Marguerite Fonkwen Atanga, Chief Executive Officer, CCA Bank
(LVDE) – On October 3, 2025, the bank reaffirmed its commitment to Cameroon’s energy development by announcing its intention to lead a banking consortium to finance the Minkouma Hydropower Project, valued at 584 billion CFA francs. This ambitious project combines the construction of a hydroelectric dam and a solar power plant, with an installed capacity ranging from 240 to 300 MW.
Cameroon’s energy landscape is set for a major transformation with the Minkouma Hydropower Project. On October 3, 2025, a delegation from CCA Bank, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Marguerite Fonkwen Atanga, met with the managers of the hydroelectric company overseeing the project. The meeting provided an opportunity to review the project details and explore avenues for collaboration toward its successful implementation.
With a total estimated cost of 584 billion CFA francs, the Minkouma Project stands out for its dual approach: the construction of both a hydroelectric dam and a solar power plant. Together, these infrastructures are expected to deliver an installed capacity between 240 and 300 MW. As one of the flagship projects of Cameroon’s national energy mix, Minkouma aims to meet the country’s growing electricity demand while diversifying its energy sources.
During the meeting, CCA Bank expressed its intention to act as the lead arranger, mobilizing local financing through a syndicate of national banks. This initiative aligns with the institution’s ambition to become a key player in the financing of major infrastructure projects in Cameroon.
CCA Bank’s ambitions are well-founded. As of March 31, 2025, the institution ranked 8th among 19 Cameroonian banks in terms of outstanding loans, holding 6.17% of market share. In terms of deposits, it ranked 4th with 8.05%. Its total balance sheet amounted to 837 billion CFA francs as of December 31, 2024—demonstrating its financial solidity and ability to support large-scale investments.
The project’s timeline includes several key milestones. The selection of engineering and project management firms is currently underway. Construction contracts are expected to be signed by June 2026, while financing agreements should be finalized between September and November 2026. Work is scheduled to begin in December 2026, marking the launch of a construction project that could significantly reshape the nation’s energy supply.
This hydropower project is part of a broader strategy for sustainable development and optimized energy resource management in Cameroon. The combination of hydroelectric and solar energy offers a viable solution to the country’s energy challenges while advancing the transition toward a greener economy.
By investing in this project, CCA Bank reaffirms its commitment to playing a pivotal role in Cameroon’s infrastructure development. The mobilization of local financing for such a large-scale endeavor reflects the growing confidence of the national banking sector in the country’s economic future. The upcoming stages of this project will be crucial in determining how Cameroon can diversify its energy sources, strengthen its power grid, and foster sustainable growth.
Tressy Chouente
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