Under the theme “International Digital Cooperation, Sub Regional Integration and Structural Transformation of Cameroon’s Economy”, Cameroon Telecommunications (CAMTEL) celebrated its strides in international relations and regional integration within the CEMAC zone and in extension, countries in Asia, Europe and America.
Chaired by the CAMTEL General Manager, Madam Judith Yah Sunday epse Achidi, the telecom was joined by it’s partners at the Yaounde Franko Hotel, on April 29, 2024, in the celebration.
The celebration of CAMTEL’s footprints in diplomacy and Sub Regional Integration was part in a series of events to mark the 25th anniversary of CAMTEL which is a year long celebration that began in September 2023 and would wrap up in September 2024.
For 25 years, CAMTEL counts it’s achievements in digital interconnection and economic integration in the CEMAC zone, the deployment of optical fiber and the development of the digital economy. This is relevant in a 96 strand 652 optical fiber cables which connects Cameroon and Gabon covering of 22 kilometers with significant benefits for the economies of both countries. The achievement is also seen in the installation of an optical fiber that covers Congo, Cameroon and the Central African Republic. Further more, CAMTEL strengthened sub Regional Integration with the acquisition and deployment of submarine cables in Limbe which links Cameroon to several countries of the West African coast and the European continent. Douala serves as CAMTEL’s landing port which offers an alternative exit to Europe and Asia via South Africa. CAMTEL stretches from Kribi to link Cameroon with Nigeria and then to Brazil which has eased interconnection between Africa and the Americas. Speaking during the ceremony, the General Manager, Mme Judith Yah, proudly a acclaimed CAMTEL in heartfelt words
“Our countries are brimming with potentials that could definitely reduce the digital divide in our communities and boost sustainable development through telecommunications”
To transcend its numerous achievements, CAMTEL’s stakeholders brainstormed on identifying new opportunities for the promotion of sub Regional Integration and diplomacy through the digital economy while minimizing its challenges. Pierre Guillaume, representative of CEMAC who was present at the event considered the moment as a time of stocktaking. He said “for us, it is a moment to reflect on what we have been able to do in different domains of integration especially in the domain of telecommunication and digital transformation. We have projects to aid the interconnections of our country to vibrant tech and the establishment of a free communication in the CEMAC zone”
The officials of CAMTEL are using the feast as a means of expanding its potential in telecommunications. The General Manager was categorical about this “Our vision is to make CAMTEL a hub of digital transformation in the sub region. So it was important for us on this day to call on all the actors in the sector and the sub sector so that we can exchange avenues and ways to make this possible and see how far we have gone already to realize this objective” she said.
The celebration was marked be exposés and reflections on varied topics including international internet governance, opportunities for economic and digital development of countries, the role of Information and Communication Technologies in modern diplomacy and regional integration and development within CEMAC counties in the context of sub Regional Integration. CAMTEL hopes to redefine its future in the face of fruitful discusses marking it’s 25th anniversary.
By Mildred Ndum Wung
By Mildred Ndum Wung