Cameroon SCDP: Pursues CFAF150bn Kribi Oil Depot Financing

• Cameroon's state-controlled SCDP is seeking up to CFAF150 billion in long-term financing for a new fuel storage terminal in Kribi.
• The DPK project aims to establish a second petroleum-products import gateway, complementing existing infrastructure in Douala.
• Financing requirements were presented to financial institutions on August 26, with advisory support from PG & Partners and Matha Capital.
• The funding will comprise CFAF100 billion in local currency and the balance in euros, with a 10-15 year maturity and 3-5 year principal grace period.
• Main financing parameters are expected to be finalized within 60 days, enhancing Cameroon's capacity to receive larger tankers and expand fuel storage.

Legal professionals advising financial institutions or investors should closely monitor the finalization of these financing parameters, given the project's scale and its role in shaping the country's energy future.

Cameroon's state-controlled petroleum depot company, SCDP, is actively pursuing substantial long-term financing for a new fuel storage terminal located in Kribi. This ambitious undertaking, known by its French acronym DPK, aims to secure up to CFAF150 billion to establish a critical second petroleum-products import gateway for the nation, complementing the existing infrastructure in Douala. The financing structure for the SCDP Kribi oil depot financing is envisioned to comprise approximately CFAF100 billion in local currency, with the remaining balance to be raised in euros.

The company formally presented its financing requirements for this significant Cameroon petroleum storage project finance to a diverse group of banks, investors, and other financial institutions. This pivotal meeting took place in Douala on August 26, marking a key step in the project's development. SCDP is collaborating with specialized advisors to navigate this complex financial process, engaging the expertise of advisory firm PG & Partners and the Ivorian investment bank Matha Capital. The involvement of Matha Capital SCDP Kribi and PG & Partners Kribi oil depot underscores the structured approach to securing the necessary capital.

The development of the Kribi terminal holds significant strategic importance for Cameroon's energy security and logistics capabilities. By establishing a new import gateway, the country will be better positioned to receive larger tankers at its deep-sea port, thereby enhancing efficiency and expanding its overall fuel storage capacity. This expansion is crucial for meeting the nation's growing energy demands and diversifying its import infrastructure beyond Douala. The DPK project Kribi funding is thus integral to modernizing Cameroon's energy supply chain.

The proposed financing for this vital infrastructure project comes with specific terms designed to accommodate its long-term nature. The maturity period for the funds under consideration ranges from 10 to 15 years, providing a substantial timeframe for repayment. Additionally, the financing package includes a principal grace period of three to five years, offering initial flexibility to the project. Officials involved anticipate that the main parameters of this substantial CFAF150bn Kribi energy infrastructure financing will be finalized within the next 60 days, signaling an imminent progression towards securing the required capital.

As a state-controlled entity, SCDP's expansion into Kribi carries implications for Cameroon's energy market dynamics and regulatory landscape. The establishment of a second major petroleum import and storage facility under state purview signifies a strategic move to bolster national energy independence and control over critical logistics. This expansion of state-controlled energy logistics warrants attention from compliance officers, as it could influence market competition and necessitate adjustments in regulatory oversight to ensure fair practices and operational efficiency within the sector.

The technical specifications for the SCDP Kribi project were reportedly published in June 2026. The ongoing efforts to secure financing for the Kribi oil depot underscore significant project finance and investment opportunities within Cameroon's expanding energy infrastructure. Legal professionals advising financial institutions or investors should closely monitor the finalization of these financing parameters, given the project's scale and its role in shaping the country's energy future.

Lawyers advising financial institutions or investors should monitor the finalization of financing parameters for the Kribi oil depot, as it presents significant project finance and investment opportunities in Cameroon's expanding energy infrastructure. Compliance officers should note the expansion of state-controlled energy logistics and its implications for market dynamics and regulatory oversight.

Source: Original reporting via industry sources