06/03/2026
: Paul Biya Orders a 108 Billion CFA Loan from EXIMBANK China to Strengthen the Fiber Optic Network
President Biya signed on March 6 an authorization allowing the Ministry of Economy, Planning, and Regional Development (MINEPAT) to take out a loan from the Chinese bank. The objective: to finance the fourth phase of the national backbone, a key component for the countryβs digital coverage.
This is a substantial sum that will flow into the coffers of the fiber optic expansion project. The President of the Republic has given the green light for the Minister of Economy to sign a loan agreement with EXIMBANK-China for 1.35 billion yuan. Converted into CFA francs, the amount reaches nearly 108.4 billion.
According to him, this funding will enable the launch of Phase IV of the backbone. Specifically, it involves extending this network of cables, which acts as the nervous system of the internet in Cameroon. The goal is to continue digitally connecting underserved areas and improving the quality of internet connections.