Cameroon and Madagascar Invest in Connectivity: Rural and Digital Expansion Projects Unveiled
Cameroon and Madagascar are accelerating efforts to bridge their digital divides, with major projects announced that aim to improve connectivity in remote and underserved areas. According to Developing Telecoms, Cameroon’s state-owned operator Camtel has secured a CFA44.884 billion (US$81.2 million) financing agreement, while Madagascar has launched its Rapid Rural Transformation and Smart Village initiative.
Cameroon: US$81M Mobile Network Expansion
Cameroon’s financing agreement with Commercial Bank Cameroon (CBC) will fund the first phase of Camtel’s Mobile Network Expansion (MNE) project. The aim is to upgrade service quality and extend 2G, 3G, and 4G coverage to key urban and rural areas, addressing low mobile internet penetration. As of 2026, data from DataReportal showed only 41.9% of the population (12.6 million users) had internet access, despite 96.4% mobile utilization (29 million lines).
This initiative, part of a larger CFA52.2 billion (US$94.4 million) investment, will prioritize regional capitals, university cities, and strategic economic zones, tackling gaps in rural connectivity and reducing network congestion. By extending coverage, Cameroon aims to lift millions into the digital economy.
Madagascar: Smart Villages and Satellite-Driven Transformation
Meanwhile, Madagascar’s Ministry of Digital Development, Postal and Telecommunications (MNDPT) is focusing on rural infrastructure development through hybrid connectivity projects, powered by satellite communication and solar energy. According to TechAfrica News, its Smart Village initiative now operates in six key sites across the regions of Anosy and Androy, serving over 10,000 residents.
Each Smart Village includes shared digital community hubs, solar-powered refrigeration units, and platforms for farmers to access real-time market data. By enhancing access to digital services and government support, the initiative addresses key socio-economic issues while creating 1,200 youth training opportunities and boosting local commercial activities by 20%.
Industry Implications: A Blueprint for Digital Inclusion?
These projects highlight a wider trend in emerging markets leveraging public-private partnerships and innovative technologies to address connectivity gaps. Analysts note the combination of hybrid satellite and solar power deployment as a model for reaching unconnected populations, particularly in Africa’s most remote regions.
For competitors, the stakes are clear: as governments invest in infrastructure to bridge the digital divide, private operators must innovate to remain competitive amid new market dynamics. Beyond telecom, these initiatives underpin broader economic development, creating new markets for services and technologies in regions often left behind.
What’s Next?
Grid-independent connectivity solutions like these could define the next phase of growth in African telecom markets, where vast rural areas remain deeply underserved. Will these projects deliver sustained results and pave the way for replication across the continent? It’s a development worth tracking closely.
For more details, visit Developing Telecoms.
