Ensuring Quality Energy Supply: Gov't Rolls Out Broad-based Measures

Following the nationalisation of the Energy of Cameroon by the State (acquisition of shares held by the aforementioned) and the subsequent establishment of SOCADEL through the signing of three Presidential decrees on May 6, 2026, the government has highlighted various measures to improve the quality services in the sector. They were presented yesterday June 18, 2026 during a joint press conference by the Minister of Communication, René Emmanuel Sadi and the Minister of Water Resources and Energy, Gaston Eloundou Essomba. Priority actions are contained in a restructuring plan that spans 2026- 2028 with the objective of making sure the sector meets the expectation of citizens. Improving revenue collection, stepping up production capacity, expanding the customer base, combating fraud, gaining the confidence of customers and accelerating investments in the construction of energy sources to guarantee reliable and stable electricity are envisaged engagements. The Minister of Water Resources and Energy explained that the first 100 days of SOCADEL will be dedicated to implanting the initial stages and short-term measures to improve electricity supply given that the institution is now fully in the control of government. However, the Minister says the first 100 days priority actions is not a promise to a miraculous solution, but rather the beginning to stable energy supply across the national territory. In his words, the creation of SOCADEL is not an end itself but the beginning of a new chapter in the sector. Financial disequilibrium, mainly caused by fraud is the major challenge the Minister said currently faces the new institution, with its global debt estimated at FCFA 800 billion. He explained that the institution collects about FCFA 30 billion monthly as bills whereas its needs about FCFA 43 billion for apt operations, thus creating a deficit of FCFA 13 billion. To combat fraud for example, an operation was carried out in the cities of Yaounde and Douala for three weeks, which led to the identifying of 3,00 fraud cases. Minister Gaston Eloundou Essomb...