By Boris Esono Nwenfor
BUEA, PAV – The government of Cameroon has taken a decisive step to overhaul its troubled electricity sector, with President Paul Biya signing a decree on May 4, 2026, transforming ENEO Cameroon S.A. into a fully state-owned corporation now known as the Cameroon Electricity Corporation (SOCADEL, Société Camerounaise d’Electricité).
The move, which effectively nationalises the country’s main electricity provider, comes at a time when frustration over persistent power outages has reached critical levels across several regions, including Buea and Mutengene, where inhabitants have endured weeks without steady electricity.
Under the decree, the State becomes the sole shareholder of the newly created SOCADEL, although provisions allow for future opening of its capital to public or private investors. The company will operate with legal personality and financial autonomy, with its headquarters in Douala, the country’s economic hub.
The reform, according to reports, is intended to improve efficiency in electricity production, distribution, and management, while addressing long-standing complaints over poor service delivery. The transition also ensures continuity, as former ENEO employees will be integrated into the new structure alongside civil servants assigned to support operations.
However, on the ground, scepticism remains high. In some parts of the nation’s capital, Yaounde and Douala, some inhabitants reported no electricity supply on the very day the decree was signed, raising doubts about whether the change in management will bring immediate relief.
The disruption in the electricity supply is particularly difficult for small business owners, who rely heavily on electricity, with the outages having severely affected their livelihoods. From barbers and welders to cold store operators, many have been forced to rely on costly alternatives such as fuel-powered generators to stay afloat.
The situation has, in recent months, triggered protests in parts of the South West Region. In both Buea and Mutengene, inhabitants had taken to the streets demanding a more reliable power supply, highlighting the urgency of reforms in the sector.
The creation of SOCADEL is a significant policy shift for the government, signalling its intention to take direct control of electricity services after years of public dissatisfaction. The reform follows a series of legal and institutional adjustments, including adherence to national laws governing public corporations and regional business frameworks such as the OHADA Uniform Act.
As part of the restructuring, another presidential decree appointed a new board of directors to oversee SOCADEL’s operations. Among those named is Antoine Ntsimi, who is expected to play a key role in steering the company through its transition phase.
According to the decree, SOCADEL will operate under dual supervision. The ministry in charge of electricity will provide technical oversight, ensuring alignment with national energy policies, while the ministry of finance will monitor financial performance and sustainability. Regular reporting to the presidency will also be required.
Despite these measures, there is a cautious optimism that structural reforms alone may not be sufficient to resolve the sector’s deep-rooted challenges. Issues such as ageing infrastructure, limited generation capacity, and distribution inefficiencies will need sustained investment and transparent management to address.
Restoring public confidence will depend largely on the new company’s ability to deliver tangible improvements in service delivery within a short timeframe. In many blackout-prone areas, the hope is that SOCADEL will mark a turning point rather than a continuation of past struggles.
