Economic analyst Stéphane Menouga has voiced strong criticism regarding recent appointments at the Société Camerounaise de Développement de l'Électricité (SOCADEL) and, more broadly, the management of the energy sector in Cameroon. During his appearance on the CANAL PRESSE program on Canal 2 International, he pointed to the systematic use of former officials, often retired, to fill key positions, questioning the trust placed in young talents trained in Cameroonian universities.
"Do you realize that the Chairman of the Board of SOCADEL is a former Minister of Finance, now retired," he stated, questioning the ability of these former leaders to understand the current challenges of the sector. Menouga insisted that electricity remains a major problem for Cameroonians, and that the solutions proposed so far seem ineffective. For him, this approach raises a fundamental question: what is the purpose of Cameroonian universities if we constantly prefer to call on figures from the past?
The analyst did not hesitate to use a striking formula: "When we talk about experience, there are also many experienced men in the cemeteries. Go and look for them there, if you cannot trust the human resources you train." This statement illustrates his skepticism towards a system that he considers incapable of renewing itself.
Beyond the appointments, Stéphane Menouga also questioned the effectiveness of the massive investments injected into the energy sector in recent years. He recalled that significant sums of money have been allocated for the construction of electric dams, without the results meeting expectations. "Between 2022 and 2024, we are told that 126 billion FCFA have been invested. But what is the concrete result of these 126 billion?" he asked.
Menouga relies on the daily lives of Cameroonians to support his arguments. He emphasizes the persistence of power cuts and water shortages in many localities, despite promises and investments. "Aren't power cuts a reality in Cameroon? Of course, they are. Even on the water distribution side, the shortage is a reality," he insisted. He compared the current situation to that of the Danaïdes' barrels, which are constantly filled without ever being able to fill them permanently.
For Stéphane Menouga, the solution lies in a profound reform of the Cameroonian energy system. He believes that until this reform is undertaken, the difficulties will persist, particularly with regard to the cost of electricity, which he considers disproportionate to the purchasing power of Cameroonians. He recalled that the minimum wage in Cameroon is set at 60,000 FCFA in the non-agricultural sector and 41,000 FCFA in the agricultural sector, incomes that make it difficult to access affordable electricity.
In conclusion, the analyst calls for a re-evaluation of current practices and greater confidence in local skills to solve Cameroon's energy challenges. The high cost of electricity remains a major problem for low-income households.
