Gov’t assures stable electricity as energy company returns to State.

The deal cost the state FCFA 78 billion. Government has said the move will lead to higher energy production and a more reliable supply for households, businesses and industries.

The assurance was made by the Minister of Water Resources and Energy, Gaston Eloundou Essomba. This was during an interview granted the state broadcaster, CRTV. 

According to the minister, the acquisition of a majority stake in ENEO will allow the country to strengthen its electricity transport and distribution networks, reducing power cuts, voltage surges and equipment damage. 

He said the objective is to meet growing demand while restoring confidence among consumers.

“Students will be able to have energy at all times and prepare their lessons properly, revise without any problem. Households will be able to go about their activities without the fear of overvoltage burning their electronics. All these measures are to make our transport network and our distribution network robust and reliable,” the minister said.

Recovery plan, future outlook

Following the convention which transferred 51% of Actis’ shares in ENEO back to the State, authorities have launched a recovery and restructuring plan aimed at improving revenues across the energy sector. 

The minister said the company is facing a financing gap estimated at FCFA 16 billion, which the government is now working to address.

“Before renationalisation, we were not able to reach agreements with these banks,” Eloundou Essomba said.

He added that negotiations are under way to refinance existing debts by extending repayment maturities. 

According to the minister, longer maturities will reduce monthly payments to banks and give ENEO more flexibility in managing its cash flow.

As part of the turnaround strategy, the government plans to intensify the recovery of unpaid electricity bills, particularly from public entities, while expanding the customer base. 

The minister said everyone must pay their electricity bills and avoid fraud to ensure the system functions properly. At the same time, infrastructure projects are progressing to support increased supply. 

Eloundou Essomba said work is being finalised on a second power evacuation corridor to Douala, alongside the connection of several new industries that have expressed strong demand for electricity. 

The investments are expected to support industrial growth and reduce bottlenecks in power transmission.

The minister stressed that ENEO plays a central role in the entire energy value chain, collecting and redistributing revenues for producers, the transmission company, SONATREL and the distribution segment.

“It is ENEO that collects all the revenues and is responsible for redistributing them to these operators,” he said, linking the company’s financial health to the future of the sector. 

He described the current phase as a transition period, noting that adjustments are still needed while financial resources are being mobilised.

“We are managing a transitional period… so that the Ministry of Finance teams can mobilise all the necessary financial resources and release Actis by January 18 at the latest,” he said.

Uninterrupted electricity, the minister said, is achievable. He has called on consumers to show patience and fulfil their obligation by paying their bills without fraud.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3666 of Wednesday January 07, 2026