MTN Cameroon prides self on contribution to digital dev’t.

They made the remarks during a recent session which focused on the presentation of a report on the 25 years of operations of the South African founded company on Cameroonian territory.

The session brought together company stakeholders including the media, consumers’ rights association leaders and representative of persons with limited mobility.

While presenting the report, MTN Cameroon's media relations specialist, Edward Tamba, highlighted the achievements from the days of mobilis mobile phones, when MTN took over from CAMTEL Mobile, the era where purchase of recharge cards was the only means to top up numbers, to the time of the slogan "everywhere you go", to era of installations of antennas all over the country.

Among its landmark infrastructure projects is Cameroon’s connection to the West Africa Cable System, WACS, submarine cable, described as a strategic investment that has significantly improved access to high-speed, reliable and affordable internet. 

The company said this infrastructure has played a key role in advancing digital inclusion and supporting the country’s digital transformation agenda.

To date, MTN reports that its network covers over 98% of the accessible population, reaching more than 7,400 localities nationwide. 

The company operates 21 service centres in major cities, over 200 sales outlets, two ultra-modern call centres, and serves more than 12 million subscribers.

Present in the country since 2000, the company has now been ranked amongst the top five contributors to State revenue, having paid an estimated 1,370 billion FCFA in taxes, duties, licence fees and other statutory charges. 

However, beyond financial indicators, MTN officials said they have evaluated its performance through its impact on communities and the improvement of living conditions.

According to figures released by the company, MTN, through its foundation, has impacted more than 3,000 communities across Cameroon over the past two and a half decades.

It should be noted that MTN Foundation was created in 2005, and has largely focused its interventions on education, health and community development, dedicating 1% of the company’s annual net profit to projects aimed at improving social wellbeing.

Through these initiatives, MTN reports that 15,000 students and teachers now have access to computers, over 100,000 people have been sensitised on malaria prevention, while thousands of children have gained access to education through the construction of more than 50 classrooms nationwide.

Reducing inequalities, promoting inclusion

The company said these actions form part of a broader strategy to reduce inequalities and promote inclusion, particularly in underserved communities.

Again, MTN Cameroon also highlighted its role in strengthening the national economy, reporting over 1,000 billion FCFA in investments channeled through partnerships with more than 1,000 Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, SMEs, acting as suppliers and service providers.

Reacting to the company’s 25th anniversary, Melvin Akam, Manager Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, Executive Committee at MTN Cameroon, said the company’s identity is rooted in development, inclusion and sustainability.

“Since the launch of its activities in Cameroon, MTN has always distinguished itself by doing business differently. MTN is not a company like any other. Born in South Africa from the ashes of apartheid, it carries a unique legacy of development, inclusion and sustainability,” he said.

Akam said, MTN’s operations are built around creating shared value for all stakeholders.

“MTN brings value to Africa in general and to Cameroon in particular — not only for itself, but for all its stakeholders. This value is at the heart of this report,” he added.

He noted that the 25th anniversary provided an opportunity to highlight the stories, people, figures and milestones that have shaped MTN’s presence in Cameroon, with particular emphasis on its long-term social and economic impact.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3668 of Friday January 09, 2026