Cameroon Chad Power Interconnection Delay: Completion Pushed to 2029

• The Cameroon-Chad Power Interconnection Project (PIRECT) is now projected to complete in 2028 for Chad and 2029 for Cameroon, missing its original December 31, 2027 target.
• The African Development Bank (AfDB) still officially lists December 31, 2027, as the expected completion date for both project components.
• A TchadElec tender, published September 3, 2026, for critical 225-kV line and substation construction, has a 21-month execution period, directly contributing to the delay.
• The project was approved on December 15, 2017, with component agreements signed in March 2018 (Chad) and April 2020 (Cameroon), and both remain classified as ongoing.

The discrepancy between the operational realities of the Cameroon Chad power interconnection delay 2029 and the official AfDB records highlights a critical divergence in project expectations.

The ambitious Cameroon-Chad Power Interconnection Project (PIRECT) is now facing a significant delay, with current tender timelines indicating that its completion will extend well beyond the initially targeted date of December 31, 2027. Based on the most optimistic calculations for ongoing construction work, the project's Chadian component is not expected to conclude before 2028, while the Cameroonian segment could see its finalization pushed back to at least 2029.

This revised projection marks a substantial shift from the original schedule. Despite these emerging timelines, the African Development Bank (AfDB), a key financier and oversight body for the initiative, continues to publicly list December 31, 2027, as the expected completion date for both the Cameroonian and Chadian components of the PIRECT project. The discrepancy between the operational realities of the Cameroon Chad power interconnection delay 2029 and the official AfDB records highlights a critical divergence in project expectations.

The primary driver behind the extended timeline is the schedule for major contracts currently being tendered. A notable example is the TchadElec 225-kV line tender, which was issued on August 20 and subsequently published by the AfDB on September 3, 2026. This tender invited bids until November 3 for crucial infrastructure work.

The tender is divided into two distinct lots, each with a substantial 21-month execution period. The first lot encompasses the construction of approximately 13 kilometers of 225-kV transmission line, connecting the Cameroonian border near Kousséri to Gassi, followed by an additional 145 kilometers extending from Gassi to Guélendeng. The second lot focuses on the construction of the 225-kV Guélendeng substation. Given these lengthy contract durations, even if awarded promptly, the physical completion of these critical elements of the Cameroon Chad electricity tender will inevitably push the overall project timeline into 2028 and 2029.

The Cameroon-Chad Power Interconnection Project received its initial approval on December 15, 2017, setting the stage for this vital regional infrastructure development. Following this approval, the agreement for the Chadian component was formally signed on March 7, 2018, marking a concrete step forward for that part of the initiative. The Cameroonian component's agreement was signed at a later date, on April 3, 2020.

Despite the significant delays now anticipated, both the Chadian and Cameroonian components of the PIRECT project remain officially classified as ongoing by the African Development Bank. The AfDB PIRECT completion date, as publicly stated by the institution, continues to be December 31, 2027, underscoring the ongoing financial and administrative framework despite the practical challenges leading to the PIRECT project delay.

The confirmed extension of the Cameroon infrastructure project timeline, particularly the Cameroon Chad power interconnection delay 2029, carries substantial implications for all stakeholders involved. The additional years required for completion could necessitate a re-evaluation of existing contractual obligations, potentially triggering clauses related to delays or requiring renegotiation of terms with contractors and suppliers.

Furthermore, financing agreements, especially those with the African Development Bank, may need to be revisited to accommodate the prolonged schedule. Regulatory approvals and compliance frameworks, which are often time-sensitive, might also require adjustments to remain valid and effective throughout the project's extended lifecycle. This shift in the project's trajectory demands careful attention from legal and compliance professionals to mitigate potential risks and ensure continued adherence to all relevant stipulations.

Lawyers and compliance officers involved in infrastructure project finance or public procurement in Cameroon and Chad should note the significant delay to the Cameroon-Chad Power Interconnection Project (PIRECT). This extended timeline could impact existing contractual obligations, financing agreements with the AfDB, and regulatory approvals, potentially requiring renegotiation of terms or adjustments to compliance frameworks for stakeholders.

Source: Original reporting via project tender documents