DIGITALIZATION : Camtel and Gecam commit to accelerating the digital transformation of businesses

Cameroon is seeking to accelerate the digital transformation of its economic fabric. With this objective, Camtel and Gecam concluded a strategic three-year partnership in Douala aimed at supporting businesses in their technological modernization. Through this agreement, both institutions intend to reduce the constraints that still hinder the adoption of digital tools, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises.

The agreement covers several essential services : secure high-speed internet, site interconnection, fixed and mobile telephony, cybersecurity, as well as data hosting within Camtel’s data center infrastructure. Gecam members will benefit from preferential pricing conditions, a significant advantage for SMEs often burdened by high technology costs.

For Camtel, this initiative goes beyond a purely commercial framework. The public operator, which controls most of the national fiber-optic network and several submarine cable landing points, aims to consolidate its role as a leading technological partner for businesses. This cooperation with the country’s main employers’ organization also serves as a credibility test regarding its ability to deliver high-performance services tailored to the needs of the productive sector.

The challenge remains significant. Despite progress made in recent years, the digitalization of Cameroonian companies still lags behind several African economies. According to research firm Cable.co, the average cost of one gigabyte of internet in Cameroon stood at around $1.63 in 2023, higher than in countries such as Ghana or Rwanda. For many businesses, access to reliable connectivity remains a key competitiveness factor.

Beyond cost considerations, service quality remains a recurring concern. Fiber-optic outages and energy constraints continue to disrupt business operations for many companies. The partnership with Gecam therefore places Camtel under performance pressure, as businesses expect tangible improvements in service availability and stability.

Digital sovereignty is also a central issue. Through its data center capabilities, Camtel enables companies to store more strategic data within national borders. This is increasingly important as cybersecurity and data protection requirements continue to strengthen.

For Gecam, the alliance aims to provide businesses with essential tools for growth. If the announced commitments translate into real service improvements, this partnership could accelerate the modernization of Cameroon’s productive sector and strengthen the competitiveness of local companies in an increasingly digital economy.

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Esther Grâce

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