26 January 2026
A banking consortium led by Commercial Bank Cameroon (CBC), along with Afriland First Bank, Union Bank of Cameroon (UBC), and National Financial Credit (NFC), has been chosen to support Cameroon Telecommunications (Camtel) in a 52.2 billion FCFA (about US$93.1 million) investment program. 
The project aims to expand 2G, 3G, and 4G networks in regional and departmental capitals, university towns, and major educational institutions across Cameroon.
To fund this, CBC approached the Bank of Central African States (BEAC) to activate its Window B, a financing mechanism dedicated to refinancing medium-term loans for productive investments, which can cover up to 60% of the project's cost. During its September 2025 MPC meeting, BEAC approved mobilizing 31.3 billion FCFA under this window for Camtel’s network expansion, with a seven-year loan at an interest rate of 4.5%, slightly below the December 2025 rate of 4.75%.
However, two conditions were set for disbursal: Camtel must first justify increasing its self-financing from 11.2 billion to 20.9 billion FCFA, and it must provide a written commitment to use the funds solely for deploying 2G, 3G, and 4G services in targeted regions and educational institutions. Additionally, Camtel is required to improve its financial metrics, including maintaining operating profit margins of at least 15%, overall profitability above 10%, and a financial independence ratio of at least 50%.
Despite its relative obscurity, BEAC considers Window B suitable for this project based on Camtel’s cash flow projections, repayment history, and guarantees offered. Originally established in the 1990s to boost productive sectors, Window B remains underutilized, with limited awareness among banks in the region. Recognizing this, BEAC is reviewing its regulations to better adapt the instrument to current needs and encourage greater use by banks and governments to reinforce the CEMAC region’s economic infrastructure.
