Cameroon Sonatrel: Launches Chad Power Tenders for 225-kV Lines

• Cameroon's Sonatrel launched two international tenders on August 17, 2026, for 225-kV transmission lines and substations.
• The tenders cover the route between Wouro-Soua and Cameroon's border with Chad, under Component 2 of the Pirect project.
• The project aims for Cameroon to export 100 MW of electricity to Chad from the 420-MW Nachtigal dam.
• The first tender includes two lots for 419.6 km of lines, with 146.4 km of the total 566 km planned for Component 2 to be tendered later due to budget constraints.
• The cost of the works for the current tenders was not disclosed.

The overarching objective of the Pirect project is to transform Cameroon into a significant electricity exporter within the region.

Cameroon's National Electricity Transmission Company, Sonatrel, initiated a significant procurement drive on August 17, 2026, by launching two international tenders. These opportunities focus on the design, supply, installation, and commissioning of critical 225-kV high-voltage transmission lines and associated substations. The infrastructure is slated to connect Wouro-Soua in Cameroon's Adamaoua region with the country's border with Chad, specifically in the Far North region.

These Cameroon Sonatrel Chad power tenders represent a crucial step in a larger regional energy initiative. While the total cost of these specific works has not been publicly disclosed, their execution is vital for advancing the broader energy infrastructure goals of both nations. The competitive bidding process is expected to attract international firms specializing in large-scale energy projects.

The newly launched tenders are integral to Component 2 of the Cameroon-Chad Power Interconnection Project, an ambitious undertaking known by its acronym, Pirect. Sonatrel is the entity responsible for managing the Cameroonian side of this extensive cross-border energy infrastructure project. The overarching objective of the Pirect project is to transform Cameroon into a significant electricity exporter within the region.

Upon completion, the project is designed to facilitate the supply of 100 MW of electricity from Cameroon to Chad. This power will originate from the 420-MW Nachtigal dam, a substantial power generation facility located in Cameroon's Centre region. The Cameroon Chad electricity interconnection procurement is thus a cornerstone of regional energy integration and economic cooperation.

The initial international tender, which is part of the broader Cameroon Sonatrel Chad power tenders, has been structured into two distinct lots. These lots collectively encompass the design, supply, installation, and commissioning of 419.6 kilometers of 225-kV high-voltage transmission lines. This substantial segment forms a significant portion of the total 566 kilometers of transmission lines originally planned under Component 2 of the Pirect project.

However, a remaining section of 146.4 kilometers, representing the difference between the total planned length and the current tender's scope, is not included in this initial phase. According to the project coordination unit, this outstanding segment will be subject to a separate tender process at a later date. This phased approach is necessitated by current budget constraints, which permit only a portion of the planned network to be contracted at this stage, ensuring fiscal prudence in the development of Cameroon energy infrastructure tenders.

The progression of the Cameroon-Chad Power Interconnection Project, marked by these Sonatrel 225-kV transmission line contracts, holds considerable strategic importance for the energy landscape of Central Africa. By enabling Cameroon to export a substantial 100 MW of electricity to Chad, the project not only addresses Chad's energy needs but also solidifies Cameroon's position as a regional energy hub. This initiative leverages the output from the 420-MW Nachtigal dam, a key national asset.

Such large-scale cross-border infrastructure developments are critical for fostering economic growth and stability across the participating nations. The Pirect project international tenders underscore a commitment to enhancing regional power grids and ensuring more reliable and sustainable energy access, which is fundamental for industrial development and improving quality of life in both Cameroon and Chad.

This development signals significant public procurement opportunities for legal firms advising clients in the energy, construction, and engineering sectors interested in bidding on large-scale cross-border infrastructure projects in Cameroon and Chad. Lawyers should monitor these tenders for compliance, contract negotiation, and project finance advisory roles.

Source: Original reporting via Africa Intelligence