(Business in Cameroon) – Cameroon plans to attract $6.5 billion (about 4.03 trillion XAF) in private investment to finance nearly half of its National Energy Compact (CEN), a plan adopted in 2025 to drive the sustainable transformation of the electricity sector by 2030. The Compact seeks to raise $12.5 billion (7.75 trillion XAF) through a mix of public funds, concessional loans, and private capital to strengthen generation, transmission, and distribution while accelerating renewable energy rollout.
To reduce investor risk, the government plans institutional and regulatory reforms. A new electricity law, expected by 2026, will clarify the rules for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in generation and transmission and offer more clarity about the duration and profitability of private investments. At the same time, a one-stop shop will be created to simplify procedures for energy investors.
The government also plans to promote renewable energy through a dedicated law defining technical standards, incentives, and licensing terms for mini-grids and stand-alone solar systems. A national digitalization strategy for the sector will be rolled out, with priorities for 2026 including geospatial planning of electricity access, digital project monitoring, coordination of shared energy-fiber infrastructure, and preparation for smart technology integration.
To reduce costs and secure viable private projects, the state plans to introduce financial instruments, notably a payment stabilization or guarantee fund to cover temporary payment shortfalls. An incentive framework will cover the local production and recycling of electrical equipment, as well as the development and operation of infrastructure connected to the national grid and privately operated off-grid mini-grids. The government also plans to use the PPP framework to finance electricity transmission projects.
These measures aim to provide electricity to about eight million additional people, raising the national access rate to 100%, up from 74% in 2025, the Ministry of Water and Energy (MINEE) said. The country also aims to raise clean cooking access to 40%, up from 23.4% in 2022, allowing 1.7 million people each year to switch to LPG, cleaner charcoal, electricity, or biogas. The share of renewable energy in the energy mix is expected to reach 10% by 2030.
Amina Malloum
