Cameroon to install 50,000 concrete poles to tackle frequent power cuts

Cameroon's Minister of Water and Energy, Gaston Eloundou Essomba on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 launched a large-scale campaign to replace aging wooden power poles with stronger concrete ones. 

The goal is to install 50,000 concrete poles across the country in 2025, with 10,000 poles planned for the first phase. 

The campaign’s launch was marked by visits to two manufacturing plants in Souza (Moungo) and Missolè (Sanaga-Maritime). 

This initiative aims to address the frequent power outages plaguing the country, which affect both households and businesses. 

According to the Minister, Cameroon will install 50,000 concrete poles across the country in 2025, with 10,000 poles planned for the first phase, which will start next week. 

Currently, Cameroon has more than 1.6 million wooden power poles, over 40% of which are in poor condition, prompting this new initiative. 

The African Development Bank is funding the operation with CFA 9.5 billion under the Electricity Sector Recovery Support Program.

The project is seen as a significant step in improving the country's electricity infrastructure, aiming to reduce frequent power disruptions that have impacted households and businesses alike.

“We have tasked local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to produce concrete poles, ensuring they meet the high standards set by ENEO, the country’s main electricity provider.” Gaston Eloundou said.

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Minister of Water and Energy, Gaston Eloundou Essomba

Minister of Water and Energy, Gaston Eloundou Essomba with collaborators during the project launch