• Camtel secured $80.3 million (44.884 billion FCFA) in syndicated financing from Commercial Bank Cameroon to fund the first phase of its Mobile Network Expansion (MNE) project.

• The MNE aims to extend 2G, 3G, and 4G coverage in regional capitals, university towns, strategic economic zones, and underserved rural areas.

• Cameroon had 29 million active mobile lines in 2025, but only 41.9% of the population had mobile Internet access, highlighting the need for network expansion.

Cameroon’s public telecom operator Camtel announced on January 21, 2026, a syndicated financing agreement worth CFA44.884 billion ($80.3 million) with Commercial Bank Cameroon (CBC). The funds will support the first phase of its Mobile Network Expansion (MNE) project, designed to improve service quality and expand coverage nationwide.

The MNE program targets congested infrastructure and aims to extend 2G, 3G, and 4G coverage to regional and departmental capitals, university cities, strategic economic zones, and rural areas with limited connectivity. Camtel intends to enhance service quality and promote digital inclusion as mobile demand continues to grow.

The financing forms part of a larger investment plan valued at CFA52.2 billion. Camtel also approached a local banking pool including CBC, Afriland First Bank, Union Bank of Cameroon, and National Financial Credit to support the expansion. Earlier, the Bank of Central African States (BEAC) approved CFA31.3 billion via a seven-year refinancing facility, covering 60% of the program, with interest indexed to the central bank’s TIAO rate.

Connectivity remains uneven across Cameroon. Digital 2026 data from DataReportal shows 29 million active mobile lines by the end of 2025 (96.4% of the population), but many remain limited to voice and SMS. Mobile Internet penetration stood at 12.6 million users (41.9%), emphasizing the need for additional investment to close the digital divide.

Camtel expects the MNE to translate financial commitments into on-the-ground deployments, increase mobile Internet access, strengthen digital sovereignty, and facilitate e-commerce, online education, and public digital services. The project could also support the growth of new enterprises and digital innovation in Cameroon.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Adapted in English by Ange J. A. de BERRY QUENUM