SOCADEL management installed, gov't sets 100-day roadmap.

The installation ceremony took place Friday, May 8, 2026, at the company’s headquarters in Douala, and was presided by the Minister of Water Resources and Energy, Gaston Eloundou Essomba.

The ceremony marked a new chapter in the country’s electricity distribution sector following the renationalisation of former energy company, ENEO.

Prior to the official installation, the Minister, alongside the outgoing and incoming management teams, signed various deeds of service, symbolising the formal technical transfer of responsibilities from ENEO to SOCADEL.

The ceremony was attended by administrative authorities, board members, staff representatives and stakeholders of the energy sector. 

It unfolded against the backdrop of government efforts to regain control of the electricity distribution segment following years of operational and financial challenges.

“Historic turning point” for energy sector

In his keynote address, Minister Gaston Eloundou Essomba described the ceremony as a “historic turning point” for Cameroon’s energy sector.

He stated that the transformation of ENEO into SOCADEL followed the sovereign decision of the Head of State, President Paul Biya, to enable the State retake control of electricity distribution through the acquisition of shares previously held by investment group, Actis.

“The objective is clear: restore the authority of the State in a strategic sector, restore financial equilibrium and sustainably improve the quality of public electricity service,” the minister declared.

He used the occasion to congratulate the newly appointed management team comprising Antoine Ntsimi as Board Chairperson, Oumarou Hamandjoda as General Manager and Jean Basile Ekobena as Deputy General Manager.

The Minister equally paid glowing tribute to the outgoing management team of ENEO, particularly former General Manager, Amine Hommane, whom he described as a valuable resource person for the sector.

Sector plagued by financial & technical difficulties

The minister did not shy away from outlining the enormous challenges confronting the electricity sector. According to him, the sector is currently facing structural financial imbalance, persistent cash flow tensions, deterioration in service quality and declining confidence, among users.

He warned that the accumulation of unpaid bills and debts have weakened the entire electricity value chain, reduced investment capacity and compromised maintenance of infrastructure.

“The status quo is no longer acceptable,” the minister stressed, insisting that SOCADEL must rapidly implement reforms capable of restoring efficiency and public confidence.

He announced that government has already adopted a restructuring plan for the energy sector, with priority actions expected to be implemented within the first 100 days of SOCADEL’s operations.

Gov’t outlines priorities for first 100 days

Minister Eloundou Essomba outlined several urgent measures expected from the new management team. Top among the priorities is improving revenue collection and ensuring that every electricity bill issued is effectively paid.

“The position of government is clear: everyone must pay their electricity bills,” he stated firmly.

He instructed the new management to intensify efforts against electricity fraud through the installation of smart metres, day-and-night anti-fraud operations and the eventual creation of a national anti-fraud brigade.

Other key measures included expanding access to electricity through new household and industrial connections; accelerating migration from post-paid to prepaid metres; replacing overloaded transformers and ageing wooden poles with concrete supports 

Also, modernising the distribution network through smart-grid technology, improving customer service and reducing intervention delays and developing mini-grids and decentralised energy solutions were all listed amongst other property measures for the next 100 days. 

The Minister further directed that transformer replacement delays should not exceed 72 hours in both urban and rural areas once breakdowns are reported.

Warning against internal complicity in fraud

In one of the strongest moments of his address, the Minister warned SOCADEL staff against involvement in electricity fraud. He lamented that fraudulent practices within the electricity network often benefit from internal complicity.

“One cannot serve the State while simultaneously working against the interests of the State,” he warned.

The Minister announced that any employee found complicit in fraud would face severe disciplinary sanctions and possible legal prosecution. He also called for professionalism, patriotism and integrity among workers, insisting that the success of SOCADEL depends heavily on the mobilisation of internal expertise.

Assurance over workers’ rights

Amid concerns surrounding the transition from ENEO to SOCADEL, the Minister reassured employees that their salaries and acquired social rights would be protected. 

He disclosed that government would temporarily hold the five percent shares previously owned by employees through their Common Initiative Group, GIC, pending discussions on the future structure of ownership.

According to him, a joint commission bringing together the Ministry of Water Resources and Energy, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Labour and Social Security, SOCADEL and workers’ representatives will be established by June 2026 to determine the most advantageous option for employees. The options under consideration include maintaining workers’ shares within SOCADEL or a full buy-back arrangement by the State.

New GM promises gradual but structured reforms

In his maiden speech as General Manager, Oumarou Hamandjoda acknowledged the magnitude of the responsibility entrusted to the new management team.

He said the renationalisation of the electricity company comes at a decisive period in Cameroon’s energy history and requires humility, discipline and concrete action.

Hamandjoda noted that SOCADEL inherits solid foundations from its predecessors, including structured procedures, skilled personnel and commitment to public service.

However, he admitted that public expectations remain extremely high regarding the reliability and accessibility of electricity supply. The new General Manager painted a grim picture of the current state of the electricity network.

According to him, the northern part of the country is suffering from severe generation deficits aggravated by drought, resulting in recurring blackouts.

He further explained that the South Interconnected Grid continues to face imbalance between electricity demand and supply, compounded by fragile infrastructure and pressure on distribution networks. Hamandjoda also highlighted the company’s financial instability, which, he said, undermines investment and slows service improvements.

National mobilisation needed

The SOCADEL boss insisted that the transformation of the electricity sector cannot be achieved by the company alone. He called on customers, civil society groups, opinion leaders and citizens to support ongoing reforms by reporting incidents, protecting infrastructure, fighting electricity theft and paying bills promptly.

Hamandjoda equally urged greater collaboration among key actors of the electricity sector including EDC, SONATREL, GLOBELEQ, NHPC and subcontractors.

“No single player can succeed alone. The synergy of national expertise will be key to success,” he declared.

Five pillars for SOCADEL transformation

The General Manager unveiled five strategic pillars that will guide the company’s reforms. These include, Customer proximity, reliable services; transparent governance; innovation and energy solutions and Mobilisation of internal expertise.

He added that human capital development will remain central to the company’s recovery strategy, notably through implementation of a workforce and skills management programme aimed at improving staff career development.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3786 of Monday May 11, 2026