Cameroon Seeks Funding to Connect Eight Million More People to Electricity by 2030

Cameroon is seeking financing to expand its power network and connect eight million more people to electricity by 2030.

The financing requirement was discussed on September 7, 2026, during a meeting between Minister of Water and Energy Gaston Eloundou Essomba and Harold Tavares, the World Bank Group’s Executive Director for Africa Group II. Tavares met the minister after visiting the 420-megawatt Nachtigal hydropower plant and the infrastructure built to transmit its electricity to the Southern Interconnected Grid.

According to information published by the Ministry of Water and Energy, the discussions covered the expansion of generating capacity, modernization of transmission and distribution networks, and mobilization of funding to extend electricity access. Nachtigal produces about 2,970 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually and accounts for nearly 30% of electricity generated on the Southern Interconnected Grid, which supplies the country’s main economic and population centers.

The plant has increased the volume of electricity available to the system. However, delivering the additional output to consumers requires further investment in transmission lines, distribution infrastructure, maintenance and new connections.

Reducing technical and commercial losses was also identified as one of the measures needed to improve electricity supply. These network investments will determine how much of the new generating capacity reaches factories, businesses, public services and households.

Access Target Tied to Mission 300

Cameroon plans to provide electricity to about eight million more people by 2030 under its National Energy Compact and Mission 300, an initiative led by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank. Mission 300 aims to connect 300 million people in Africa to electricity by the end of the decade.

Cameroon’s program combines extensions to the national grid with mini-grids, standalone solar systems and other off-grid solutions for communities that are difficult to reach through the main network. The National Energy Compact estimates that about $12.5 billion in additional financing will be needed to meet the country’s energy goals.

Tavares said between 1.5 million and 1.6 million people had gained access to electricity since operations began. He put Cameroon’s electricity-access rate at between 63% and 65%, leaving a substantial share of the population without a connection.

The World Bank official reaffirmed the institution’s willingness to support implementation of the country’s energy program.

Beyond electricity generation, the Nachtigal project has also contributed to local employment and skills development. Cameroonians represent 95% of the plant’s workforce, according to information presented during the visit.

The government’s next phase will focus on reinforcing and maintaining transmission and distribution systems, reducing network losses and increasing connections. These measures are intended to turn Nachtigal’s additional output into more reliable electricity for households, businesses and public services across the country.

Mercy Fosoh