CAMEROON – ENERGY AND TELECOMS : SOCADEL and CAMTEL move towards network sharing
(LVDE) - SOCADEL and CAMTEL signed a memorandum of understanding in Yaoundé on October 16, 2026, to explore infrastructure sharing aimed at reducing deployment costs, expanding connectivity and improving service delivery.
Cameroon’s electricity and telecommunications sectors are moving towards closer cooperation. On October 16 in Yaoundé, the Cameroon Electricity Corporation (SOCADEL) and Cameroon Telecommunications (CAMTEL) signed a memorandum of understanding to assess the feasibility of sharing their infrastructure and optimising existing investments.
The agreement provides for joint technical, legal and economic studies ahead of a framework agreement that will define the conditions for implementation. The objective is to reduce infrastructure duplication, control deployment costs and improve the efficiency of both companies’ networks.
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CAMTEL plans to leverage its national fibre-optic backbone, domestic and international connectivity capabilities, and technical expertise. SOCADEL could contribute its electricity infrastructure, including utility poles, rights-of-way and opportunities to integrate fibre-optic facilities into future projects.
For CAMTEL, the arrangement could accelerate fibre-optic expansion and diversify transmission routes, strengthening network resilience and service continuity. For SOCADEL, improved connectivity could link its branches, operational centres and strategic facilities, supporting the modernisation of its operations.
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SOCADEL General Manager Oumarou Hamandjoda said the partnership reflected the potential of two state-owned companies to coordinate national infrastructure development in line with President Paul Biya’s vision. He expressed the hope that the parties would quickly progress towards a framework agreement and initial pilot projects.
CAMTEL General Manager Judith Yah Sunday Achidi emphasised the operational benefits of combining the companies’ assets. She said the initiative would help extend connectivity, improve service quality, curb deployment costs and create new opportunities for service delivery.
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The proposed cooperation could also limit infrastructure congestion, particularly in urban areas. However, implementation will depend on the findings of the joint studies, with particular attention to technical feasibility, safety, regulatory compliance and the protection of each company’s interests.
For both operators, the memorandum marks an initial step rather than a final commitment to infrastructure sharing. The forthcoming studies and framework agreement will determine the scope and practical arrangements for deployment.
By pooling their respective strengths, SOCADEL and CAMTEL aim to explore a more cost-effective approach to infrastructure development, supporting the modernisation of electricity operations and the expansion of telecommunications services across Cameroon.
Esther Grace
La voix des entreprises 
Esther Grâce 
