Acameroon Optical Cable Construction

Cameroon is expanding its optical fiber network through both submarine and terrestrial projects to improve connectivity and digital infrastructure.Current Submarine Cable ConnectivityCameroon is connected to five submarine optical fiber cables: SAT3, WACS, ACE, SAIL, and NCSCS, which link the country to international networks and the Atlantic coast . Despite this extensive infrastructure, utilization has been low, with only about 15% of SAT3 and 30% of WACS capacity used since their launch . To address this, Camtel partnered with MTN GlobalConnect in 2021 to manage and commercialize four of these cables (SAT3, WACS, NCSCS, and SAIL), aiming to increase regional connectivity and reduce the “fiber gap” in underserved areas .Terrestrial Fiber ExpansionCamtel, the national telecom operator, is actively expanding the terrestrial fiber network. In 2024, the company announced the rollout of an additional 3,500 kilometers of fiber, complementing the existing 12,000 kilometers . This expansion targets rural areas and aims to cover all ten regions, 51 of 58 divisions, and 209 of 260 targeted districts, while also strengthening cross-border links to Chad, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon . The project is expected to enhance broadband penetration, which has stagnated at around 22% since 2016 .Regional and International ProjectsCameroon is also involved in broader regional initiatives, such as the Medusa Africa Subsea Cable System, which will extend connectivity to 22 countries along Africa's Atlantic coast, including Cameroon . This project involves feasibility studies, marine surveys, and technical design to ensure financial and operational viability, enhancing Cameroon's role as a digital hub in Central Africa .Challenges and OpportunitiesDespite infrastructure investments, Cameroon ranks last in the 2024 Global Fiber Development Index, scoring 4 out of 100, reflecting low adoption and underutilization of fiber networks . Expanding both submarine and terrestrial fiber, coupled with partnerships for commercialization, is critical to improving broadband access, supporting digital transformation, and enabling economic growth in Cameroon and the Central African sub-region .ConclusionCameroon's optical cable construction strategy combines submarine cable management, terrestrial fiber expansion, and regional connectivity projects. These efforts aim to close the fiber gap, increase broadband penetration, and position the country as a digital hub in Central Africa, although challenges remain in adoption and utilization of existing infrastructure.