(Business in Cameroon) - The electricity company, AES Sonel, was officially renamed as Eneo Cameroun SA (Energy of Cameroon) on September 12, 2014 at a ceremony held in Yaoundé, the Cameroonian capital. The name-change follows the British private equity investment firm, Actis, taking over all assets of the American company, AES, in Cameroon’s electricity sector by way of AES Sonel.

When announcing the new name, the Minister of Energy and Water pointed out that this was the first time since 1974 that the abbreviation SONEL (for National Electricity Company) has been completely removed from the company’s name (AES had added its name to the pre-existing SONEL name when it acquired it). According to the Minister, this indicates “a total separation” from the national electricity company which should mean a complete change in the quality of service as well – a lack frequently lamented by Eneo customers.

“We have to be a part of the solution to the Cameroonian people’s problems instead of adding to them,” stated the company’s Managing Director, Joël Nana Kontchou, explaining the new name. “The E means energy – available, quality energy. Neo means new – new in how customers are treated and also in our operational approach,” he went on to explain, adding that the company plans to give Cameroonians “a new, positive experience.”

On May 27, 2014, AES Sonel invited suggestions for a new name for the company. The managing director stated that 12,300 suggestions were submitted, of which 8,896 were found to meet the criteria (relating to the country’s national heritage and also shore and easy to read). Three finalists were selected, taking home 2 million FCFA – one million FCFA for the winner and 500,000 FCFA for each runner-up.