Cameroon Telecommunications Limited (Camtel), whilst completing the implementation of the National Broadband Network project funded via the first Camtel transaction, decided to expand capacity and functionality in the existing EVDO CDMA network. The resultant increase in capacity and coverage of its high-speed wireless broadband service will enhance Camtel’s quality of service and is expected to increase subscribers by more than 600,000.

To finance the USD 18.9 million EVDO project, Camtel approached Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) for a medium-term loan of USD 18.9 million (equivalent in XAF). SCB was constrained by its regulatory single obligor limit in Cameroon and could only extend USD 6.9 million of the required funding before hitting its single obligor limit.

GuarantCo’s guarantee allowed SCB to offer the full amount of the financing in local currency. Hard currency financing would have negatively impacted the financial viability of the project and thus GuarantCo’s intervention facilitated full XAF funding and minimised potential foreign exchange risk for the business.

World Bank research highlights that Cameroon lags behind the average benchmarks for Sub-Saharan Africa for internet access. The EVDO is a project is expected to contribute to increasing internet penetration rates in the country. Mobile operators in the country will also purchase bandwidth from Camtel hence the project will help the overall sector develop in Cameroon.

GuarantCo’s support for Camtel has helped improve the financial viability of the EVDO project by allowing the company to better match its debt service obligations with its revenues.