Priority aquaculture site · Adamaoua
Mbakaou reservoir lake · 246 AKVA Group floating cages at full capacity · EDC agreement under negotiation.
Location and characteristics
Lake Mbakaou is a hydroelectric reservoir operated by Electricity Development Corporation (EDC), built on the Djérem river basin. With a surface area of approximately 400 km² and depths varying from 5 to 30 meters, it offers exceptional limnological conditions for industrial aquaculture in floating cages: stable temperature between 24 and 28°C, favorable oxygenation, moderate currents. These limnological conditions make it a highly favorable site for industrial cage aquaculture.
| Region | Adamaoua, Republic of Cameroon |
| GPS coordinates | 6°19'N · 12°49'E |
| Reservoir surface | ≈ 400 km² |
| Depth | 5 to 30 meters depending on zone |
| Water temperature | 24 to 28°C (ideal for GIFT tilapia) |
| Manager | Electricity Development Corporation (EDC) |
| Aquaculture suitability | Favorable limnological conditions (validated) |
| Agreement status | Water-body usage agreement under negotiation with EDC |
The site's three activities
Activity 01 — Farming
World-class equipment: AKVA Group cages Ø 20 m × 6 m, deployed under the 70/30 orchestrator model (172 direct + 74 satellite cages). Density managed to international reference protocols (Regal Springs). Consolidated output of 29,300 tonnes per year at full capacity (Phase 4).
Activity 02 — Reproduction
Capacity of about 90 million GIFT fingerlings per year. Reproduction under reinforced biosecurity, hatching rate ≥ 85%, masculinization rate ≥ 95%. 100% internal cage supply — no dependence on imported fingerlings.
Activity 03 — Downstream
Individual quick freezing (IQF) of whole fish straight out of the water, glazing, packaging and negative-temperature storage on site — with no industrial slaughtering or processing. End-to-end controlled cold chain. Target certifications: ISO 22000, HACCP, ASC.
Limnological data
The Mbakaou assessment draws on a consolidated literature review of 34 peer-reviewed scientific sources (expert analysis). These data confirm the site's suitability for intensive GIFT tilapia farming in floating cages to international standards.
| Parameter | Value | Aquaculture implication |
|---|---|---|
| Depth | 5 to 30 m | Compatible with 6 m draft cages |
| Temperature | 24 to 28°C | Tilapia thermal optimum (maximum growth) |
| Seasonal stability | Moderate variations | Predictable production cycles |
| Hydraulic regulation | EDC reservoir | Controlled water level, no flood risk |
| Usable area | ≈ 400 km² | Phase 2 expansion capacity preserved |
Contractual framework
Electricity Development Corporation (EDC) is the public Cameroonian operator that manages the Mbakaou reservoir. A usage agreement is currently under negotiation to formalize Zeideal Group's rights on the water body, while respecting the dam's primary hydroelectric function. This agreement will be one of the prerequisites of the Phase 1 financial closing.
Provisional schedule
Ongoing · Phase 0
EDC usage agreement
Ongoing negotiation of Mbakaou reservoir usage rights with EDC; expected to conclude in Phase 0 (mid-2027).
2027–2028
Detailed studies and FEED
Additional hydrological studies, industrial FEED, ESIA/ESMP.
Q3 2029
Phase 2 financial closing
Phase 2 funding round closing (Afreximbank sole MLA).
2029–2030
Civil works
Construction of the hatchery, IQF freezing unit, living base and surface infrastructure.
2030
Installation of the first cages
Progressive deployment of the AKVA Group cage park.
Q3 2031
Phase 2 COD — Commercial operation
Start of commercial production; progressive ramp-up of the park toward ≈ 29,300 t/year at full capacity (Phase 4).
