Cameroon Reclaims Control of Electricity Sector as Eneo Becomes SOCADEL

Cameroon has officially launched a new chapter in the management of its electricity sector. Through presidential decrees signed on May 4, 2026, the government transformed Eneo Cameroon S.A. into SOCADEL, a new state-owned electricity company. The decision marks a major shift toward public control of energy distribution and management in the country.

The Cameroonian government has announced the end of Eneo’s era by creating SOCADEL the Cameroon Electricity Company The move follows a long nationalization process aimed at placing the electricity sector back under state authority after years of privatized management.

According to the presidential decrees, SOCADEL is now a public-capital company fully controlled by the State. This change gives the government direct authority over strategic decisions related to electricity distribution and energy sales across the country.

Although administrative activities will be centralized in Yaounde, the company’s headquarters will remain in Douala, confirming the city’s important economic role in the sector’s technical operations.

One of the major concerns surrounding the transition is the future of Eneo employees. Authorities stated that workers from Eneo will be integrated into the new structure in order to preserve technical expertise and ensure continuity in public service delivery. Civil servants will also join the administration of the company, reinforcing state supervision and management.

Another important decision announced in the decrees is the appointment of members of the Board of Directors. Former Minister of Finance Antoine Ntsimi has been appointed to a leading position within the board, a choice interpreted by many observers as a signal of experience and political influence.

The new Board of Directors is expected to stabilize the finances of SOCADEL and develop investment plans to modernize Cameroon’s electricity network, which has often been criticized for aging infrastructure and recurring power cuts.

By replacing Eneo with SOCADEL, the government hopes to improve electricity management, reduce outages, and strengthen transparency in the sector. Expectations among citizens are now high as many hope the reform will bring more reliable and accessible electricity services.