Akwa Market & Douala's Commercial Heart
Douala's Akwa neighbourhood is the commercial engine of Central Africa — the main market, business hotels, and trading companies centred around one of the continent's busiest trading districts
- 1
Marché Central Douala
The sprawling central market spreads over several city blocks — electronics from Asia, West African fabric, Central African bush products and fresh produce from the region
- 2
Akwa Business Hotel Strip
Akwa Avenue is lined with business hotels, Lebanese-owned shops and trading company offices - the district where Central Africa's commercial business is done
- 3
Deido Fish Market
The specialty fish market in the Deido district near the river receives fresh catches from the Wouri estuary — smoked, dried and fresh Atlantic fish sold from dawn
- 4
Wax Print Fabric District
Douala is a major distribution hub for Ankara wax print fabric — entire streets of fabric shops sell imported Dutch and Chinese prints along with Cameroonian designs
- 5
Mobile Money Hub
Douala is Central Africa's financial hub — the density of mobile money operators, bank offices and currency exchange offices reflects its regional financial role
- 6
Akwa Night Market Food
When business closes for the day, Akwa streets are filled with brochettes, plantain chip vendors and soy bean milk stalls feeding the office workers on their way home