A photo grid of Pope Leo and President Paul Biya
Cameroon successfully hosted the apostolic visit of Pope Leo XIV from April 15 to 18, 2026, with no disruption in telecommunications services, thanks to the strong performance of CAMTEL.
The visit, which took the Pope to Yaounde, Bamenda and Douala, drew global attention and required careful coordination across multiple sectors. Beyond the visible security and logistics, a major challenge was ensuring stable and continuous communication. CAMTEL, as the country’s leading telecommunications provider, was at the center of this effort.
From the early planning stages, top state authorities, under the leadership of President Paul Biya, set a clear objective: to deliver a smooth and hitch-free visit. In response, CAMTEL took on the responsibility of guaranteeing secure and reliable connectivity for government services, international media, broadcasters, digital platforms, and all strategic sites involved in the visit.
Under the leadership of its General Manager, Judith Yah Sunday Epouse Achidi, the company carried out detailed preparations through a dedicated task force. The team assessed network needs, strengthened existing infrastructure, and introduced backup systems to prevent any possible disruption. The General Manager remained closely involved throughout the process, working alongside teams in the field to ensure efficient execution.
Judith Yah Sunday Epouse Achidi, GM of CAMTEL
Technically, CAMTEL reinforced its systems by increasing transmission capacity, strengthening fibre optic links, and optimizing local networks. Backup solutions were activated, while a Network Operations Centre monitored activities around the clock, with teams working 24 hours a day to respond to any potential issue.
The result was a flawless performance. Throughout the four-day visit, there were no network interruptions, no technical failures, and no recorded incidents. The system remained stable despite heavy usage and intense international coverage.
Behind this success were the engineers, technicians, and support staff who worked tirelessly, often behind the scenes. Their professionalism, rapid response, and technical expertise ensured that communication systems operated smoothly at all times.
This achievement builds on CAMTEL’s growing experience in managing telecommunications for major events. The company had earlier delivered a strong performances during the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations and the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization in Yaoundé, further strengthening its capacity to handle high-level international gatherings.
Since its creation in 1998, CAMTEL has continued to expand and modernize its infrastructure. Its performance during the papal visit highlights its central role in supporting national development and connectivity.
CAMTEL has become a key pillar of Cameroon’s digital ambitions, aligning with the vision of President Paul Biya to position the country as a leading digital hub in Central Africa. The success recorded during the 2026 papal visit stands as a clear demonstration of that progress, showing Cameroon’s ability to remain fully connected while hosting events of global importance.
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