Rural Electrification : European Union Pumps in FCFA 10 Billion

The European Union (EU) has made available to Cameroon circa FCFA 10 billion in the form of a grant to partially finance the country’s Rural Electricity Access Project for Underserved Regions (PERACE). A financing agreement was reached in Yaounde, Tuesday November 26, 2019, between the EU Ambassador to Cameroon, Hans Peter Shadeck and the Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Development, Alamine Ousmane Mey.
Though the electrification project worth about FCFA 122 billion covers six regions of the country, notably North West, South West, North, Adamawa, East and Far North, the EU funds will cover just the components in the Adamawa and Far North Regions. The rest of the cost of the project will be covered by loans from the European Investment Bank and World Bank.
The project brief shows that PERACE will consist of rural electrification by extension of medium and low voltages as well as reinforcements and extension of existing high and low voltage networks to enhance the security of power supply to new villages in Far North. For this project, there shall be public-private partnership whereby the private sector, including Energy of Cameroon (ENEO), will play a role as operator and not direct investor. It shall also consist, amongst others, of securing supply of existing isolated mini-grids operated by ENEO in selected localities by hybridization, namely, adding photovoltaic (PV) solar mini-plants and extension of the existing HT and BTA networks for better service coverage. 
Prior to the signing of the convention, EU and Cameroon officials held a stru...