Most Cameroonian cities owe tribute to Edea for being the main supplier of Hydro electrical Power in Cameroon. This industrial town has a population of over 300 000 inhabitants and is a stop over on the Douala-Yaounde highway. Edea is important for its two hydro electric dams, one visible from the road on the old bridge built by the Germans before the First World War and another at Songloulou, situated some 20 km from the urban centre. Three quarters of the electricity produced by the first dam is used directly in the Aluminum industry found there (ALUCAM). This industry is a driving force in the economy in Edea, producing over 78 693 tons of aluminum in 1994-1995 and employing over 1000 workers.
The town is dominated by two ethnic groups; the bassa and the bakoko. Its location between Yaounde and Douala has however exposed it to an influx of people from diverse ethnic backgrounds. It has lots of attractions, hotels, banks and a good transport network. It also has a vast expanse of plantations, especially palm plantations; visible from the main road leading to Douala. Written with Extracts from Clement Malliat (2000)