Cameroon is set to bolster its digital infrastructure through a significant financing agreement following a presidential decree signed on March 6 by President Paul Biya. This decree authorises the Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Development to finalise a loan arrangement with the Export–Import Bank of China (China EXIMBANK) for 1.35 billion Chinese yuan, equivalent to approximately US$195 million.
The funding will support Phase IV of the national fibre-optic transmission backbone expansion project, which is expected to involve installing an additional 4,000 kilometres of terrestrial fibre-optic cable nationwide. Currently, Cameroon manages about 12,000 kilometres of terrestrial fibre-optic network, alongside roughly 812 kilometres of overhead fibre-optic lines mounted on electricity poles, all operated by the state-owned telecom entity Cameroon Telecommunications (Camtel).
This expansion aligns with the government’s comprehensive strategy to accelerate digital transformation, enhance national connectivity, and position Cameroon as a regional digital hub in Central Africa. The project aims to extend high-capacity broadband infrastructure to various regions, thereby strengthening the country’s telecommunications framework and enhancing internet reliability.
The expansion of fibre coverage is anticipated to improve connectivity between major urban areas and underserved regions, leading to faster internet speeds and more efficient data transmission, while promoting greater digital inclusion.
For investors and technology stakeholders, this initiative highlights the growing significance of Cameroon’s digital economy. A more robust fibre infrastructure is expected to facilitate the development of industries such as fintech, e-commerce, digital public services, and cloud-based platforms, while also enabling deeper integration within regional digital networks. It reinforces Cameroon’s potential as a connectivity gateway in Central Africa.
The financing agreement with China EXIMBANK exemplifies the ongoing infrastructure collaboration between Cameroon and China, particularly in telecommunications projects often backed by Huawei. Over the last decade, Chinese-backed funding has driven substantial investments across the country in sectors such as transport, energy, and information technology.
