PM hails Ethiopian telecoms giants for partnering with CAMTEL.

This was during an audience granted a visiting delegation from the telecoms company, the largest in Africa.

The delegation was led by the Chief Executive Officer, CEO of Ethio Telecom, Frehiwot Tamru. She was accompanied to the Star Building audience by her Cameroonian counterpart, the General Manager of CAMTEL, Judith Yah Sunday epse Achidi.

The audience came on the sidelines of the group’s working visit to Cameroon. The Ethiopians were in Cameroon to seal a Master of Service Agreement with CAMTEL.

Speaking during the Star Building audience, Prime Minister, Joseph Dion Ngute emphasised that digitalisation was the cornerstone of sustainable economic growth, a goal best achieved through the robust collaboration of African operators. 

Appreciating the initiative taken by Ethio Telecom and CAMTEL, the PM pledged his government's unwavering support for the strategic alliance to ensure that the digital transformation in Ethiopia be replicated in Cameroon.

The prime minister said that digital transition was critical for economic growth and the importance of African operators' cooperation was essential.

He assured the visiting Ethiopian delegation that Yaounde will support the implementation of Ethiopian digital experience in Cameroon.

Speaking during the working session at the Prime Minister’s Office, Ethio Telecom CEO, Frehiwot Tamiru presented Ethiopia’s remarkable digital transformation journey, highlighting the decisive role played by Ethio telecom in expanding nationwide connectivity, ensuring affordability, and accelerating financial inclusion. 

The Ethio Telecom chief executive described the collaboration with CAMTEL as a privilege and a strategic responsibility in supporting Cameroon’s bold digital vision.

Frehiwot emphasised that embracing digital innovation and technology is the most powerful enabler of national potential, and a critical foundation for sustainable, inclusive growth. 

She underlined that expanding digital infrastructure does not only improve services, it creates opportunity, empowers citizens, strengthens economies, and transforms nations.

Frehiwot who led the Ethiopian delegation confirmed that Ethio Telecom will share its extensive experience, know-how and best practices, enabling CAMTEL to play a central and leading role in Cameroon’s digital future.

Frehiwot also stressed the broader continental importance of the alliance, noting that the partnership serves as a model for African operators. 

She expressed her confidence that when African telecom leaders unite, share expertise, and collaborate across borders, the continent can accelerate its digital economy, unlock greater value, and advance shared prosperity together.

For her part, CAMTEL General Manager, Judith Yah Sunday épse Achidi, stated she has witnessed Ethio Telecom’s successful track record in realising the "Digital Ethiopia" strategy.

The Cameroonian reaffirmed her confidence that the partnership will accelerate modernisation and service excellence, building on Ethio Telecom’s proven track record to CAMTEL.

What the partnership means for Cameroon 

Besides the visit to the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ethio Telecom delegation while in Cameroon, sealed a strategic partnership with CAMTEL.

The historic partnership which seeks to accelerate digital transition in Cameroon was signed late Thursday in Yaounde.

It was disclosed that the agreement is based on the desire to take Ethiopia’s experience to Cameroon after the executives of CAMTEL came to the East African nation and discovered the advanced technology leadership that Ethio Telecom has shown in the development of "digital Ethiopia".

According to the agreement, the two operators will work together to expand a digital payment system to ensure financial accessibility in Cameroon, build a national cloud to digitise government services, ensure mobile network quality and further upgrade CAMTEL’s operations to build a customer centric culture.

Authorities said Thursday that the agreement will enable the joint implementation of digital solutions, Value Added Services, VAS and interconnect services that streamline key institutions and businesses vital to Cameroon's digital economy.

In line with Ethio Telecom’s ‘Next Horizon: Digital and Beyond 2028 Strategy,’ the agreement marks a historic milestone in accelerating the journey of Digital Africa by providing cross-border services and strengthening continental cooperation.

The agreement was signed by CAMTEL General Manager, Judith Yah Sunday epse and Ethio Telecom CEO, Frehiwot Tamiru. This was in the presence of senior executives from both institutions and invited officials.

Besides being received by Prime Minister, Head of Government, the high-level delegation from Ethiopia also held strategic meeting with Minette Libom Li Likeng, Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, and Grégoire Owona, Minister of Labour and Social Security.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3649 of Monday December 08, 2025