Cameroon Replaces ENEO with State-Owned SOCADEL in Electricity Sector Reform


   President Paul Biya 



Cameroon has taken full control of its electricity sector following presidential decrees signed on May 4, 2026, which officially replace ENEO with a new state-owned company, SOCADEL.

The decision marks one of the most significant reforms in Cameroon’s energy sector in recent years.

Decrees signed by the President of the Republic confirm that the State of Cameroon has taken full control of ENEO’s capital.

According to the decrees, the State of Cameroon has fully acquired ENEO’s capital, effectively ending its long-standing management of electricity distribution in the country.

A new public company, the Société Camerounaise d’Électricité (SOCADEL), has been created to take over all electricity production, transmission, and distribution responsibilities nationwide.

Two additional decrees outline the internal structure of SOCADEL and officially appoint members of its Board of Directors, giving the new company a legal and administrative framework to begin operations.



Presidential decrees signed on May 4, 2026 restructuring Cameroon’s electricity sector

The reform represents a major policy shift, as electricity management moves from a privately controlled structure to full state ownership.

Government authorities say the objective is to improve coordination in the electricity sector, reduce inefficiencies, and strengthen national control over a service considered essential for economic development.

The restructuring also signals an attempt to centralise decision-making in order to address long-standing operational challenges in the sector.

For several years, many towns across Cameroon have experienced irregular electricity supply, frequent power outages, and voltage fluctuations. These disruptions have affected daily life, education, and economic activities, particularly in areas with weaker infrastructure.

In some locations, residents have even taken action to demand better service. For example, in Mutengene, residents reportedly staged protests over prolonged electricity cuts before supply was restored. Similar situations have been observed in areas such as Mile 18 and other surrounding communities, where inconsistent power supply has remained a recurring concern.

The government has acknowledged these challenges, stating that reforms are necessary to modernise the electricity sector and improve reliability nationwide. However, no specific timeline has been provided for when citizens can expect significant improvements under the new SOCADEL structure.

By 

Fung Tina Ekea 

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