RE: Cameroon Electricity Actis buyout.20 Nov 2025 12:24
Cameroon Takes Back Control Of Its Main Power Utility
The government bought out Actis to regain a major stake in Eneo, aiming to fix long-standing energy woes and accelerate much-needed reforms.
Cameroon’s government just bought a 51% stake in power utility Eneo back from UK-based Actis for $139 million, boosting its ownership to 95% and ending a decade of majority private hands.
This marks a pivotal shift for Cameroon’s energy sector, reversing a 2014 privatization aimed at attracting investment and solving chronic power shortages. Despite Actis’s efforts, Eneo kept struggling with rising demand, persistent blackouts, and mounting debt. With the government taking the reins, plans are now in motion to spur much-needed investment in electricity generation and grid upgrades, while aiming to stabilize the company’s finances. Employees will retain their 5% stake, and although the timeline for the final handover is unclear, officials say sweeping sector reforms are coming soon.
Energy overhaul could spark investor interest.
Cameroon’s bold buyout could make its power sector more attractive for future infrastructure investments. With state backing, long-stalled projects have a better chance of moving forward, and improved electricity supply would be a win for local industries hampered by outages. The government’s $139 million play reaffirms its commitment to tackling the electricity shortfall, especially as Eneo is key to distributing most of the country’s power.
A new chapter for Africa’s energy ambitions.
Cameroon’s move fits into a wider African trend of governments stepping in to spur faster energy reforms and boost grid reliability. If successful, this could serve as a template for other countries facing similar challenges with utilities and stalled investment. How Cameroon manages the reforms and draws fresh capital will help determine its progress toward reliable, universal energy access.
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