The Douala Autonomous Port (PAD) is preparing to reach a strategic milestone with the launch, announced for March 2026, of construction works for its 300 MW autonomous power plant at the Douala-Bonabéri port. Estimated at 628 billion CFA francs (nearly 1.15 billion USD), this structuring project aims to sustainably secure the energy supply for port activities, while creating excess capacity for the Douala city grid.
Embedded in the PAD’s development master plan, the investment serves a dual economic imperative. Firstly, it aims to enhance the reliability of the logistics chain. Secondly, the top management aims to strengthen the attractiveness of the main maritime hub in the CEMAC region.
A structured energy PPP without sovereign risk
Legally, this project is governed by the agreement signed on September 12, 2025 between the PAD and Douala Port Power Corporation S.A. (DPPC), appointed as the project owner. It is being implemented as a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) type public-private partnership (PPP) for a duration of 25 years, limiting the financial exposure of the public sector.
The investment is fully funded by DPPC, without financial guarantees from PAD or the Cameroonian government. This sends a strong signal to investors sensitive to sovereign risk.
The realization has been entrusted to a Chinese consortium under an EPC contract. The consortium is led by GENERTEC CMC, with China Energy as a partner, and JD Group as a consulting engineer. Project management assistance is provided by PAD, ensuring alignment with national port and logistics priorities.
The financing is based on a structure involving the Chinese government and financial institutions, with CCA Bank as the lead arranger. This option enhances the banking credibility of the operation.
A strategic asset with high potential returns
Technically, the works will span 36 months and be implemented in two phases. The first phase involves a 102 MW power plant, coupled with a Kribi-Douala gas pipeline, for 397 billion CFA francs (approximately 721 million USD). The second phase, spread over ten years, will increase the total capacity to 300 MW, with an additional investment of 230 billion CFA francs (nearly 418 million USD).
According to the CEO of PAD, Cyrus Ngo’o, the project aims to ensure continuous, competitive energy in line with international standards of port energy efficiency.
Beyond port autonomy, the infrastructure opens up prospects for recurring revenue through electricity sales, benefiting PAD and the Cameroonian government. The promoters anticipate over 1,100 direct and indirect jobs during the construction and operation phases.
In a context of chronic energy deficit, PAD’s power plant emerges as a strategic asset, offering investors long-term exposure to logistics, energy, and urban growth in Douala.
