Cameroon Seeks US Capital for $3bn Hydropower and Digital Projects

Cameroon is using its first bilateral Economic and Commercial Dialogue with the United States to seek US capital and expertise for major infrastructure projects. The portfolio includes the $3 billion Grand Eweng hydropower project, a proposed new airport for Douala and large-scale data and cloud infrastructure. The meeting is taking place in Yaoundé on August 27. Discussions are expected to cover the business environment, trade and investment opportunities between Cameroon and the US. Digital technology, agriculture, energy and mining are among the targeted sectors.

Grand Eweng Leads Infrastructure Investment Pipeline

Grand Eweng is the largest project in the portfolio by estimated investment value. US company Hydromine is developing the proposed hydropower project on the Sanaga River. Cameroon’s official public-private partnership project catalogue puts the planned capacity at 1,080 MW. Estimated investment stands at CFA1.855 trillion, or about $3 billion. The project is one of 14 priority infrastructure projects being presented to potential partners and investors. The US Department of Commerce has also identified opportunities for American companies in engineering, electrical equipment, construction and environmental services.

Grand Eweng has been under development for several years. In July 2019, Cameroon’s Ministry of Water and Energy, Hydromine and Eneo signed a letter of intent linked to negotiations for a future power purchase agreement. Eneo was converted into the Société Camerounaise d’Électricité (SOCADEL) in May 2026. Grand Eweng’s development schedule remains uncertain, with Hydromine still describing the project as under development after several previously announced start dates were missed.

Douala Airport Project Returns to Investment Agenda

Cameroon is also seeking support for a new airport serving the Douala metropolitan area. The proposal is included in the country’s 2020-2030 National Development Strategy, which calls for feasibility studies. In November 2025, the transport minister told the National Assembly that the government planned to launch the studies in 2026. The long-term project would complement rehabilitation work at Douala International Airport. Cameroon also wants US expertise for studies on ultramodern theatre complexes in Yaoundé, Douala and Bamenda.

Data Centres And AI Are Part Of Digital Agenda

Digital infrastructure is another focus of the investment discussions. Projects presented to US partners include a sovereign national data centre and cloud park. Cameroon is also seeking support for a national Security Operations Center (SOC) and implementation of its national artificial intelligence strategy.

The US Department of Commerce identifies opportunities for American companies in Cameroon’s data infrastructure, cloud services, cybersecurity and fibre-optic markets. These areas form part of the country’s broader digital infrastructure requirements. Discussions will also cover linking the Cameroon Customs Information System (CAMCIS) with airline systems. The aim is to improve air cargo processing. Another proposal involves an integrated vessel tracking and monitoring system for maritime activity.

Mining discussions will focus on geological and mineral mapping. Cameroon wants to deepen cooperation with the US in this area. The work would build on geological information already produced through the World Bank-backed PRECASEM programme. Cameroon has completed a national geological map at a 1:500,000 scale, alongside more detailed 1:200,000 maps for several areas.