Cameroon’s telecommunications regulator, TRB, has conducted a field inspection visit to MTN Cameroon’s headquarters in Douala, scrutinising the operator’s 2025 investment record and 2026 network expansion plans, as part of a broader two-day audit of the country’s major mobile operators.
The Director General of the Telecommunications Regulations Board (TRB), Prof Philemon Zoo Zame, visited MTN Cameroon on 13 April 2026, followed by separate meetings with Orange Cameroun and infrastructure provider IHS Cameroon on 14 April. The visits focused on verifying 2025 capital expenditure, reviewing 2026 investment plans and assessing improvements in quality of service and nationwide network coverage.
It emerged from the visit that MTN Cameroon is engaged in a $300 million investment programme spanning 2025 to 2027, centred on network coverage expansion, infrastructure modernisation and the deployment of IMS-VoLTE technology in preparation for an eventual 5G rollout. The regulator’s on-site presence signals intent to verify that declared capital commitments are translating into measurable improvements on the ground.
During the visit, MTN Cameroon presented its 2025 investment report, highlighting achievements in network coverage, infrastructure modernisation and service quality across the national territory. The operator also laid out its 2026 investment priorities, which include extending network coverage and connectivity, strengthening infrastructure resilience, improving customer experience and developing inclusive digital solutions.
Professor Zoo Zame said the field visit was part of a deliberate effort to engage directly with operators.
“This approach is designed to consolidate proximity with operators in order to better understand ground-level realities, encourage structuring investments and guarantee the quality of services offered to consumers within a balanced and sustainable regulatory framework,” he said.
Wanda Matandela, Chief Executive of MTN Cameroon, said the visit provided a valuable platform for transparent engagement.
“This visit constitutes a strategic opportunity for open exchanges with the regulator, enabling us to share the company’s priorities, its operational challenges as well as its ambitions in a constantly evolving technological environment,” he said.
MTN Cameroon, which has operated in Cameroon for more than 25 years, reaffirmed its role in driving digital and financial inclusion, supporting innovation and contributing to national economic growth. The company acknowledged the central role of ART in ensuring fair competition, consumer protection and the long-term sustainability of the telecoms ecosystem.
The two-day inspection reflects TRB’s broader mandate to ensure reliable mobile connectivity across Cameroon amid rapidly growing demand for digital services. With MTN’s $300 million programme now midway through its three-year cycle, the regulator’s field visits serve as a mechanism to hold operators accountable for investment commitments and drive tangible improvements in network quality for Cameroonian consumers.
TRB and MTN Cameroon confirmed their commitment to maintaining regular dialogue in support of the country’s digital transformation objectives.
Mercy Fosoh
