Since February 23rd, the STAR-C center in Yaoundé has been hosting an intensive two-week training program sponsored by ECOWAS and the World Bank. This represents a giant leap toward the standardization and quality of national photovoltaic installations.

The solar energy sector in Cameroon is reaching a decisive milestone in its professionalization. From February 23rd to March 6th, 2026, the Solar Technology and Application Resource Center (STAR-C) of the Ministry of Water and Energy (MINEE) has become the hub for regional expertise. Fifty installers, selected through a call for applications, are attending a high-level seminar supported by the Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP). This initiative, led by ECOWAS with support from the World Bank, aims to equip the country with a critical mass of technicians capable of deploying reliable and sustainable solar infrastructure.

The two-week program is designed to transform field practices. Alternating between theory and practical workshops, the curriculum covers the entire value chain: from system sizing and wiring to maintenance and safe commissioning. The objective is clear: to put an end to makeshift installations and guarantee more efficient off-grid electricity, meeting the standards of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), with which Cameroon signed a strategic agreement in 2023.

A Qualification Lever for BSTP Subcontractors

For subcontracting companies specialized in renewable energy, this type of certification is a major asset. In a market where customer trust is paramount, having personnel trained at the STAR-C center provides a guarantee of technical competence. "The quality of the installation is just as important as the quality of the solar panel itself. By training our technicians to ROGEAP standards, we reduce the risk of breakdowns and increase project profitability for contractors," explains a technical training expert from MINEE.

This dynamic reinforces the professionalization requirements advocated by new energy sector regulations. For MINEE, the stakes are two fold: consolidating the local network of private installers while strengthening institutional capacities. "Solar power is no longer just a backup solution; it is a pillar of our energy mix. The standardization of practices through STAR-C helps clean up the market and provide safe, accessible electricity to rural areas," ministry officials noted. With this wave of equipped technicians, Cameroon is asserting itself as a regional leader in energy inclusion through solar power.