The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) has planned a first disbursement for the Cameroon-Chad Electricity Grid Interconnection Project (Pirect) before the end of 2024, as part of a total financing of 80.5 billion CFA francs. The Cameroon-Chad Electricity Grid Interconnection Project (Pirect) is making significant progress with the announcement of a first disbursement from the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) planned before the end of 2024. This financing is part of a total amount of 80.5 billion CFA francs (approximately 122.73 million euros) approved last July.
Currently, a team of IDB experts is on a mission in Yaoundé to participate in the launch workshop of this crucial project. Their objective is to discuss with stakeholders the procurement and disbursement procedures, as well as the modalities for implementing the Pirect. The financial institution has also validated the possibility of an early procurement, aimed at speeding up the start of work.
The IDB financing will mainly be allocated to the construction of four high-voltage transformer stations located in the Central (Ntui and Yoko) and Adamaoua (Tibati and Wouro Soua) regions. These infrastructures are essential to strengthen the electricity network of the National Electricity Transmission Company (Sonatrel) and improve the supply of electricity in these areas.
The IDB’s active portfolio in Cameroon currently includes 17 projects, with technical assistance totaling nearly 577 billion CFA francs. Pirect also benefits from support of 271.3 million euros (178 billion CFA francs) from the World Bank, bringing the total cost of the project to 557.5 billion CFA francs. This project receives additional financing from several international institutions, including the African Development Bank and the European Union, as well as direct contributions from the Cameroonian and Chadian governments.
For Cameroon, this represents a significant financial commitment, with an investment of 620 million euros (approximately 406.6 billion CFA francs) for two of the three components of the project. The first component includes the construction of 524 km of 225 kV high-voltage lines linking Ntui to Wouro Soua, as well as the creation of four transformer stations in the localities concerned. In addition, the project plans to supply power to 110 villages in the Centre and Adamaoua regions.
The second component will enable Cameroon to export electricity to Chad, with a capacity of 100 MW from the Nachtigal dam, whose third turbine was recently commissioned. This initiative marks a crucial step in regional integration and sustainable development of energy infrastructure in Central Africa, thus contributing to the energy security of both nations.
