Cameroon is set to enhance its digital connectivity and inclusion initiatives through a strategic partnership with Ethiopia’s Ethio Telecom, facilitated by the national telecommunications company, CAMTEL. This collaboration aims to bolster Cameroon’s digital transformation, and key details of the Master Service Agreement were presented to Prime Minister Dr Joseph Dion Ngute on December 4 in Yaoundé.
Judith Yah Sunday epse Achidi, the General Manager of CAMTEL, and Frehiwot Tamru, the Director General of Ethio Telecom, met with the Prime Minister to outline the main aspects of their collaboration. CAMTEL is looking to leverage Ethio Telecom’s extensive experience, as it is Africa’s largest government-owned telecommunications company, generating approximately US$2.8 billion in revenue for the fiscal year 2024/2025.
With a subscriber base exceeding 80 million, Ethio Telecom has played a vital role in Ethiopia’s digital revolution, including initiatives to expand digital ID enrollment. The company is also a key player in the Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy, which is evolving into the Digital Ethiopia 2030 plan.
As a significant player in Cameroon’s digital evolution, CAMTEL anticipates that this partnership with Ethio Telecom will provide strategic support to enhance Cameroon’s digital economy. Through this collaboration, CAMTEL aims to tap into Ethio Telecom’s expertise to improve digital connectivity, expand its subscriber network, modernise its infrastructure, and advance mobile money initiatives to promote financial inclusion and capacity building in Cameroon.
Tamru highlighted the shared vision between CAMTEL and Ethio Telecom, stating that their cooperation would aim to digitally transform CAMTEL and empower the Government of Cameroon using effective digital solutions successfully implemented in Ethiopia. She noted that the strategic initiatives will include mobile money services, expanding wireless infrastructure, and broader digital transformations that will affect both CAMTEL and Cameroon as a whole.
The partnership plans to create a robust digital payment system while enhancing financial accessibility in Cameroon. Furthermore, it aims to establish a national cloud infrastructure to digitise government services and improve mobile network quality, all while fostering a customer-centric approach within CAMTEL’s operations.
Yah Sunday emphasised the potential for Africa to develop its own models for digital transformation, showcasing that a public operator can innovate, enhance digital adoption, and align with national strategic visions while driving economic growth.
The Prime Minister expressed strong support for the partnership, recognising its importance in advancing Cameroon’s digital transformation. He assured both companies of the government’s backing throughout the implementation of the agreement.
Additionally, Ethio Telecom has a collaborative relationship with Djibouti, aiding the nation in its digital transformation efforts, further underscoring Ethio Telecom’s commitment to fostering digital solutions across the region.
