Cameroon reports decline in World Bank portfolio and cost gaps in hydro project

Cameroon’s Ministry of Economy, Planning and Regional Development (MINEPAT) has reported that the World Bank Group’s portfolio in the country is valued at $3.2 billion (approximately CFAF 1.806 trillion). This figure represents a $1.3 billion decrease from the $4.5 billion valuation reported during a joint review in April 2025. The ministry released this data following a meeting in Yaounde between Economy Minister Alamine Ousmane Mey and Harold Tavares, the World Bank executive director for Africa Group II.

Separately, the Kikot-Mbebe Hydro Power Company (KHPC) is addressing significant discrepancies regarding the projected cost of the Kikot-Mbebe hydroelectric dam project. Financial documents show two different estimates: 872 billion CFAF in the 2027-2029 medium-term economic and budgetary programming document, and 1,620 billion CFAF in project financing discussions.

The Kikot-Mbebe project, a joint venture between the Cameroonian state and the French group EDF, aims to construct a 500 MW hydroelectric plant on the Sanaga River. The facility is expected to produce roughly 3.3 TWh of renewable electricity annually. KHPC is currently engaging with financial institutions and development partners to structure the project's financing and mobilize necessary resources.