism destination in Africa.
The development plan, which aligns with the CEO’s vision statement, aims to create a world-class tourist attraction that showcases the rich history and cultural heritage of Bimbia. The project is designed around the 5 As of a successful touristic site: Attraction, Accessibility, Accommodation, Amenities, and Activities.
A key focus area of the development plan is improving accessibility to the site. Currently, the only access point is a dilapidated road, which is in a deplorable state. To address this, the developers propose three new access points:
- A tarred road connecting Tiko to Bimbia, providing easy access by car. Presently, the site’s entrance is marked by a dilapidated bamboo gate, which falls short of reflecting the historic and cultural significance of Bimbia Slave Trade Center. This humble entrance belies the site’s profound importance, underscoring the need for a more fitting and dignified gateway that honors its rich heritage.
- Sea transport via sea cabs from Douala, offering a scenic and convenient alternative.
- Air transport via helicopters, catering to tourists seeking a more luxurious and expedient experience.
This multi-faceted approach to accessibility will not only enhance the overall tourist experience but also create jobs and stimulate local economic growth.
It will also give Bimbia an edge over competitors like Goree in Senegal which has only one access means; by sea.
The transformation of Bimbia Slave Trade Center is poised to position Cameroon as a major player in Africa’s tourism industry, while preserving the site’s historical significance, cultural importance and UNESCO standards.
Stakeholders lament over ceding of Bimbia Slave Trade site to individual
Stakeholders of Limbe III Subdivision are currently restless, ever since news of transformation and valorisation of the historic Slave Trade Site in Bimbia, broke out.
In a January 8 2025 Press release addressed to South West Governor, Bernard Okalia Bilai and termed ‘confidential’ but however found its way on social media, the Minister insists on the personal attendance of Governor Bernard Okalia Bilai in a meeting with the promoter of Gilgal Tower Company .
The signing of a Memorandum Understanding between the Ministry of Arts and Culture and Gilgal Tour Company, has been done reports say with the governor instructed to give the company the necessary assistance required for the laying of a foundation stone for a commemorative monument.
Reports say the local authorities and population took offense after Minister Bidoung Mkpatt sidelined all other stakeholders of the historic Bimbia Slave Trade site, including especially municipal and traditional authorities.
As the project progresses, Bimbia is expected to become a must-visit destination for tourists, historians, and culture enthusiasts alike.