Norwegian technology ensures clean water for millions

Japoma Water Treatment Plant

The Japoma Water Treatment Plant in Douala, Cameroon, represents Inrigo’s largest project to date, a transformative upgrade of a facility originally constructed in 1975. Upon completion, the plant’s capacity will increase from 55,000 m³/day to 123,000 m³/day, making it the largest drinking water plant in Douala and the second largest in Cameroon.

Located in a city of over 4.2 million inhabitants, the upgraded facility will dramatically improve access to safe drinking water, reduce waterborne disease, and support sustainable urban development for generations to come.

“The Japoma project is a milestone for Inrigo. It will bring major health benefits to Cameroon and create jobs in Trondheim. With financing from Eksfin, we’re delivering a commercial project that will positively impact millions,”
— Gaute Moldestad, Chief Operating Officer, Inrigo

Strategic Financing with Eksfin

The project has been made possible with state-backed export financing from Eksfin, Norway’s export credit agency. Eksfin has also supported Inrigo’s prior infrastructure projects in Cameroon, reinforcing trust and commercial partnership between the parties.

“By providing loans to Cameroon, Eksfin facilitates the selection of Norwegian suppliers. We have strong confidence in both Inrigo and the Cameroonian government based on past successful cooperation,”
— Tone Lunde Bakker, CEO, Eksfin

Scaling Up: New Competence and Recruitment

With a 18 months delivery and implementation timeline, the Japoma project will require extensive expertise and resources. Inrigo is expanding its team, with new hires in engineering, logistics, procurement, production, and project administration.

The scale of the project presents exciting engineering challenges—particularly due to the large physical dimensions of pumps, valves, and pipework, far exceeding typical Norwegian installations. This provides Inrigo with a unique opportunity to build new capabilities and strengthen its workforce.

Leveraging Norwegian R&D Strength

Many of Inrigo’s key specialists have backgrounds from leading Norwegian research institutions such as NTNU and SINTEF. The company’s modular engineering approach allows for much of the fabrication and system testing to be performed in Norway prior to shipment, enhancing quality control and reducing onsite risk.

Proven Experience in Cameroon and Beyond

The Japoma project builds on Inrigo’s successful delivery of the “4 Centers” water treatment project in Cameroon in 2019, which has provided reliable access to clean water and improved public health ever since. Both initiatives have led to a significant reduction in waterborne illness and strengthened local capacity.

Inrigo is also expanding internationally, having recently initiated engineering projects in the United States, with strong prospects for further exports of its modular water and energy solutions.

“Financing infrastructure projects in Africa is challenging. Eksfin plays a critical role by offering loans and guarantees for commercially sound projects—making them possible,”
— Tone Lunde Bakker, CEO, Eksfin