A presidential decree signed on May 4, 2026, marks a major turning point in Cameroon's electricity sector. Eneo Cameroon S.A. is officially transformed into the Société Camerounaise d’Electricité (SOCADEL), a public-owned entity. This decision signals the end of the privatization era initiated in the early 2000s and places the State back at the center of electricity management.
SOCADEL, now fully owned by the State, inherits Eneo's headquarters in Douala, while maintaining administrative centralization in Yaoundé. This strategic choice confirms the role of the economic capital as the operational hub of the sector, concentrating technical activities and a significant share of infrastructure. The share capital of SOCADEL is set at 43.9 billion FCFA.
In parallel with this structural change, Antoine Ntsimi, a well-known figure in the Cameroonian public administration, joins SOCADEL's board of directors. His appointment underscores the financial and strategic dimension of this transition. As a former Minister of Economy and Finance, Ntsimi played a key role in Cameroon's economic reforms in the 1990s.
The integration of Eneo's staff within SOCADEL is planned to ensure continuity of service. This measure aims to preserve the technical expertise and experience accumulated over the years. State officials will also reinforce the teams, in a logic of increased administrative control.
By regaining control of the electricity sector, the Cameroonian authorities hope to meet the population's expectations in terms of reducing power cuts, tariff transparency, and extending the electricity grid, particularly to rural areas. The State aims to modernize a network often criticized for its condition and to improve access to affordable and reliable energy for all. The recent commissioning of the Nachtigal hydroelectric power plant, increasing production capacity by 30%, represents a major asset in this strategy.
