By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
From 15 to 18 April 2026, Cameroon played host to a historic apostolic visit by Pope Leo XIV. As spiritual fervor swept from Yaoundé to Douala and Bamenda, a monumental logistical operation worked tirelessly behind the scenes. At the heart of this success was CAMTEL, the institution that proved decisive in ensuring the event’s seamless execution.
From the earliest preparatory stages, the State’s topmost authorities, at the impetus of the President of the Republic, Paul Biya, set a clear goal: a “hitch-free visit”. A firm requirement, befitting the event and its international scale.
In this context, CAMTEL, as the State’s technical arm in the field of telecommunications, fully rose to the challenge of its strategic mission: guarantee smooth, secure, and continuous connectivity for sovereign services, international media, television channels, radio stations, digital platforms, and the strategic sites prepared for the occasion.
Early Mobilisation, Committed Leadership
Under the leadership of its General Manager, Mrs Judith Yah Sunday épse Achidi, CAMTEL organised its preparation around a dedicated task force. The mission was twofold: identify network needs, reinforce existing infrastructure, and anticipate critical risks through redundancy mechanisms.
More than technical planning, the leadership approach was equally visible in the field. The General Manager supervised operations closely, ensuring a rigorous, results-driven management style—an approach aligned with the vision promoted by President Paul Biya, aimed at positioning Cameroon as a digital reference hub in Central Africa.
Network Under Control, Incident-Free Performance
On the technical front, CAMTEL implemented robust measures, including an increase in transmission capacity, reinforced optical fibre links, optimised local connection loops, and the activation of backup solutions. These actions were coordinated through a Network Operations Centre (NOC) placed on continuous alert, with teams operating 24/7.
The outcome was unequivocal: no interruption, no failure, no incident. Operational data confirmed full network stability—no fibre cuts, no technical outage, and no malfunction detected. A performance achieved under heightened international visibility.
Men and Women Equal to the Challenge
This success also reflects expertise and dedication. Technicians, engineers, and support teams—often working out of the spotlight—remained fully mobilised with professionalism throughout the period. Their reactivity and operational mastery were instrumental to the continuity of services, demonstrating the value of CAMTEL’s ongoing strengthening of its human resources.
Excellence Built to Last
This operational achievement did not emerge in isolation. A few weeks earlier, CAMTEL supported the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Yaoundé, demonstrating its capacity to handle major international events. Earlier still—during the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)—the company’s infrastructure had already been recognised by international football stakeholders.
CAMTEL: Bedrock of Digital Sovereignty
Since its inception in 1998, CAMTEL has tirelessly enhanced its infrastructure to deliver world-class telecommunications. Its flawless performance during the Pope’s visit is not just a milestone—it is a clear validation of its expertise.
Beyond its identity as an operator, CAMTEL stands as the pillar of national digital sovereignty. By managing the vital systems that connect Cameroon to the globe, the company brings President Paul Biya’s vision of a digitally advanced nation to life.
