Cameroon’s private universities are set to gain broader access to high-speed internet and digital services under a new partnership between Cameroon Telecommunications (CAMTEL) and the country’s association of private higher education institutions.

CAMTEL signed a framework agreement with the National Association of Private Higher Education Institutions (ANIPES) on Sept. 2, 2026, covering broadband connectivity, campus interconnection and data-hosting services for participating institutions.

The deal gives ANIPES-affiliated institutions access to telecommunications services designed to support teaching, research and university administration as Cameroon pushes further into digital education.

Broadband, campus links and data hosting

Under the agreement, CAMTEL will provide high-speed internet to help universities access online learning materials, research databases and other digital resources.

The operator will also connect campuses to enable institutions to exchange information securely between different locations. Its package includes data-hosting services that will allow universities to store and manage academic, administrative and student information within a secure infrastructure.

Additional digital solutions could be introduced based on the specific needs of participating institutions. “Every institution must have quality connectivity to enable the university community to improve the quality of teaching,” CAMTEL General Manager Judith Yah Sunday épouse Achidi said during the signing ceremony.

Cameroon’s digital education push

The partnership comes as internet use expands in Cameroon, although a large portion of the population remains offline.

International Telecommunication Union data show that 46.3% of Cameroon’s population used the internet in 2024, highlighting the continued gap in digital access.

The Ministry of Higher Education has identified digitalization, professional training and university entrepreneurship as policy priorities.

In April 2026, the ministry said ANIPES’ new leadership had presented projects focused on university entrepreneurship and implementation of Cameroon’s Higher Education Law, adopted July 25, 2023.

Cameroon Telecommunications is Cameroon’s national telecommunications operator, providing fixed and mobile communications, broadband and other digital services across the country.

For private universities, improved connectivity could support online teaching, research collaboration, digital administration and access to international academic resources.

CAMTEL said the agreement is aimed at creating a more connected and secure private higher education sector. Actual implementation will depend on service agreements to be concluded with individual participating institutions.