Download Cameroon Country Report

CAMEROON
1.
2.
3.
4.
GENERAL OPERATING ENVIRONMENT
ENERGY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE
ORGANIZATIONS, SOURCES, REFERENCES
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CAMEROON report
-1GENERAL OPERATING ENVIRONMENT
1.1 Basic Facts & Geography
1.2 People & Society
1.3 Culture & Business Culture
1.4 Infrastructure & Logistics
1.5 Government & Legislation
1.6 Economy
1.7 International Trade, Cameroon & Finland
1.8 Education
1.9 General Operating Environment - Summary
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1.1 BASIC FACTS & GEOGRAPHY
Location
Area
Borders
Climate
Terrain
Natural hazards
Central Africa
475 440 km2 (98,7 % land, 1,3 % water)
West: Nigeria (1 690 km)
North East: Chad (1 094 km)
East: Central African Republic (797 km)
South East: Republic of Congo (523 km)
South: Gabon (298 km)
South: Equatorial Guinea (189 km)
South West: Gulf of Guinea (402 km)
Tropical/Semiarid & hot
Plains, plateau in centre, mountains in west
Volcanic activity (last eruption in 2000)
Source: CIA, World Bank, OECD

Cameroon is located in the western part of Central Africa region. It is positioned on the Gulf of Guinea and its
neighbouring countries are Nigeria, Chad, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Gabon and Equatorial
Guinea (CIA)

French Cameroon became independent in 1960 and merged with southern British Cameroon in 1961 (CIA)

Major rivers are located in the south (Wouri, Sanaga), they are largely non-navigable. In the north, river
Benue connects through Nigeria to the Niger River – it is navigable in the rainy season only to the port of
Garoua (CIA)

Mt. Cameroon (4 095 m), which last erupted in 2000, is the most frequently active volcano in West Africa;
lakes in Oku volcanic field have released fatal levels of gas on occasion, killing some 1 700 people in 1986
(CIA)

The main disease epidemics raising national concern include: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A
and E, and typhoid fever (CIA)

Compared to other African countries, Cameroon enjoys relatively high political and social stability. This has
permitted the development of agriculture, roads, railways, and large petroleum and timber industries

An economic crisis took effect in the mid-1980s to late 1990s as a result of international economic conditions,
drought, falling petroleum prices, and years of corruption and mismanagement. Cameroon turned to foreign
aid, cut government spending, and privatised industries. In 2008, Cameroon experienced its worst violence in
15 years when a transport union strike in Douala escalated into violent protests in 31 municipal areas
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1.2 PEOPLE & SOCIETY
Population, total
Population, growth
Population, density
Urban population
Rural population
Population (0-14 years)
Population (15-64 years)
Population (65 years and above)
Life expectancy at birth
Major cities(2009)
2009
2010
19,18 mil.
19,60 mil.
2%
2%
2
41/km
41/km2
51 %
52 %
49 %
48 %
41 %
41 %
56 %
56 %
3%
3%
51
51
Yaoundé - capital (1,7 million)
Douala (2,1 million)
2011
20,03 mil.
2%
…
52 %
48 %
40 %
56 %
4%
52
Source: CIA, World Bank

Population of Cameroon is about 20 million and it is growing by approximately 2% every year. About 20 % of
population lives in two major cities – Douala and Yaoundé (capital) (WORLDBANK)

Poverty rates virtually stagnated between 2001 and 2007 at close to 40 %. Over 50 % of rural households are
poor—compared with 12 % of urban households—and about 87 % of the poor live in rural areas. The data
illustrate the large geographic and socioeconomic disparities present in Cameroon (WB)
1.3 CULTURE & BUSINESS CULTURE
Language
Ethnic groups
Religion
Official: French, English
Other: Fulfulde, Adamawa-Ubangui, Benue-Congo
Cameroon Highlanders (31 %), Equatorial Bantu (19 %),
Kirdi (11 %),Fulani (10 %)
Christian (69 %), Muslim (21 %)
Source: CIA, OECD

Cameroon, also affectionately known as “Africa in Miniature” or “Petit Afrique” is a West African Country
about the size of California. Cameroon’s nickname comes from its great environmental and cultural diversity,
which mimic the continent of Africa (WILKES UNIVERSITY)

Cameroon has two official languages, French and English and has over 250 ethnic groups, each with its own
language and culture (WILKES UNIVERSITY)

Cameroon has a unique history that has contributed to further cultural diversification, including blending of
Cameroonian and Western cultures (WILKES UNIVERSITY)

Cameroon is the only African country to have been colonized at one point in their history by three separate
major world powers, Germany, England and France (WILKES UNIVERSITY)

It has two systems of justice and two systems of education, the English justice and educational systems in the
West and the French legal and education systems practiced in the East. Due to the passage of time since
German colonization, German influence is mostly limited to existing plantations and infrastructure such as
roads, bridges, buildings and statues (WILKES UNIVERSITY)
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1.4 INFRASTRUCTURE & LOGISTICS
Railways:
Road network density
(km/1000 km2 of land area):
Ports:
Waterways:
Airports:
1 000 km
72 km
(average for mid-income countries is 318 km)
Douala (main port of Cameroon)
Garoua - river port on Benue river in the north (navigable only
in the rainy season)
Total: 34 (11 paved, 23 unpaved
Major: Douala
Other: Yaoundé
Source: World Bank, CIA

Cameroon’s railway network is about 1 000 km long, and it is almost entirely single-track. It connects the
south-eastern port of Douala with the capital Yaoundé and continues to the north to Ngaoundéré (WORLD
BANK)

Because of the poor condition of its road network and delays in the port of Douala, Cameroon’s ability to
move goods and connect manufacturers and consumers with international markets is one of the lowest in
the world (WORLD BANK)

27 % of Cameroon’s rural inhabitants have access to all-season roads (WORLD BANK)

Cameroon’s road network is in relatively poor condition. The condition of the country’s classified paved road
network is below the level of peer countries, with only 52 percent of the classified paved network in good or
fair condition. The quality of the roads hobbles the private sector. About one in three firms in Cameroon
identified roads as a major constraint for doing business (WORLD BANK)

Investing in the infrastructure could now be beneficial, since the government is having huge privatization
programs. The water sector has been privatized and the privatization of the national air company and the
national telecommunications company are on their way, but having constant problems
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1.5 GOVERNMENT & LEGISLATION
Official name
Conventional short form
Form of state
Regions and districts
Government
Legal system
Independence
Corruption perception index (2011)
Republic of Cameroon
Cameroon
Republic, multiparty presidential regime
10 main regions
President: Paul Biya (since 1982)
National Assembly: 180 members
Main party: Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement
Mixed (English common law/French civil law/Customary law)
1960 (from France, from UK)
134 (out of 183 countries)
Source: CIA, Transparency International, OECD

The form of state is unitary republic but the power lies in the hands of the president Paul Biya, who has been
in power since 1982. He has won the latest elections in 2011 for another 7-year term. There is slow
movement towards a democratic reform (FINPRO)

Even though technically a multi-party democracy, the ruling Cameroonian People’s Democratic Movement
(CPDM) does not tolerate opposition parties or anti-government groups. Also, the country’s president, Paul
Biya, has been in power for 30 years. During this time he dismantled the opposition and took full control over
the media (RABOBANK)

Both economic activity and social mobility are obstructed by persistent corruption. Cameroon only ranks
th
st
134 (out of 178) on the corruption perception index and 161 (out of 183) on the ease of doing business
index (TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL)

Cameroon’s political situation is not sustainable. This follows from the fact that president Biya is in his
seventies and thus will not be around for long. Such a potential power shift implies a high level of
uncertainty. Especially considering that Cameroon’s political institutions are undeveloped and the country
lacks intellectual elite (RABOBANK)
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1.6 ECONOMY
World bank ranking
Currency
GDP (current US$) (billions)
Structure of the economy (% of GDP)
- Agriculture
- Industry
- Services
GDP growth (annual %)
GNI per capita, PPP (current intl.)
Inflation, consumer prices (annual %)
Lower-Middle Income
Central African CFA franc (XAF)
2009
2010
22,18 bil.
22,48 bil.
Ease of doing business ranking
…
…
…
2%
$ 2 220
3%
164
(out of 181)
…
…
…
3%
$ 2 260
1%
171
(out of 178)
2011
25,46 bil.
35 %
34 %
31 %
4%
$ 2 360
3%
168
(out of 183)
Source: CIA, World Bank, The Economist

Over two decades after its independence, Cameroon was one of the most prosperous African countries. This
ended with a drop in commodities prices in the 1980’s hitting Cameroon’s export-driven economy. Combined
with bad financial and monetary policies the country finally fell to the hands of the World Bank and the IMF.
The measures suggested by the institutions have been harsh and the country hasn’t been able to meet the
conditions of the programs, of which the last ended in 2008 (FINPRO)

The currency of Cameroon is the Central African Franc which is also common currency for other 13 African
states (FINPRO)

Because the Cameroonian economy is very dependent on a few commodities that it exports, the volatility in
the world prices of commodities make the economy very vulnerable and unpredictable. Economic
development has been impeded by economic mismanagement. Cameroon has been rated one of the most
corrupt countries in the world (FINPRO)

The growth rates have been close to population growth (2-3%) in the recent years, but not enough to
significantly reduce poverty. During the financial crisis, Cameroon also experienced a recession: inflation rate
increased, namely the food prices; exports depressed and unemployment rose (FINPRO)

Despite different measures taken by the government to the self-sustaining food production, Cameroon has
become increasingly dependent on food imports and on price ceilings to control living standards. Domestic
food production has not kept up with population growth (FINPRO)

Cameroon seems to have growth potentials in the sectors where it performed well before the 1980’s
(agriculture, infrastructure and manufacturing) as well as with new technologies. The crucial precondition for
growth is the easing of business environment, namely the decrease in corruption and the implementation of
better policies. Politics seems to be dragging on growth and political risks are also estimated to be very high
(FINPRO)

The importance of Cameroon’s oil industry is fading as oil sources are slowly depleted. Even though the
government will continue to explore (other) smaller wells, the effects will be felt. In order to arrive at a
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CAMEROON report
healthy growth rate and maintain sustainable budget and current account balances, the government should
invest in other sectors so as to diversify its economy as well as its export base (RABOBANK)

Cameroon has already formulated plans to invest in forestry, infrastructure and alternative energy sources.
And planned investments in agriculture should help raise cocoa and coffee exports (RABOBANK)
1.7 INTERNATIONAL TRADE, CAMEROON & FINLAND
Export of goods and services ($)
Import of goods and services ($)
Net export ($)
FDI net inflows (% of GDP)
2009
5,89 bil.
27 % of GDP
6,97 bil.
31 % of GDP
-1,07 bil.
3,01 %
2010
6,50 bil.
29 % of GDP
7,20 bil.
32 % of GDP
-0,70 bil.
0,00 %
2011
7,18 bil.
28 % of GDP
8,14 bil.
32 % of GDP
-0,96 bil.
…
Source: CIA, World Bank, OECD

Cameroon belongs to the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) and the Economic
Community of Central African States (ECCAS), which are due to merge to open the way for the creation of a
single African currency among the eight Regional Economic Communities recognized by the African Union.

There is little diversification of foreign trade in terms of products or trading partners. The European Union is
the country’s leading partner, with a 41% share of trade by value, followed by East Asia with 18.3%, the
CEMAC zone with 8%, North America with 4.7%, West Africa with 3.4% and Latin America with 2.6%.

Most important export commodities are crude oil and petroleum products, lumber, cocoa beans, aluminum,
coffee and cotton (FINPRO). Export partners are Netherlands (14 %), Spain (12 %), Italy (12 %), China (9 %),
US (6 %), France (6 %) and South Korea (5 %) (FINPRO)

For imports the most important products are machinery, electrical equipment, transport equipment, fuel and
food (FINPRO). Imports come mainly from France (21 %), Nigeria (11 %), (China 10 %), Belgium (7 %) and the
U.S. (4 %) (FINPRO)

Finland does not have permanent representation in Cameroon, closest embassy is in Nigeria (MFAF)

Honorary Consulate of Finland is in Yaoundé and represented by Alix Elisabeth Suzanne Bétayéné (MFAF)

Cameroon’s closest general consulate is in Stockholm, Sweden (Cameroon Government)
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1.8 EDUCATION
Literacy rate, % of people ages 15 and above, 2009
Primary school enrolment, % net, 2009
Higher education:
Largest universities:
71 %
92 %
Public uni., Private Tertiary Education (17)
Bamenda Uni. of Science & Technology
International Uni. (Bamenda), Uni. of Buea
Uni. of Douala, Uni. of Dschang, Uni. of
Ngaoundéré, Uni. of Yaoundé
Source: World Bank

French principles of education predominate in Cameroon's secondary and technical schools. Mission schools
play an important role in education and are partly subsidized by the government (BAMENDA UNI)

Less than half of the school age population completed primary education in 2009 and school life expectancy
only increased by two years over the past twenty years. The main reason for dropping out of school seems to
be the lack of finance, surprising since public primary education is officially free (WORLD BANK)

Vocational training is not closely linked to the needs of the labour market. Vocational institutions enrol only a
small number of students and focus on a few sectors such as construction (representing about 25 % of total
enrolment) and leaving other important areas of the economy, such as tourism (3 %) and agriculture (less
than 1 %) (WORLD BANK)
1.9 GENERAL OPERATING ENVIRONMENT - SUMMARY

Cameroon economy, despite its current difficult situation, is more developed than most of its neighbours:
Chad, Congo, Central African Republic, and Equatorial Guinea.

Cameroon could benefit from relations with its “rich” neighbour – Nigeria.

Looking at “Ease of doing business index”, Cameroon stands at 161 place in the world. (As comparison, it is
st
one place behind Afghanistan). Cameroon has seen in its history several violent protests.

The president has been ruling Cameroon for over 30 years, repressing opposition and free speech. Corruption
th
is very high placing Cameroon in 134 place using corruption perception index.

Cameroon official languages are both English and French. Many public institutions publish their information
only in French language.

Cameroon’s poverty rates are high. Country is dependent on food programmes and international aid.
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CAMEROON report
-2ENERGY & RENEWABLE ENERGY
2.1 General Situation in Energy Sector
2.2 Energy Policy
2.3 Renewable Energy Resources
2.4 Supply & Demand for Energy Solutions
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2.1 GENERAL SITUATION IN ENERGY SECTOR
Total primary energy supply:
Energy consumption per capita:
Electricity consumption:
Electricity consumption per capita:
Access to electricity:
Access to electricity urban population
Access to electricity rural population
Energy imports (% of energy use)
Electricity imports (% of electricity use)
Power production capacity:
Hydro power production capacity:
Electricity production:
Hydro electricity production:
Fossil fuels % of total energy
2009
80,5 TWh
4,2 MWh/capita
5,20 TWh
271 kWh/capita
49 %
88 %
~14 %
-28 %
0%
1115 MW
805 MW
5,61 TWh
4,23 TWh
30,9 %
1990
57,9 TWh
3,0 MWh/capita
2,35 TWh
-120 %
627 MW
530 MW
2,70 TWh
2,66 TWh
18,7 %
Sources: (IEA, World Bank, IRENA, UN data)
Major sources of commercial energy in Cameroon are petroleum, hydropower and coal. 90 % of population use
traditional solid fuels such as fuel-wood and charcoal in residential sector for heating, light and cooking. The
residential sector contributed 71 % of energy consumption in 2009. Further development of the use of biomass and
extension of national electricity grid would reduce this consumption greatly.
Self-sufficiency – Cameroon does not import or export electricity with neighboring countries. Although Cameroon is
an oil producing country, the proportion of imported petroleum products in national consumption increased
considerably between 1990 and 2000, with imports rising beyond the 56 percent mark in 2000, before dropping again
in 2003. Petroleum imports, which constitute the entirety of the country's energy imports, totaled 2,356 ktoe in 2007.
Cameroon has one oil refinery which is mainly focused on the domestic market, but also sells to neighboring countries
(CEMAC), and exports around 500,000mt/yr to international markets by sea.
(Reegle Country Profile), (MBendi)
Electricity availability and capacity - National access to electricity increased from 37% in 1996 to 46% in 2002 and to
48% in 2007, above the average for Africa’s resource-rich countries. According to different estimations between 65%
and 88% of the urban population has access to electricity. Only about 14% of rural population has access to electricity.
Electricity supply is unevenly distributed within the country. There three separate grids: the Northern Interconnected
Grid (NIG), the Eastern Isolated Grid (EIG) and the Southern Interconnected Grid (SIG). Transmission grids are
completely isolated from one another and no exchange of available surpluses can be made between the grids.
Together with the Government, the Bank and other sector donors are all considering the best technical solution for
interconnecting the three grids.
(Reegle Country Profile)
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Source: IEA Country Energy Balance, 2009
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2.2 ENERGY POLICY
Energy policy publications
Organizations responsible for energy policies
Targets to increase use of renewable energy
Subsidies/ Incentives for Renewable Energy
Long-term Energy Sector Development Plan
(PDSE 2030), Vision 2035
The Ministère de l'Energie et de l'Eau, (MINEE −
Ministry of Energy and Water)
No information available
Feed-in Tariffs for renewables
Long-term Energy Sector Development Plan (PDSE 2030) and Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (link)

The government’s policy seeks to get the country out of under-development, through the implementation of
the long-term Energy Sector Development Plan (PDSE 2030) and the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper
(PRSP). Development of the energy sector is seen as a factor for attracting investment and strengthening
growth.
Cameroon Vision 2035 (link)

Moreover, Cameroon’s development objectives under the Vision 2035 envisage significant investments in the
energy sector, with the inclusion of renewables. The policy goals of the government are to ensure energy
independence through increased production and delivery of electricity, of oil and gas (petroleum resources)
and to ensure their contribution to economic development. (Reegle Country Profile)
Rural Electrification Master Plan (PDER)

Developing access to electricity in rural areas. Targets electrification in 660 localities through the extension of
the interconnected grids, the rehabilitation and construction of isolated diesel power plants and mini-hydro
plants as well as the development of a regional grid. (Reegle Country Profile)
Subsidies/ Incentives for Renewable Energy

A renewable energy policy is being prepared, with policy goals to increase the share of renewables in power
and heat generation, and to involve private capital in the delivery of energy.

Instead of specific legislation to promote RE in general or specific clean technologies, there is rather a general
legislation concerning the electricity sector. In its title IV, Chapter I, the law n°98/022 of 24 December 1998
governing the electricity sector, ARSEL and the REA are in charge of the promotion and the follow-up of the
use of the primary sources of energy, in particular renewable sources. (Reegle Country Profile)
Other

Cameroon Renewable Energy: Project Possibilities (link) - Commissioned in 2001, this study identifies the
actions necessary to assess Cameroon’s energy needs, and makes recommendations to a design team for a
USAID project to promote renewable energy sources.
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CAMEROON report

National Policies and Strategies on Bioenergy in Africa Case Study: Cameroon - The Competence Platform
for Energy Crop and Agroforestry Systems for Arid and Semi-Arid Ecosystems – Africa

Energy efficiency is not represented heavily in the national energy policy, and energy prices have been
increasing steadily without efficiency improvements in infrastructure

African Development Bank and African Development Fund Country Strategy Paper 2010-2014 (link) for
Cameroon emphases need to develop governance and infrastructure issues.
(Reegle Country Profile)
2.3 RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES
Significant renewable energy resources
Proven oil reserves
Wide renewable energy resources
200 mil BBL (est. 2011)
Source: OPEC
Solar energy

Cameroon has good potential for solar energy exploitation. In the most suitable parts, the average solar
irradiance is estimated at 5.8 kWh/day/ m2, while the rest of the country commonly sees 4.9kWh/day/ m2.
Solar power is currently used in distributed generation systems, particularly for powering the cellular
telecommunications network. However, only approximately 50 PV installations currently exist.
Wind energy

Most of the country has wind speed average of 2-4 m/s at the height of 100 meter. Wind energy potential
exists in the north of Cameroon and the littoral region. Northern areas have average wind speed of 5-7m/s.
Biomass energy

Cameroon has third largest biomass potential in sub-Saharan Africa, with 25 million hectares of forest
covering three-quarters of its territory. However, the unsustainable use of this resource has led to significant
deforestation throughout the country, with an annual clearance rate of 200,000 hectares/yr. and
regeneration of only 3,000 hectares/yr. Primary uses for biomass in the country include heating and light for
the majority of the rural population.
(Reegle Country profile)

Utilisation of palm oil for biodiesel is also a viable prospect for the country. At present, around 108,000
hectares of land are affected by oil palm growing. However between 2001 and 2006 a total of 30,000
hectares of forest were cleared to allow for the expansion palm oil crop.
Geothermal energy

Potential is unknown but hot springs are found in extensive areas: Ngaoundéré region, Mt Cameroon region
and Manengoumba area with Lake Moundou.
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Hydropower

Cameroon has the second largest hydroelectric potential in sub-Saharan Africa. Total potential is estimated at
23 GW, with a production potential of 103 TWh per year. There are three main facilities in the country: EDEA
(263 MW); Songloulou (388 MW) and Lagdo (72 MW).

The potential for small Hydro Power installations (up to 1 MW) is estimated at 1.115 TWh, mainly in the
eastern and western regions of Cameroon, however this potential is yet to be properly exploited.
(Renewable Energies in Africa (link), Reegle Country Profile)
2.4 SUPPLY & DEMAND FOR ENERGY SOLUTIONS
Households

Heat for cooking and warm water

Power for lighting, communication and electronics
Commercial and public services - including healthcare, education, administration, business

Power, heat and cooling
Infrastructure - including water supply, sanitation, communication, waste management

Power, heat and fuels
Traffic and transportation

Fuels and power for vehicles
Agriculture

fuels for vehicles

Fertilizer

Power and heat for processing crop
Industry

Heat, cooling and power
Tourism - including resorts, lodges etc.

Heat, cooling, electricity, warm water
Competition

Electricity Regulatory Agency ARSEL was created in 2000 to ensure that the privatization of the energy
market would lead to the development of competition. However, AES-SONEL a foreign-owned company was
awarded exclusive management responsibilities for electricity generation, transmission and distribution
CAMEROON report
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assets for 20 years. This effectively entailed the transfer of monopoly, and energy security, from the
government to.

AES-SONEL owns and operates the whole transmission system and distribution system, operating three
distinct grids:
o
The Southern Interconnected Grid (SIG) including Douala and Yaoundé.
o
The Northern Interconnected Grid (NIG) – three Northern provinces served by Lagdo hydroelectric
plant and 14 MW thermal generation.
o
The Eastern Isolated Grid (EIG) – 86 Small Thermal Units (24MW) support 31 small distribution
systems.

All hydrocarbon rights are vested in the State, and the State reserves the right to acquire an interest in all or
part of the petroleum operations.

The institutional environment of Cameroon is highly challenging for private investment which also prevents
establishment of a national market for renewable energy
(Reegle Country Profile)
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CAMEROON report
-3ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE
3.1 Description of Environmental Governance
3.2 Environmental & Social Requirements for Projects
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3.1 DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE
Environmental governance is quite new in Cameroon. The Ministry of the Environment and Forestry (MINEF) was
established in 1992. In 2004, the Ministry was split into two: the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife (MINFOF) and the
Ministry of the Environment and Nature Protection (MINEP). Cameroon also has a separate Ministry of Energy and
Water Resources. The ministries depend on foreign assistance, which represents up to 75 per cent of their financing.
(Nguiffo 2011, 21).
According to Nguiffo (2011, 22), “national and local institutions responsible for managing the environment are
fragmented and some lack a clear portfolio. There is a risk of jurisdictional conflicts and weak coordination.”
Environmental legislation has been developed since 1990’s. One of the challenges for legislation is the co-existence of
a variety of customary laws, statutory laws, the legacy of German, British and French legal systems, and the rules of
international corporations and organizations. Secondly, communities’ awareness on legislation and their rights is
limited. (Ibid. 20).
Cameroon has extremely diverse ecosystems and is signatory to several international environmental conventions.
However, the deforestation rate is also highest in Africa. African Development Bank is supporting the government to
implement actions to manage and regenerate forests, to maintain biodiversity, conserve water resources, etc. (African
Development Bank 2009, 7). Challenges related to environmental governance are evidenced by news about the killing
of nearly 300 elephants in Bouba Ndjida National Park in February 2012 (CNN 2012.)
According to African Development Bank Country Evaluation (African Development Bank 2009. 4-5), Cameroon has
initiated major reforms to improve governance. However, serious challenges still exist related to transparency,
th
corruption, business environment and accountability. Cameroon has been ranked 164 of 181 economies assessed in
Doing Business Report regarding the ease of doing business. Main weaknesses in Cameroon include the complexity of
business environment, market efficiency and training.
Logging is an important source of income for Cameroon. Nguiffo (2011, 16) states that the Cameroon government
does not acknowledge economic uses for other forest services, such as hunting concessions, export of special
products, or ecosystem services.
3.2 ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PROJECTS
Environmental impact assessments have only been implemented in Cameroon since 2005, although enabling
legislation has existed since 1996. The Ministry of the Environment and Nature Protection (MINEP) approves the
terms of reference for EIAs, reviews the first draft assessment, organizes public hearings, and participates in the
assessment approval process. MINEP also signs the final compliance certificate. (Nguiffo 2011, 33).
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Environmental legislation is available in French on Internet. It includes a decree listing projects, for which an EIA is
required: “Arrête No 0069 du fixant les différentes catégories d’opérations dont la réalisation est soumise a une étude
d’impact environnemental.” At energy sector, and EIA “summary” is required for:

Construction de central thermique et autres installations à combustibles de puissance installée inferieure
a 2 mégawatts

Transport de l’électricité par ligne moyenne tension

Electrification rurale de moyenne tension

Exploitation d’énergie renouvelable (marémotrice, éolienne, biomasse, etc.) de puissance inferieure a 2
mégawatts. (Exploitation of renewable energy: wave power, wind turbine, biomass etc. for power output
less than 2 megawatts.)
A full EIA is required for following energy projects:

Construction de central thermique et autres installations à combustibles de puissance installée de plus
de 2 mégawatts

Construction de central hydroélectrique, de puissance égale ou supérieure a 50 mégawatts

Stockage de gaz naturel et autres combustibles fossile

Stockage ou destruction des déchets radioactifs.
For some reason renewable energy projects are not mentioned in the list for the full EIA. However, a full EIA is
presumably required for projects exceeding 2 megawatts. The EIA includes a participatory process, in which the
project promoter provides all information in a public document placed at the disposal of the public and local
communities at the project site. The process also includes public consultations. (Nguiffo 2011, 33). Although public
participation is required by law, it is still very limited in Cameroon and decision making is mostly non-consultative
(Ibid. 31.)
20 (25)
CAMEROON report
-4ORANIZATIONS, SOURCES, REFERENCES
4.1 Organizations & Funding Possibilities
4.2 Sources of Information, References & Links
CAMEROON report
21 (25)
4.1 ORGANIZATIONS & FUNDING POSSIBILITIES
ENERGY
Five main institutional players manage Cameroon's energy sector:

The Ministère de l'Energie et de l'Eau, (MINEE − Ministry of Energy and Water) in charge of the design and
implementation of the national energy policy

ARSEL, the Electricity Regulatory Agency

AER, the Rural Electrification Agency

AES-SONEL, the current operator which, under a framework concession contract from which individual
concession contracts are derived applicable to each function, ensures the integrity of each of the sector's
activities

SNH, the National Oil Company, in charge of the oil and gas sector.
The Electricity Development Corporation (link)

The Electricity Development Corporation was created in November 2006. The organisation is responsible for:
o
Management of public assets in the electricity sector, on behalf of the state
o
Studying, preparing or executing any infrastructure projects in the electricity sector that are
entrusted by the state
o
Participating in the promotion and development of public and private investment in the electricity
sector.
The Rural Electrification Agency (AER)

The AER promotes electricity by providing operators and users with the technical, and possibly financial,
assistance required for development of renewables. The agency acts as a rural electrification consultancy for
the State and, as such, develops community management mechanisms for renewables, and organises the
rural populations benefiting from electrical installations.
The Energy Management Unit

Within the Ministry of Energy and Water, the Cellule de la maîtrise de l’Energie, has carried out a few
tentative actions to promote renewable energy.
The Electricity Sector Regulatory Agency (ARSEL) (link)

Created by decree No. 99/125 of the 15 June 1998. ARSEL is tasked with monitoring and regulating the
electricity sector. The AER is responsible for formulating policy and recommendations for rural electrification
for the Ministry of Energy, as well as producing management schemes for rural communities in relation to
electricity access.
CAMEROON report
22 (25)
AES-Sonel (link)

In 2001, the state-owned, vertically integrated utility Société Nationale d'Electricité (SONEL) was privatized,
becoming AES Sonel, and granted a 20-year monopoly over generation, transmission and distribution in the
concession area, as well as the right to own up to 1,000 MW of installed generation capacity. In 2006 the
Electricity Development Corporation (EDC) was established as an asset holder.
The National Hydrocarbons Company (SNH) (link)

Cameroon has committed to the privatisation of its state oil company, the National Hydrocarbons Company.
SNH engages in exploration and production in conjunction with several Western oil companies. SNH is the
state controlled oil producer and exploration company.
OTHER
Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) (link)

There are two registered CDM projects in Cameroon. Both of them are landfill gas recovery projects:
Nkolfoulou Landfill Gas Recovery Project and Douala Landfill gas recovery and flaring project. In both projects
landfill gas is recovered from existing landfills and burned. The gas is not used for energy production. The
Ministry of the Environment and Nature Protection is the Designated National Authority for CDM.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) (link)

Works in Cameroon. Priority areas for work are democratic governance, energy and the environment and
fight against poverty. UNDP has an office in Yaoundé.
The African Development Bank has several projects in Cameroon. The World Bank had 25 active projects in
Cameroon in April 2012. One of the projects is the Environmental and Social Capacity Building for the Energy Sector
Project aimed at improving the management of and the accountability for environmental and social issues related to
large infrastructure investments. There are also other projects related to the environment and energy. The World
Bank has a country office in Yaoundé. The African Development Bank (AfDB) (link)
Cameroon Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Crafts (link) is located in Douala. Finland does not have an
embassy in Cameroon, but the nearest one is in Nigeria. There are a few NGO projects funded by Finland in
Cameroon.
There are many national and international NGOs operating in Cameroon. A directory of development organisations
can be found at: Directory of Development Organizations (link). The listing is from year 2011.
23 (25)
CAMEROON report
4.2 SOURCES OF INFORMATION, REFERENCES & LINKS
Economic Profile
IBRD
Doing Business
Economy
Link
Cameroon Trade Statistics
EU
EU – Cameroon trade overview
Economy
Link
Economy
Link
Cameroon Chamber of
Commerce
AES-Sonel
Generation, transmission and distribution of
electricity
Business
Link
The National Hydrocarbons
Company (SNH)
SNH is the state controlled oil producer and
exploration company
Business
Link
Cameroon Chamber of
Commerce, Industry, Mines and
Crafts
Trade
Economy
Link
World Bank
Economy, labour force and education in Cameroon
Economy
Link
International Monetary Fund
Economy
Link
OECD
Economy
Link
Bamenda University of Science &
Technology
Education
Link
International University
Bamenda
Education
Link
University of Buea
Education
Link
Country Profile
Finpro
General
Link
Country Profile
Rabobank
General
Link
Cameroon at a Glance
World Bank
General
Link
Country Profile
CIA
General
Link
Electricity Sector Regulatory
Agency
Government
Link
Government
Government
Link
Electricity Development
Corporation
Government
Link
Government
Link
Infrastructure
Link
Society
Link
Society
Link
Business
Link
Business
Link
Cameroon Economic Update
Cameroon Country Specific
Information
US Department of State
Cameroon's Infrastructure A
Continental Perspective
World Bank
Cameroon Cultural Experience
Fonjweng
Godlove
Wilkes University
International travel information
Cameroon overview
United Nations
International Tax
Deloitte
Country Energy Information
Developing Renewables
Taxation highlights in Cameroon 2012
24 (25)
CAMEROON report
Doing Business
World Bank
Business
Link
Economic Outlook
AfDB, UN, OECD
Economy
Link
Country Risk Classification
Finnvera
Economy
Link
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International
Society
Link
Country BTI Transformation Level
BTI Group
Economy
Link
International Energy Association
General
Link
Renewable Energy Country Profiles
International Renewable Energy
Agency (IRENA)
General
Link
Cameroon: Poverty Reduction
Strategy Paper
IMF
Environmental
Governance
Link
Government
Link
Cameroon renewable energy:
Project possibilities
Charles Steedman
US Agency for International
Development
BTI analyzes and evaluates the quality of
democracy, a market economy and political mgmt.
in 128 developing and transition countries
Identifying actions required to develop an
assessment of Cameroon's energy needs
Country strategy paper 2010-2014
Cameroon
AfDB
Government
Link
Cameroon Vision 2035
Ministry of the Economy,
Planning and Regional
Development, Cameroon
Government
Link
Country profile, energy maps, tools, programs,
organizations & institutions
General
Link
Clean energy info portal
General
Link
Government
Link
Environmental
Governance
Link
Environmental
Governance
Link
Open Energy Info
Country Energy Profile &
Information
Reegle
Renewable Energies in Africa
European Commission, Joint
Research Centre
Global Environment Facility
United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change
Clean Development Mechanism
Nearly 300 elephants slain in
Cameroon for ivory, government
minister confirms
Tapang Tanku
The Case of Cameroon
Samuel Nguiffo
The Energy and Environment
Partnership Africa
Project funding
Business
Link
MBendi
Economy, Risks, Industry, Business, Energy and a
lot of other information
Business
Link
African Development Bank
(AfDB)
Contains structured and analysed information on
economic, political and social status
General
Link
Directory of Development
Organizations
Contains list of development organizations in the
country
Society
Link
CNN
Article
Environmental
Governance
Link
Published: In Greiber, Thomas & Schiele, Simone
2011
Environmental
Governance
Published: International Union for the
Conservation of Nature
Environmental
Governance
Un-political information on country's status on
environmental, social and financial situation
General
Link
A Barrel Full
Business
Link
Helio
General
Link
Governance of Ecosystem Services:
Lessons Learned from Cameroon,
China, Costa Rica and Ecuador
United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP)
Oil and Gas Profile
Energy Systems: Vulnerability Adaptation - Resilience (VAR) 2009
The GEF unites 182 countries in partnership with
intl. institutions, civil society organizations, and
the private sector to address global env. issues
Ngnikam, Tolale
25 (25)
CAMEROON report
African Energy
Supplying solar, wind and power backup
equipment on a wholesale basis
Business
Link
Alternative Energy Africa
Information portal about alternative energy in
Africa
Business
Link
Inforse-Africa
International network for sustainable energy
Business
Link
Business
Link
Business
Link
Business
Link
Business
Link
Cleantech Knowledge Hub
Business
Link
The World Council for Renewable
Energy
Business
Link
International Network for
Sustainable Energy
Business
Link
African Wind Energy Association
Renewable Energy World
Conferences & Expo in Africa
Renewable Energy Africa
How We Made It in Africa
Insight into business in Africa
Herana Gateway
African higher education research
Education
Link
African Rural Energy Enterprise
Development
Community-based organization developing a
strategy for improved access to energy
Government
Link
African Center for Economic
Transformation
An economic policy institute supporting the longterm growth with transformation of African
economies
Government
Link
Nordic Development Fund
Project funding
Business
Link
Government
Link
Government
Link
Business
Link
Africa and Europe in Partnership
The Foundation for the
Development of Africa
Non-profit organization supporting sustainable
development
European Biomass Industry
Association
Global Network on Energy for
Sustainable Development
GNESD is a knowledge network facilitated by UN
Environmental Programme
Government
Link
Global Village Energy Partnership
GVEP works with local businesses in developing
countries to increase access to modern energy
Business
Link
World Resources Institute
WRI works with governments, companies, and civil
society to build solutions to urgent env. Changes
Government
Link
Economy
Link
The World Bank