Cameroon Solar: Light at Last

Key Figures & Findings: The Cameroonian government has commissioned two new solar photovoltaic plants in Songmimbias and Nkelassi to accelerate rural electrification. The new plants are components of a national program designed to deliver electricity to 1,000 communities through renewable energy, reflecting the country's reliance on solar to bridge the access gap in off-grid areas. Huawei Technologies built the facilities.

Statistics & Insights:

• Rural Gap: Rural electricity access is below 25% (compared to 93% in urban areas, AfDB 2024 data).

• Installed Base: 350 solar plants have already been installed nationwide, serving approximately 27,500 households.

• New Capacity: The two new plants cover 900 square meters each, with 161.3 kWh lithium battery storage, providing reliable power to around 135 households.

Future Implications: The successful deployment of these plants validates the country's strategy for tackling the massive urban/rural access disparity. The next phase (Phase 3) will add 87 more plants utilizing upgraded photovoltaic and storage technologies, confirming that solar is central to connecting 1,000 remote communities and improving local services, such as education and healthcare.

🔥 The Challenge: While installation is proceeding rapidly, the Minister underscored that long-term sustainability is dependent on effective community-led management and maintenance of the solar and battery infrastructure.

Source: Business in Cameroon

Quick Take: By rolling out smaller, decentralized-plus-storage solutions, Cameroon is proving that scaling rural electrification from a "myth" to a reality is achievable.