The National Advanced School of Engineering in Yaoundé has organized a third conference-training session led by Senior Engineer Justin Ntsama this Wednesday January 29,2025.The session, titled “Legal and Financial Preparation for Independent Electricity Production Projects,” followed two prior sessions that established a foundational understanding of the electricity sector in Cameroon and the technical aspects of hydroelectric project development.
The event was attended by the representative of the Rector of the University of Yaoundé I professor Stéphane Gwansa, Director of the National Advanced School of Engineering professor Raoul Domingo Ayissi and representative of the Minister of Water and Energy Denis Ntamark.
During this third session, Mr. Ntsama covered several critical topics:
Contractual Architecture of Hydro Projects
He examined the contractual frameworks involved in independent hydro projects, emphasizing the complexities of project finance and essential contracts. Drawing from his recent experiences, he discussed the economic, financial, and political stakes involved in contract negotiations.
Financial Preparation of Hydro Projects
The session explored the unique financial structures necessary for hydro projects, including the roles of equity, project preparation funds, and loans from both international and local banks. Mr. Ntsama shared insights from recent projects to illustrate the intricacies of financing these initiatives.
Key Indicators and Final Investment Decision (FID)
To provide a comprehensive understanding, Mr. Ntsama presented the key performance indicators for independent hydro projects and the criteria influencing the Final Investment Decision.
Highlights from Previous Sessions
-Session 1 (October 2023) Focused on the organization of the electricity sector in Cameroon and the phases of developing a hydroelectric production project.
-Session 2 (January 2024) Addressed the technical preparation of a hydroelectric project, including calculations for main structures and environmental and social considerations.
This training session offered a valuable opportunity for participants, including students from the National Advanced School of Engineering of Yaoundé, to deepen their understanding of the legal and financial aspects of independent electricity production projects, guided by Mr. Ntsama’s expertise. The event was held under the high patronage of Professor Rémy Magloire Dieudonné Étoua, Rector of the University of Yaoundé I, and was attended by numerous stakeholders interested in the future of the electric sector in Cameroon.
Che Tembuck