The Cameroon Telecommunications (Camtel) and Ethio Telecom, the Ethiopian state-owned telecommunications operator, signed a strategic partnership agreement aimed at transforming the telecommunications sector in Cameroon by leveraging Ethio Telecom’s success. This agreement, which combines ambition and expertise, addresses the country’s digital challenges.
This is a major turning point for the telecommunications sector in Cameroon. Judith Yah Sunday, CEO of Cameroon Telecommunications (Camtel), and Frehiwot Tamiru, CEO of Ethio Telecom, formalized their partnership on December 4, 2025. This strategic agreement aims to make Ethio Telecom a model for improving telecommunications performance in Cameroon and is part of a shared commitment to digital transformation on the continent.
During the ceremony, Judith Yah Sunday emphasized that this partnership stems from constructive dialogue and a shared vision: “Africans must become active participants in their own digital revolution.” She noted that Ethio Telecom’s experience, particularly its successful modernization and balanced approach to market liberalization, can provide a valuable framework for Cameroon.
The context is favorable, as the Cameroonian government, under the leadership of President Paul Biya, has placed digital transformation at the heart of its agenda. In his inaugural address following the 2025 presidential election, the president reaffirmed his commitment to modernizing the telecommunications sector, which is essential to the country’s economy and to meeting the growing expectations of its citizens.
However, the current situation in the sector presents numerous challenges. Several diagnostic studies have highlighted a fragmented network architecture, outdated infrastructure, and insufficient mobile coverage. Therefore, Cameroon must overcome significant obstacles in modernizing its networks, improving service quality and customer experience, while also ensuring cybersecurity and effective data governance.
To address these challenges, the Camtel-Ethio Telecom partnership is designed to be both pragmatic and strategic. It will focus on joint infrastructure planning, improving digital services, and optimizing the customer experience. Frehiwot Tamiru expressed his commitment to making Ethio Telecom a catalyst for transformation in Cameroon, leveraging proven models adapted to the African context.
The partnership includes initiatives aimed at strengthening internal capacities and developing talent, a necessary response to a constantly evolving market. This agreement is seen as a real opportunity for Cameroon to align itself with best practices and accelerate its own digital transformation process.
Financial challenges remain, however. Ethio Telecom has demonstrated that a public operator can modernize while maintaining its performance. This model inspires Cameroon to adopt a proactive vision, where empowerment and innovation are central. The example of Ethio Telecom shows that Africa can create its own benchmarks without always having to rely on foreign models.
In short, this partnership reaffirms a message of hope and solidarity for the continent. The two nations, united by cultural and diplomatic ties, are determined to move forward together. The launch of this cooperation marks a significant step toward a new digital era in Africa, where innovation, excellence, and inclusion will guide the future development of the telecommunications sector. The success of this project could well redefine the standards and expectations for public operators across the continent.
