17 June 2025
MTN Cameroon has announced a new partnership with Aktivco, a subsidiary of the Camusat Group that specialises in energy outsourcing for telecom infrastructure.
This collaboration aims to bolster the expansion of MTN's network, particularly in underserved and rural areas of Cameroon, by harnessing renewable energy solutions.
“At Camusat, we believe it is our responsibility, both to our customers and now to MTN, to bring our know-how and extensive experience in green technologies and sustainable operations, especially in Africa. Our expertise supports the development of resilient digital infrastructure that meets the growing demand for connectivity across the continent,” said Richard Thomas, Chairman of the Camusat Group.
The move toward renewable energy comes at a critical time, as the Cameroonian telecom sector faces significant challenges due to unreliable and costly energy supply. During a recent meeting with the Telecommunications Regulatory Agency, infrastructure operator IHS Cameroon highlighted that power supply to telecom sites remains unstable and expensive, despite its vital role in maintaining network operations.
Power outages have become increasingly frequent across the country. A report published by the Supreme Court's Audit Office in March revealed that the number of outages quadrupled between 2018 and 2021. Further reports from Invest in Cameroon indicated that interruptions on the Southern Interconnected Network, which supplies seven of the country’s ten regions, have worsened. In Yaoundé, power outages officially last between four and six hours but often extend over several days, disrupting neighbourhoods and affecting service continuity.
Implementing renewable energy solutions is seen as a promising approach to expanding network coverage in rural regions, where energy reliability issues are even more pronounced. According to the International Telecommunications Union, in 2023, approximately 12.2% of Cameroon's population — out of an estimated 28.4 million — lacked access to 2G mobile networks. Coverage gaps grow more significant for 3G and 4G, with 25% of the population still unserved. Overall mobile penetration in the country stood at around 41.9%, below the 64.3% penetration rate for mobile telephony.
By expanding its network infrastructure, MTN aims to reach previously unconnected populations, thereby strengthening its market position. As of the end of 2024, MTN Cameroon reported having 11.8 million subscribers, holding a 53.5% market share, making it the leading telecom operator in the country ahead of competitors such as Orange, Camtel, and Nexttel. This strategic initiative underscores MTN’s commitment to increasing digital inclusion and addressing the connectivity gaps in Cameroon through sustainable energy solutions.
