Cameroon has taken steps to bring its main electricity producer and distributor back under complete state control after President Paul Biya signed a decree authorising its renationalisation.
The decision, announced on Monday, comes amid ongoing strain in the country’s power sector, where frequent blackouts persist as electricity generation struggles to keep up with rising demand.
Energy of Cameroon (ENEO), which dominates the country’s electricity distribution system and runs multiple power plants, has long served as the sector’s central operator.
Privatised in 2001, the company has repeatedly faced criticism over an ageing infrastructure, persistent outages, and outstanding unpaid bills.
Just over two months ago, the government repurchased a 51% stake previously held by British investment firm Actis for $139 million, marking a significant shift back toward public ownership.
Following the latest changes, the state now controls 95% of the company’s shares, while employees hold the remaining 5%.
ENEO has since been rebranded as the Cameroon Electricity Company (SOCADEL), with the Minister of Water and Energy announcing key board appointments during the inaugural meeting of the new structure on Tuesday.
The reorganised utility is now tasked with tackling ongoing electricity shortages while also managing an inherited debt burden estimated at around $1.4 billion as of the end of 2024.