Yesterday, September 25, Cameroon and French Utility company EDF signed a shareholding agreement for the Kikot Mbehe Hydro Power Company (KHPC). KHPC, equally owned by the two parties, was established in the framework of the construction of a 500MW hydroelectric dam at a small village in the commune of Nyanon, in the department of Sanaga-Maritime.

Should the project become effective, Kikot hydroelectric dam will be the largest dam of its kind in Cameroon. It will even outpower the 420MW Nachtigal dam currently under construction. 

EDF and the government are already involved in the Nachtigal project in the Centre region. Like Nachtigal, the Kikot dam is to be built on the Sanaga River, Cameroon's longest waterway.

According to Valérie Levkov, Vice President at EDF, the preliminary design has been completed. It contains the definition of the dam's design, its position and elevation on the river (336 m), and its power. The initial environmental study has also been completed. "Local populations have been met, dialogue has been established, and the first census has been taken. The fauna and flora have been inventoried over a full year, and the species to be protected have been identified," she said. 

“An initial dialogue with lenders has been established, with a view to future financial cooperation,” she added. According to some unofficial accounts, the project is valued at over XAF650 billion. For EDF, work is due to start in late 2025.  

L.A.