Policy-driven expansion of renewable energy in Cameroon: A technical and sustainability-centered analysis of growth trends and cross-sectoral impacts (2015–2024)

This study presents a comprehensive ten-year (2015–2024) evaluation of renewable energy development in Cameroon, emphasizing its intersection with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and broader cross-sectoral development outcomes. Combining time-series analysis of national capacity data, policy content evaluation, and SDG-aligned simulation modeling, the paper assesses both technical and institutional trajectories of the energy transition. Key findings reveal a substantial increase in off-grid installations in underserved regions and a notable rise in grid-connected solar capacity—from 0 MW in 2015 to 63 MW by 2024—driven largely by post-2017 policy decentralization. Hydropower remains the dominant source, but the solar sector exhibited accelerated growth, contributing to enhanced rural electrification and public health infrastructure, with 27 % of rural health institutions now electrified. The renewable energy sector generated an estimated 3500 new jobs over the decade. An SDG alignment index applied across five targets indicates moderate but uneven progress, particularly for Goals 7 (affordable and clean energy), 3 (good health and well-being), and 13 (climate action). Scenario-based simulations underscore that policies promoting decentralized innovation and integrated energy planning significantly enhance rural energy access and socio-economic resilience. However, persistent financing barriers and institutional fragmentation constrain broader impact. The study offers a replicable analytical framework for data-driven, SDG-oriented assessment of energy transitions in Sub-Saharan Africa, contributing actionable insights for sustainable energy policy design in low-resource contexts. • Renewable energy in Cameroon grew steadily between 2015 and 2024. • Off-grid solar access expanded, boosting rural electrification progress. • Policy reforms accelerated decentralized energy access and regulation. • RE growth improved health, jobs, and equity across sectors. • A roadmap aligns RE planning with SDG targets for Cameroon.