(Business in Cameroon) – The Cameroon-Chad Power Interconnection Project, known as Pirect, is progressing, but it faces a significant challenge, namely, adequate funding. A recent quarterly review, held from May 7 to 10, 2025, revealed that the project requires an additional 150 billion CFA francs to implement the various technical options under consideration. This shortfall complicates a project designed to enhance electricity access in the region and strengthen energy integration between the two nations.
Pirect is structured in two main phases. The initial phase aims to connect Cameroon’s Southern Interconnected Grid (RIS), which supplies seven of the country’s ten regions, to the Northern Interconnected Grid (RIN), serving the Far North, North, and Adamawa regions. The second phase is cross-border, involving Cameroon’s export of 100 megawatts (MW) of electricity to Chad. This step represents a crucial milestone for energy stability in Central Africa.
Multiple Routes, Varying Costs, Pressing Needs
The project includes several technical scenarios. The “completeness option” is the most advanced and offers the greatest social impact. It aims to connect 409 villages along the project corridor, providing full electrical hookups and direct service to nearby communities. However, this option is only half-funded. Of the 285 billion CFA francs required, only 142 billion CFA francs have been secured, leaving a funding gap of 143 billion CFA francs, despite prior pledges.
Two alternative scenarios, the “Yagoua-Kousseri option” and the “Kousseri option,” are also being considered, though both involve compromises on local coverage. The Yagoua-Kousseri option would extend a transmission line from Maroua to the border towns of Yagoua and Kousseri. This would cost 300 billion CFA francs, with a 157 billion CFA franc shortfall. It would electrify only 149 villages, which is 46% of the initially planned total, and without immediate connections.
The “Kousseri option” proposes a line from Wouro Soua in Adamawa, passing through Garoua and Maroua to Kousseri. Project estimates indicate this option would cost 298 billion CFA francs, with an additional 15 billion CFA francs still needed. The cost difference between these two scaled-down alternatives is minimal.
82% Funded, but the Final Stretch Remains Uncovered
To date, total financial commitments to the project amount to 461.1 billion CFA francs, representing approximately 82% of the overall cost of 557.5 billion CFA francs. Most of this funding comes from international partners. The World Bank has contributed 38% (177 billion CFA francs), the African Development Bank 32% (147 billion CFA francs), and the Islamic Development Bank 17% (80 billion CFA francs). The Government of Cameroon has provided 12% (55 billion CFA francs).
Despite these contributions, the funding gap persists, particularly if the government selects a route that limits energy access. Pressure is mounting, especially since a portion of the electricity designated for export is already being generated by the recently commissioned Nachtigal hydroelectric dam, which has an installed capacity of 420 MW.
Socioeconomic Stakes
Beyond the financial figures, this power interconnection project holds the potential for significant socioeconomic transformation for thousands of households in some of Cameroon’s most remote areas. Reliable, affordable electricity could create new jobs, stimulate artisanal and commercial activities, improve essential services such as health, education, and water supply, and help accelerate regional decarbonization through hydropower.
The decision now rests between fiscal constraint and social ambition. The chosen route and the extent of actual electrification will ultimately determine the project’s on-the-ground impact and its ability to bridge longstanding energy disparities between northern and southern Cameroon, and between Cameroon and neighboring Chad.
Ludovic Amara
