Camtel bets big on Blue Money to challenge MTN, Orange in Cameroon

On Techpoint Digest, we discuss Camtel's big bet on Blue Money to challenge MTN and Orange, CBN's new fees for large cash withdrawals, and South Africa's investigation into Shein and Temu.

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Victoria from Techpoint here,

Here’s what I’ve got for you today:

Camtel bets big on Blue Money to challenge MTN, Orange

CBN introduces new fees for large cash withdrawals

South Africa opens probe into Shein and Temu

Camtel bets big on Blue Money to challenge MTN, Orange

State-owned telecom operator Camtel is gearing up to launch its new mobile-money service, Blue Money, in 2026, a big move that could shake up Cameroon’s digital payments space. The plan, disclosed by the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, is one of Camtel’s lead projects for the coming years. The company already established Blue Money with initial capital of CFA 500 million and installed Jean Marie Aimé Ottou as board chairman to oversee the rollout.

For Cameroon, Blue Money’s arrival comes at a pivotal moment. The mobile-money market has long been dominated by a duopoly: MTN Mobile Money and Orange Money, which together handle more than 80% of electronic transactions. But recent years have seen fresh competition, such as the US-backed fintech Wave, which offers free deposits and withdrawals and low transfer fees, a model that’s challenging entrenched habits and pricing. Blue Money now adds a major national player to that mix.

Why does this matter? Because the potential for growth in digital money in Cameroon remains enormous. Mobile money use has surged in the last few years, as more people shift from cash thanks to increasing smartphone penetration and demand for financial inclusion, especially in rural areas. For a public operator like Camtel, with a nationwide telecom backbone and fibre-optic network, including coverage in rural zones, there’s a real chance to drive deep into underbanked communities and bring many more users into the financial system.

Still, the challenge won’t be easy. To break into a market where users already trust long-standing providers, Blue Money must offer something clearly different, whether that’s lower fees, easier access in hard-to-reach areas, better reliability, or ex...