Cameroon Secures Land for Major Hydroelectric Project on Sanaga River

(3 Minutes Read)

In a pivotal move for Cameroon’s energy sector, President Paul Biya signed a decree on May 19, 2025, authorizing the expropriation of 527 hectares of land for the development of the Kikot-Mbebe hydroelectric dam and its related infrastructure. This decree sets in motion one of the nation’s most ambitious energy projects to date, which is scheduled to begin operations in 2031.

The land, now officially incorporated into the public domain, is located in the Nyanon district within the Sanaga-Maritime division of the Littoral region. The area encompasses 205 specific land parcels identified through cadastral surveys. This formal land transfer not only paves the way for construction to begin but also initiates the long-awaited compensation process for residents affected by the development. Many families have awaited clarification on the status of their land, and the decree is seen as a long-overdue confirmation of the government’s intentions. One Nyanon resident shared their relief, stating, “This decree is a relief because it confirms what we had long suspected. Now all that remains is to be compensated fairly.”

Once completed, the Kikot-Mbebe dam will be the third hydroelectric facility in the Sanaga-Maritime division, joining the Edéa and Songloulou dams. More broadly, it will become the fourth such installation along the Sanaga River, reinforcing the river’s critical role in Cameroon’s electricity generation. According to a recent study by the Ministry of Water and Energy, the Sanaga River has the potential to support as many as 11 hydroelectric power stations, highlighting the river’s strategic importance in the country’s long-term energy strategy.

The future dam is projected to have an installed capacity of 500 megawatts and will require an estimated investment of 650 billion CFA francs. Although funding is still being finalized, the project has attracted the attention of various international financial institutions, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, which is already active in other Cameroonian energy ventures.

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The Kikot-Mbebe project is being undertaken as a partnership between the Government of Cameroon and Électricité de France (EDF), the French state-owned utility company. EDF is currently leading the construction of the Nachtigal dam (420 MW), which is nearing completion. A dedicated entity, the Kikot-Mbebe Hydro Power Company (KHPC), has been created to oversee the development of the new facility, with construction expected to begin in 2030.

This development represents a major milestone in Cameroon’s efforts to expand its renewable energy capacity, improve access to electricity, and foster sustainable economic growth.