The Cameroon Government’s Move To Take Back Full Control Of Eneo

The return of Eneo to Cameroonian control is one of the most significant national decisions in recent years. It is both a financial operation and a political message because it reflects a strategic mission guided by the vision of President Paul Biya. Eneo stopped being a fully Cameroonian company in 2014 when the British investment group Actis took control. That arrangement lasted for about eleven years, stretching from 2014 to 2025, during which Actis owned the majority of the company’s shares and handled its management. The government has now decided that the time has come for the State to recover full authority over an essential service that affects every part of national life.

Reports confirm that the government has reached an agreement to buy back the 51 percent stake held by Actis. The value of this buyback is around 78 billion francs CFA. Once the deal is completed, the State will hold 95 percent of the company while the remaining 5 percent will stay with the staff. This step is not only a financial purchase but a deliberate political act. The presidency has made it clear that taking back Eneo is a strategic mission tied to long term national independence in energy and better control over the country’s development priorities. The decision aligns with President Paul Biya’s long standing approach of strengthening national sovereignty in sectors that directly influence the daily life of citizens.

Even though the agreement is clear, the process is not fully finalized. Actis has placed conditions that need to be settled before the final transfer becomes official. These conditions include the payment of arrears owed to the company and the settlement of outstanding claims. There are also legal discussions underway because Actis has taken some disputes to the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry. These steps are part of the legal framework of such international transactions and must be resolved before the government can declare absolute and unconditional ownership.

Another challenge comes from Eneo’s financial situation. The company has accumulated heavy debt, estimated at around 800 billion francs CFA. This debt burden means the State will not only be acquiring a company but also taking on the responsibility of stabilizing it for the future. Despite these difficulties, the government considers the takeover necessary because electricity is a strategic national resource. The return of Eneo to State control is expected to bring clearer accountability, stronger oversight and better long term planning.

The move marks a major turning point after more than a decade of private management. For many Cameroonians, it offers hope for improvements in service delivery and a renewed sense of national ownership. The mission is ambitious, and the process still requires financial and legal steps, but the intention is firm. The State has already set the path, and the vision behind the takeover shows a strong commitment to protecting national interests and restoring confidence in a sector essential for the country’s development.