Member Focus Interview – This series of interviews aims to highlight the values, achievements, and future vision of our member organisations. We delve into the growth strategies that have driven their success and the vital role that collaboration with the ARDA community has played in supporting their business objectives.

Fuel, Innovation, Partnership: SCDP’s Commitment to Africa’s Energy Transition

As a strategic player in Cameroon’s energy landscape and a valued member of the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA), Société Camerounaise des Dépôts Pétroliers (SCDP) has become a leading force in strengthening fuel security, storage infrastructure, and industrial safety within Central Africa’s downstream oil and gas sector.

Established in 1979, SCDP was created to address Cameroon’s critical need for a secure and efficient petroleum supply chain. Today, it plays a pivotal role in managing petroleum stocks, securing fuel distribution, and modernising infrastructure to meet both national and regional energy demands. With a network of modern storage depots across eight regions, SCDP ensures reliable access to fuel and gas – essential for powering Cameroon’s economy.

The company’s core mission – to secure, store, and distribute petroleum products responsibly and effectively – is anchored in four key values: Safety, Commitment, Innovation, and Social Responsibility. These values guide its operations and long-term vision for energy stability and sustainability.

Powering Progress: SCDP’s Downstream Impact

SCDP has implemented numerous projects to enhance operational capacity and contribute to regional energy development. Notable achievements include:

• Infrastructure Expansion: Commissioning of a second pipeline and the Duc d’Albe terminal at the Port of Douala to increase reception and secure unloading of petroleum products.
• Storage Capacity Development: Construction of a 10,000 m³ tank in Yaoundé and a 1,000-metric-ton LPG sphere in Bonabéri, boosting national fuel autonomy.
• Safety Investments: Acquisition of specialised LPG tankers and the installation of 18 precision metering units in liquid depots to ensure operational safety and volume control.
• Training and Capacity Building: Through the Centre de Formation à la Sécurité Industrielle de Douala (CFSID), SCDP provides safety and crisis management training to personnel in the industrial, petroleum, and chemical sectors.

In addition, SCDP promotes cleaner energy use by encouraging the transition from wood and charcoal to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and conducting national awareness campaigns on petroleum handling safety.

ARDA Membership: A Platform for Progress and Partnership

SCDP’s decision to join ARDA was driven by its commitment to regional integration, knowledge exchange, and support for energy transition initiatives. Through ARDA, the company has gained access to:

• Industry Best Practices: Exposure to international standards in petroleum storage and distribution.
• Technical Dialogue: A collaborative platform to engage with other key players in Africa’s downstream sector.
• Energy Transition Guidance: Support in structuring projects that align with sustainable energy goals, particularly in the promotion and financing of LPG projects.

Although SCDP’s journey within ARDA is still evolving, early collaboration efforts have already proven beneficial. The company has contributed to shared learning by showcasing best practices in JET A-1 fuel storage compliance and actively participates in discussions around harmonising operational standards across the continent.

SCDP also recognises the value of ARDA’s networking opportunities, which help foster public–private partnerships, regulatory alignment, and the development of region-wide financing strategies for infrastructure projects.

As Guy Kouo, Operations Inspector at SCDP, explains:

“ARDA represents a strategic platform for accelerating the transformation of our industry. It enables valuable exchanges of experience, access to networks of qualified professionals, the implementation of regulatory and legislative frameworks adapted to both national and regional contexts, and plays a key role in supporting the financing of major projects.”

Looking Ahead: Shared Vision for a Secure and Sustainable Future

As SCDP continues to modernise its infrastructure and invest in gas development, its alignment with ARDA’s mission is clear. The company sees ARDA as a critical enabler of Africa’s energy transformation – helping members bridge knowledge gaps, connect with skilled professionals, and implement effective national and community-level policies.

The company’s message to peers in the industry is simple:

“Join ARDA to access expertise, share innovations, and build a network that drives real progress across Africa’s downstream sector.”

With a firm belief in collaboration and continuous improvement, SCDP is not just securing energy for Cameroon – it is helping shape the future of the African energy ecosystem.

Version française de cette interview : Carburant, Innovation, Partenariat : L’engagement de la SCDP pour la transition énergétique en Afrique