Electricity sector: Gov´t buys ACTIS shares in ENEO worth 78 billion FCFA.

The Minister of Finance, Louis Paul Motaze; and the Minister of Water Resources and Energy, Gaston Eloundou Essomba, stood in for Cameroon while David Alderton led the ACTIS delegation.

Minister Eloundou Essomba recounted the problems the government is encountering in its drive to assume energy sovereignty. He disclosed that there was no equity between the principal actors viz; producers, transporters and distributors in the sector both in assuming responsibilities and sharing profits and other benefits.

He decried what he said is a situation where some people consume electricity but do not pay for it. The minister talked of “energy theft” that has resulted in the government incurring losses that amount to 60 billion FCFA every year. Eloundou Essomba stated that the State will ensure every consumer of electricity pays.

ACTIS smiles home with 78 billion FCFA

Meanwhile, the Minister of Finance disclosed that the government agreed to pay ACTIS, that owned 51% of the share capital of ENEO 78 billion FCFA, to take over its share capital.

The Spokesman for ACTIS, David Alderton said since ACTIS entered into agreement with the government through ENEO in 2014 to distribute electricity, it had built substantial energy distribution infrastructure. The government and the population Alderon said, will continue to derive benefit from the investment.

Minister Motaze said the move will enable Cameroon to completely attain energy sovereignty within the next decade. The decision, he added, will reinforce economic sovereignty; consolidate national capacities in the electricity sector; and guarantee coherent governance in national enterprises of strategic interest. 

“This agreement is not just a simple financial operation, but a choice that will restructure the electricity sector and bring benefits to the population in the near future,” the Minister of Finance stated.

The minister expressed appreciation of the State to ACTIS for exhibiting a high sense of commitment, combined with a refined and insightful understanding of the specific constraints of the national electricity sector/

Message to ENEO workers

Minister Motaze told workers of ENEO that the financial operation does not change anything in the work status, official designations, remuneration or other benefits previously enjoyed by workers. 

He said the clarification was necessary because some workers have asked questions and expressed worry that the company is about to be liquidated. 

Minister Motaze urged all workers to continue to exhibit their know-how, spirit of continuous innovation, and to improve their capacities, so that ENEO could meet the needs of the public.

“We are counting on you; just as you too can count on us,” the minister told staff representatives at the signing.

In what partners said was a “Sale and Purchase Agreement”, government described the signing as a turning point which opens a new page to address all concerns in the energy sector.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3632 of Friday November 21, 2025