Cameroon’s Economy - Traditional Sectors and the Digital Economy

Geographic Overview

Location and Borders

Cameroon is located in Central Africa, strategically positioned at the crossroads between West and Central Africa. It shares land borders with six countries: Nigeria to the west and north, Chad to the northeast, Central African Republic to the east, and Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo to the south. To its southwest, Cameroon opens onto the Atlantic Ocean via the Gulf of Guinea (Bight of Biafra). This geographic location makes Cameroon a natural gateway from the Atlantic coast into the heart of Africa. The country’s diverse landscape ranges from coastal plains on the west, mountains and highlands in the center (including the volcanic Mount Cameroon near the coast), to savanna and semi-arid plains in the far north. Such variety has earned it the nickname “Africa in miniature,” reflecting a mix of climates and ecological zones within its borders.

Key Cities and Trade Routes

Cameroon’s major cities are economic and logistical hubs that leverage this strategic position. The political capital Yaoundé (in the center-south) and the larger commercial capital Douala (on the coast) are the most prominent urban centers. Douala, with over 3 million residents, is the nation’s largest city and home to the busiest seaport in Central Africa. The Port of Douala handles a significant volume of Cameroon’s international trade and also serves as a critical outlet for landlocked neighbors (notably Chad and the Central African Republic) by providing them vital access to global markets. A substantial share of imports and exports for these countries transit through Douala’s port, moving inland via road and rail corridors. The Douala–Ndjamena corridor (linking Cameroon to Chad) and the Douala–Bangui corridor (to Central African Republic) are essential trade routes that facilitate the flow of goods such as fuel, consumer goods, and agricultural produce across borders.

In recent years, Cameroon has expanded its transport infrastructure to enhance connectivity. The government invested in a modern deep-water port at Kribi (south of Douala) to complement Douala’s older port. Kribi Deep Seaport, which began operations in late 2018, can accommodate larger vessels and is aimed at boosting maritime trade capacity. This new port, developed with international partnerships, is improving efficiency for exports like oil, liquefied natural gas, and minerals, and is poised to become a regional transshipment hub. Besides seaports, Cameroon’s road network has seen upgrades, improving links between key cities and border points. The country’s main highway arteries connect Douala to Yaoundé and extend northward to towns like Bafoussam, Bamenda, Garoua, and Maroua, stitching together regional markets. A legacy railway line also runs from the coast inland (Douala–Yaoundé–Ngaoundéré), aiding in transporting heavy goods like cement, timber, and cotton from the north.

Geography also shapes Cameroon’s trade in the north: Cameroon’s Far North region protrudes between Nigeria and Chad, facilitating cross-border commerce in that zone. Markets near the Nigerian border (such as in Maroua and Garoua) are active with informal trade – livestock, grains, and textiles flow between northern Cameroon and northeastern Nigeria. To the south, Cameroon’s border with Gabon and Equatorial Guinea enables trading in timber and manufactured goods. The country’s Atlantic coastline not only provides port access but also fishing resources and potential offshore oil & gas fields, tying geography to economic opportunity. Overall, Cameroon’s central location and varied terrain give it a unique connectivity advantage: it can serve as a regional transit hub linking the resource-rich Central African interior to global trade routes via the Atlantic, while also benefiting from proximity to the large Nigerian market to its west.

Economic Landscape

GDP and Growth Trends

Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, and it is one of the largest economies in Central Africa. As of 2024, Cameroon’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) stands at roughly $50–55 billion (nominal), making it the biggest economy in the six-nation Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC). With a population of about 30 million people, GDP per capita is around $1,800, indicating modest average income levels. Economic growth in Cameroon has been steady but not rapid. In the years following the COVID-19 pandemic shock, the country recovered to a growth rate of about 3.6% in 2022. However, growth slowed slightly to around 3.3% in 2023, below initial projections of 4% for that year. This recent deceleration has been attributed to multiple factors: fiscal belt-tightening under an IMF program, higher domestic inflation eroding purchasing power, and security challenges that disrupted some economic activities.

Despite these headwinds, the outlook for 2024–2025 is cautiously optimistic. The International Monetary Fund and African Development Bank project Cameroon’s growth to pick up to roughly 4.0%–4.5% in 2024 and accelerate further by 2025. Key drivers of this anticipated uptick include rising natural gas production (thanks to new energy projects coming online) and a rebound in domestic demand. Cameroon’s inflation, which spiked to about 6–7% in 2022 due to global food and fuel price increases, is expected to moderate going forward. A major stabilizing factor is Cameroon’s currency, the Central African CFA franc (XAF), which is pegged to the euro. The currency peg helps contain inflationary pressures over the long term, although it also limits monetary policy flexibility. Fiscal stability has been a focus for the government: under a recent IMF Extended Credit Facility program (2021–2024, ~$690 million), Cameroon has pursued reforms to strengthen public finances and debt management. Public debt had risen in the past decade due to heavy infrastructure spending, reaching an external debt stock of about $16 billion (around 45% of GDP). With IMF support and improved revenue from commodity exports, the government aims to keep debt sustainable while financing development projects.

Main Sectors of the Economy

Cameroon’s economy is relatively diversified by regional standards, with significant contributions from agriculture, industry (including oil), and services. The broad sectoral breakdown of GDP is approximately: agriculture (~15–20%), industry (~25–30%), and services (over 50%). This structure means services form the largest share of output, but agriculture remains vital for employment and exports, and industry (notably oil & gas) brings critical foreign exchange.

• Agriculture: Often described as the backbone of Cameroon’s economy, agriculture employs about 42% of the workforce and is a primary livelihood for rural populations. The country’s rich soils and climate diversity allow a range of crops. Key agricultural exports include cocoa beans, coffee, cotton, bananas, rubber, and timber. Cameroon is one of Africa’s top cocoa producers – cocoa from the coastal and south regions is a major source of foreign earnings (over 10% of export revenues). Coffee (Robusta and a smaller amount of Arabica) is grown in the western highlands. Cotton is cultivated in the northern savannas and supports the textile industry and rural incomes. Banana plantations in the southwest supply regional markets and Europe. In addition to export crops, subsistence and staple farming are crucial: maize, cassava, plantains, and millet feed the domestic market. The government has lately emphasized boosting agro-industry – for example, encouraging local processing of cocoa into butter and paste, or transforming cassava into flour – to increase value addition. Agriculture’s growth has been moderate, occasionally hit by climate factors (irregular rainfall or pest infestations) and, in the Anglophone Northwest/Southwest, by security conflicts disrupting farming. Nevertheless, initiatives under Cameroon’s development plans aim to modernize agriculture with better inputs, irrigation, and farm-to-market roads, to raise productivity and rural incomes.

• Oil, Gas and Mining (Industry): Cameroon has been an oil producer since the 1970s, and petroleum extraction still significantly influences the economy. Crude oil and natural gas together make up approximately 45–55% of export earnings in recent years, depending on global prices. Oil production comes mainly from offshore and coastal fields in the Rio del Rey Basin and elsewhere. However, mature oil fields are in decline, and annual crude output has gradually decreased from its peaks (Cameroon’s oil output is now around 60–70 thousand barrels per day). To counter falling oil volumes, the country has turned to natural gas exploitation. In 2018, Cameroon launched a floating Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility off Kribi, allowing it to export natural gas by ship. By 2024, LNG production is ramping up, contributing to GDP growth and making Cameroon an LNG exporter in the Gulf of Guinea. The extractive sector (oil & gas plus mining) contributes roughly 4–5% of GDP directly, but it has outsized importance for government revenue (through taxes and royalties). Besides hydrocarbons, Cameroon has mineral resources: bauxite, iron ore, cobalt, nickel, and gold deposits exist, though large-scale mining is still in early stages. Some projects (e.g., the Mbalam iron ore or Minim-Martap bauxite) have seen delays in investment, so mining remains mostly small-scale (artisanal gold, quarry materials) as of 2025.

• Manufacturing and Industrial Production: Manufacturing in Cameroon is relatively small (about 13% of GDP in 2022), but it covers a range of light industries. Food and beverage processing is prominent – breweries, flour mills, sugar refineries, and cocoa grinding factories are present. For instance, Cameroon processes a portion of its cocoa into cocoa butter and chocolate domestically. There are also textile factories (linked to domestic cotton), cement plants (supplying the construction boom), an oil refinery in Limbe (which refines some crude for local fuel consumption), and an aluminum smelter (ALUCAM) that produces aluminum from imported alumina using Cameroon’s hydropower. The manufacturing sector has faced challenges: high energy costs and occasional power shortages, competition from cheaper imported goods, and a relatively small internal market with limited purchasing power. Nonetheless, certain industries have grown – cement production has expanded with new entrants, and beverage companies continue to thrive. The government’s industrialization agenda under its Vision 2035 roadmap seeks to encourage more value-added processing of local commodities (like transforming timber into furniture or roasting coffee locally) and to establish special economic zones that attract investors into manufacturing. One such zone is near the Kribi port, intended to host industries that benefit from port logistics.

• Services: The services sector in Cameroon is broad and contributes over half of GDP. The largest components include trade and retail, transportation, telecommunications, financial services, and public administration. With urbanization above 59%, internal commerce is significant – markets in cities like Douala and Yaoundé distribute goods nationwide, and an extensive informal sector of traders drives retail activity. Telecom and IT services have grown rapidly (elaborated in the digital sections below), now forming a dynamic part of services GDP. Banking and finance in Cameroon consist of a mix of local and international banks (such as Afriland First Bank, Société Générale, BICEC, Ecobank, etc.) and a large microfinance network. Financial services remain concentrated in cities, and access to credit is an ongoing issue for small businesses, but mobile banking is helping extend reach. Transportation and logistics are also key services – from trucking firms that haul goods along corridors to the national airline Camair-Co (and numerous smaller carriers for domestic travel), and a growing logistics sector handling port traffic. Tourism is a potential growth service industry, given Cameroon’s natural parks, wildlife, and cultural diversity, but it remains underdeveloped due to infrastructure and security constraints. Finally, the government and public sector (education, healthcare, civil service) form a significant part of services and employment. Reforms in public financial management and efforts to digitize government services are aimed at improving efficiency in this segment.

Trade and Major Partners

Cameroon’s trade profile is driven by its commodities. The country consistently runs a trade deficit, importing more than it exports, though oil exports help narrow the gap in good years. In 2022, total exports of goods and services were around $8.6 billion, against imports of about $9.1 billion, leaving a deficit of roughly $500 million. Exports are concentrated in a few primary products, while imports cover a broad range of consumer and capital goods. The major export commodities (by value) currently include:

• Crude Petroleum – Still Cameroon’s top export by value. Oil shipments accounted for roughly 38% of export earnings in 2021 (about $1.9 billion that year) and continue to be crucial, though volumes are declining. The main buyers of Cameroonian crude are trading and refining hubs in China, Europe, and India.

• Natural Gas (LNG) – Fast-rising export since 2018. By 2021 it made up about 16% of exports (~$800 million) and its share is growing. China and other Asian markets, as well as regional buyers, are key destinations for LNG.

• Cocoa Beans and Products – Combined, unprocessed cocoa beans contributed around 10–12% of export revenue (over $500 million). If we include processed cocoa (butter, paste) and cocoa-based products, the share is a bit higher. Netherlands, Germany, and France are typical end markets (as they have chocolate industries).

• Timber and Wood Products – Sawn wood (~9% of exports, $437 million) and raw/rough wood logs (~4%) together form a significant export category. Cameroon’s hardwoods (such as iroko, sapelli) are exported to China, Europe, and other markets for furniture and construction use.

• Mining Products – Gold (~6% of exports, $300+ million) is exported, much of it likely artisanally mined and sent to markets like the UAE. There’s also some raw aluminum (~2%) from the local smelter that goes abroad.

• Agricultural Commodities – Aside from cocoa: Bananas (around 2% of export value, chiefly to France and Italy), Coffee (not in top list but significant historically, exported to Europe), Cotton (~1–2%, mostly to Asia for textile manufacturing), and Rubber and Palm Oil (smaller shares) are part of the export mix.

Cameroon’s import needs are diverse, reflecting an economy that produces relatively few finished goods domestically. Key import categories include machinery and equipment, vehicles, refined petroleum (fuel), foodstuffs like rice and wheat, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods. In 2022, notable import expenditures were on refined petroleum products (gasoline, diesel) since the local refinery’s capacity is limited, and on staple grains – for example, Cameroon imports large quantities of rice (over $300 million) mainly from Thailand, India, or Vietnam, and wheat (>$250 million) largely from France, Canada, and Russia to meet its food needs and flour milling industry demands. Additionally, specialized industrial equipment and construction materials have been significant in recent years due to infrastructure projects.

Cameroon’s major trading partners highlight a mix of traditional ties and new alliances:

• On the export side, China stands out as the single largest buyer of Cameroon’s exports (purchasing nearly 29% of exports by value). China’s interest is primarily in oil, gas, and raw materials (timber, minerals). European Union countries collectively take a large share (the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and France together account for around 30% of exports, driven by oil for the Netherlands/Italy/Spain and cocoa/bananas for France and others). India is another important customer (about 8% of exports), likely buying oil and cotton. Regional neighbors are smaller customers except for occasional electricity exports or re-exports.

• For imports, China is also Cameroon’s top source, reflecting its dominance in supplying affordable manufactured goods, electronics, and machinery – imports from China made up roughly one-third of Cameroon’s import bill. France remains a major supplier (around 8–10% of imports), consistent with historic ties; French exports to Cameroon include industrial equipment, pharmaceuticals, and refined foods. Nigeria, Cameroon’s western neighbor, is a significant trade partner for imports (about 7–8% of imports) – Cameroon buys cement, fuel, and various goods informally from Nigeria, and formal imports include agricultural produce and chemicals. Other main import sources are India (which ships rice, pharmaceuticals, and vehicles to Cameroon) and Turkey and Belgium (for miscellaneous goods). The United States exports some agricultural goods and machinery to Cameroon as well, though U.S. share is relatively small (about 1–2% of imports).

It’s notable that intra-African trade (especially with fellow CEMAC countries) is quite limited. Despite Cameroon’s membership in CEMAC (which uses a common currency and has nominal free trade), trade volumes with Gabon, Congo, Chad, etc., are low. This is due in part to similar export structures (neighbors export oil too, so they don’t buy Cameroonian oil) and underdeveloped transport links aside from the routes to Chad/CAR. Efforts are ongoing at the regional level to foster more integration – for example, simplifying customs procedures within CEMAC and improving cross-border roads – which could gradually increase Cameroon’s trade with its immediate neighbors.

Recent Developments and Investment Climate

The Cameroonian economy faces a mix of challenges and opportunities as it moves through 2024–2025. On the positive side, the government’s push on large infrastructure projects is expected to reduce bottlenecks and spur growth. Over the past decade, Cameroon invested heavily in power and transport infrastructure: new hydropower dams (such as the Memve’ele and Nachtigal dams coming online to boost electricity generation), port expansions (Douala upgrades and the new Kribi port), and road/rail improvements are setting the stage for increased industrial and commercial activity. A more reliable electricity supply, for instance, can lower costs for manufacturers and encourage investment in sectors like metal processing and fertilizers. The expanded ports and logistics capacity improve the environment for trade and export-oriented businesses (for example, the Kribi port area is attracting proposals for mineral processing plants and a logistics hub to handle Central African transit trade). These investments align with Cameroon’s long-term development vision to become an upper-middle-income country by 2035 (“Vision 2035”).

Foreign investment is cautiously growing, particularly from Asia and the Middle East. Chinese firms have financed and built several projects (ports, roads, telecom networks) and also venture into mining and agriculture deals. Investors from Europe continue to be involved, especially in the oil & gas sector (e.g., British and French companies in offshore natural gas projects) and in banking. The government has enacted some reforms to improve the business climate – for example, creating one-stop shops for business registration and offering tax incentives for priority sectors. However, Cameroon still ranks relatively low on ease of doing business indices. Persistent issues include bureaucratic red tape, a complex tax and customs system, and concerns about transparency. Corruption remains a problem, with Cameroon scoring poorly on global corruption perception rankings (in 2024 it was ranked around 140th of 180 countries). This can deter investors and raise the cost of doing business. The judicial and regulatory framework can be unpredictable; enforcement of contracts and property rights is sometimes weak, causing caution among potential investors.

Security concerns also weigh on the economic landscape. Since 2017, an armed separatist conflict in the Anglophone Northwest and Southwest regions has disrupted businesses and farming there, and led to infrastructure damage. Meanwhile, in the Far North, the militant group Boko Haram continues to stage incursions, requiring military spending and causing instability that hampers agriculture and trade in that area. These conflicts have humanitarian and economic costs – internal displacement of over a million people and strain on government resources for security operations. The instability in parts of the country can dampen overall investor confidence, particularly for tourism or projects in affected regions.

Despite these challenges, Cameroon has maintained a degree of stability and resilience. President Paul Biya’s government (in power for over four decades) emphasizes continuity and gradual reform. The country avoided recession during the COVID-19 period (growth merely slowed), and it has not experienced the kind of macroeconomic crisis some peers have. In CEMAC, Cameroon is often seen as an anchor economy and has generally met its obligations under regional monetary agreements. The presence of abundant natural resources and a young, growing population presents substantial upside potential if harnessed effectively. Opportunities exist in agribusiness (e.g., processing more of Cameroon’s own coffee and cocoa domestically), in energy (expanding gas production and possibly renewable energy projects), and increasingly in the digital economy. The government’s current National Development Strategy 2020–2030 places new emphasis on digital transformation and import-substitution industrialization, which could diversify the economy beyond commodities.

Overall, Cameroon’s economic trajectory for 2024–2025 is one of cautious progress. GDP growth is expected to remain around 4% annually – a pace that is positive, albeit below what is needed to significantly reduce poverty (with about 40% of Cameroonians still living below the national poverty line). To unlock faster growth, improvements in governance and business environment will be key, alongside sustaining investments in both traditional sectors and the burgeoning digital sector. In the next sections, we delve deeper into Cameroon’s digital and internet infrastructure, the online technology sector, and how these new domains are interacting with the traditional economy to shape the country’s future.

Digital and Internet Infrastructure

Internet Penetration and Mobile Usage

Cameroon’s internet usage has grown markedly over the past decade, paralleling the expansion of mobile phone services. As of early 2024, there were approximately 12.7 million internet users in Cameroon, which corresponds to an internet penetration rate of about 44% of the population. By early 2025, the number of users was around 12.4 million (roughly 42% penetration, reflecting some fluctuations in active usage measurements). In practical terms, this means that about four in ten Cameroonians use the internet, a significant rise from just a few years ago when penetration was in the 20% range. The majority of users access the internet through mobile devices, as smartphones have become increasingly affordable and prevalent. There were about 25.5 million mobile cellular connections active in the country (2025 data), equivalent to roughly 86% of the population – a figure which indicates many people carry multiple SIM cards (a common practice to take advantage of different plans or network coverage). Mobile network coverage has steadily improved: almost all towns and many rural areas now have 2G/3G coverage, and 4G mobile broadband service is present in major cities and their surroundings. By 2025, 4G population coverage is estimated around 70%, although quality and speeds vary.

Despite the progress, a stark urban-rural digital divide persists. Internet access is heavily concentrated in cities like Douala, Yaoundé, Buea, and other regional capitals where telecom infrastructure is robust. In urban centers, residents have access to mobile data services, public Wi-Fi spots (in universities or cafes), and some fiber connections. In rural Cameroon, however, internet connectivity is often scarce or prohibitively expensive. Many rural communities lack the telecom towers or last-mile infrastructure for reliable internet, leaving large portions of the countryside virtually offline. High costs are another barrier: although prices have come down, mobile data is still a significant expense relative to incomes, and individual internet access (especially fixed broadband) is unaffordable for most rural dwellers. As a result, while nearly everyone has basic mobile phone service (the mobile signal reaches around 90–95% of the population), far fewer regularly use internet services outside the cities. The Network Readiness Index in 2023 ranked Cameroon only 118th out of 134 countries, highlighting the need for improvements in coverage, affordability, and usage skills.

Cameroon’s demographic profile – a median age around 18 and a predominantly young population – suggests a growing base of potential internet users. Younger Cameroonians are increasingly tech-savvy and view internet access as essential for communication, education, and entrepreneurship. This is reflected in the popularity of social media and messaging apps (discussed later). As device penetration increases (more people acquiring smartphones) and as digital literacy improves, internet penetration is expected to keep rising. Some forecasts (e.g., by industry analysts) optimistically estimate internet penetration could reach over 60% by the late 2020s if current trends hold and initiatives succeed. In absolute terms, each year hundreds of thousands of new users come online in Cameroon. This growth provides momentum for the digital economy but also underscores the need for infrastructure upgrades to prevent network congestion and to maintain quality of service for this expanding user base.

Telecom Networks and Broadband Infrastructure

The backbone of Cameroon’s internet connectivity is its telecommunications network, which has evolved with both mobile and fixed-line components. Historically, the government-owned Cameroon Telecommunications (CAMTEL) held a monopoly on fixed telephone lines and was the wholesale provider of international bandwidth. Today, CAMTEL still manages the national fiber backbone and international gateways, but the consumer telecom market is dominated by mobile operators. There are four mobile network operators (MNOs) licensed in Cameroon:

• MTN Cameroon – A subsidiary of South Africa’s MTN Group, and currently the largest mobile provider in the country. MTN entered Cameroon in the 2000s and has built extensive 2G/3G/4G coverage. It boasts an active subscriber base well over 10 million and is known for its MTN Mobile Money service as well (a leading mobile payments platform).

• Orange Cameroon – Part of the French Orange Group, it is the second-largest operator, also with around 10 million subscribers. Orange has a strong presence in urban areas and offers competing 3G/4G services, and runs the popular Orange Money platform.

• Nexttel – This is the brand of Viettel Cameroon, a joint venture involving Viettel (from Vietnam). Launched in 2014 as the third entrant, Nexttel grabbed market share quickly by offering competitive rates. However, growth has fluctuated and it has had some network quality and management challenges. It offers 2G/3G (and recently some 4G) services with a few million subscribers.

• Camtel (Blue) – CAMTEL, the state firm, obtained mobile licenses and in 2020 became the fourth mobile operator, launching its mobile service under the brand “Blue”. After some delays, Camtel’s mobile network started operating (with 3G and LTE) in select cities. Its market share is still small, but Camtel aims to leverage its infrastructure ownership (fiber backbone and backhaul capacity) to compete in data services and 4G, especially in areas underserved by others.

Mobile broadband (3G/4G) is the primary means of internet access for most Cameroonians. The quality of these services has room for improvement: users often experience moderate speeds and occasional network downtime. The average mobile internet speed in Cameroon is only a few Mbps – significantly slower than global averages – though in the best conditions 4G users in big cities can get tens of Mbps. The telecom regulator has been active in pushing for better service; in 2023 it even sanctioned the leading MNOs for poor quality of service, compelling them to invest more in network upgrades. In response, the operators collectively pledged over XAF 150 billion (around $250 million) to upgrade network infrastructure, expand rural coverage, and improve call and data quality over the coming years. These investments include building new cell towers in remote localities, enhancing fiber-optic links between regions, and preparing for future technologies (some early tests of 5G have been mentioned, but no commercial 5G launch has occurred as of 2025).

On the fixed broadband side, Cameroon’s infrastructure is limited but slowly growing. CAMTEL provides ADSL and fiber-to-the-home/office in parts of Douala and Yaoundé, targeting businesses and high-end residential customers. A handful of private ISPs and cable companies also exist, offering niche services like VSAT (satellite internet) in areas without coverage. The number of fixed broadband subscriptions is still very low relative to population – only a few tens of thousands of fixed lines are active, translating to a penetration of barely 1% or less of households. However, certain developments are promising: CAMTEL has rolled out a fiber network (often called Cameroon Backbone) connecting all regional capitals with high-speed links. Improved submarine cable connectivity has been a game-changer as well. Cameroon is connected to multiple submarine fiber-optic cables: notably the SAT-3/WASC cable (landing in Douala), the WACS cable, and the more recent SAIL cable (South Atlantic Inter Link) which directly connects Cameroon to Brazil. The SAIL cable, built with Chinese partnership, substantially increased international bandwidth availability. As a result of these connections, Cameroon’s international bandwidth and internet transit capacity have multiplied, which has gradually driven down wholesale internet prices. Over the last five years, consumers have seen data prices fall and bundles become more affordable (though still high in absolute terms, the cost per megabyte has improved).

Additionally, the government has established internet exchange points (IXPs) to localize data traffic and reduce latency for domestic online services. Data centers are being built – a notable one is a National Data Center in Yaoundé, constructed with foreign aid, to host government and private data locally. This is part of enhancing the country’s digital infrastructure sovereignty. There are also emerging alternatives for connectivity: for instance, discussions around licensing Starlink (the satellite internet constellation) have occurred in Cameroon, reflecting interest in innovative solutions to connect rural areas. The regulatory environment, overseen by the Telecommunications Regulatory Board (ART), is gradually liberalizing to encourage competition in broadband and value-added services, while also keeping an eye on issues like cybersecurity and SIM registration.

Government Initiatives for Digitalization

Recognizing the importance of ICT for economic development, the Cameroonian government has launched several initiatives and policies to drive digital transformation. One of the earliest was “Cameroon Digital 2020”, a strategic plan aiming to improve nationwide connectivity and use digital tools for development by the year 2020. Under this program, numerous projects were implemented: the expansion of the national fiber backbone, e-government platforms for public services, the installation of community internet centers in some rural areas, and capacity-building programs in ICT. While not all goals of Digital 2020 were fully met by that year, the initiative did lay groundwork, such as connecting universities to high-speed internet and starting the digitization of certain government processes (like online visa applications and digital business registration portals).

Building on that, the country’s current roadmap, as part of the National Development Strategy 2020–2030 (NDS30), places an explicit emphasis on the digital economy. The NDS30 targets an average growth of the digital sector by 6.4% annually by 2029, outpacing many traditional sectors. To achieve this, Cameroon has outlined key actions:

1. Reorganize the Digital Ecosystem – This involves restructuring the ICT sector’s governance, including creating a dedicated Digital Infrastructure Management entity. The idea is to separate the management of critical backbone infrastructure (perhaps under a state enterprise or public-private partnership) to ensure open access and efficient investment, rather than leaving it solely to one operator.

2. Build Out Digital Infrastructure – Continue investing in broadband infrastructure, both terrestrial (fiber optics, mobile towers) and satellite, to increase coverage. This includes completing missing fiber loops to more towns, deploying 4G widely, and eventually introducing 5G when feasible. There’s also focus on energy supply for ICT (ensuring telecom sites have reliable power).

3. Improve Cyber Security and Networks Resilience – Strengthen the security of networks and data. The government plans to upgrade its cybersecurity agency capabilities and enforce regulations for protecting critical information infrastructure. This is crucial as more services go online and cyber threats become a concern.

4. Establish Digital Technology Parks – Develop technology parks or hubs in major cities to foster innovation and local content creation. These parks aim to support:

   • Digital content production (e.g. studios for multimedia, local app development),

   • Expansion of digital services (incubating startups in fintech, e-commerce, e-health, etc.),

   • Light manufacturing or assembly of ICT devices (such as assembling computers, phones, or telecom equipment domestically to build know-how and cut costs).

These strategic points reflect the government’s ambition to not just consume digital technology, but also produce and innovate locally. Two cities stand out as nascent tech clusters: Douala and Yaoundé have the majority of ICT companies, and Buea (in the Southwest region) has emerged as a tech startup hotspot often dubbed “Silicon Mountain” (a play on Silicon Valley and Mount Cameroon). The government, along with international partners, has set up innovation hubs and tech incubation programs in these locales. For example, funded by German cooperation, a Digital Transformation Center in Cameroon supports e-government projects and digital startups, focusing especially on including marginalized groups and rural areas in the digital revolution. Universities have started to offer more IT and computer science programs, and coding bootcamps and community tech spaces (like ActivSpaces in Buea/Douala) are becoming more common, nurturing a new generation of developers and entrepreneurs.

E-government is another pillar of the digitalization effort. Currently, several public services are being digitized or have online portals: citizens can apply for documents like passports or birth certificates online in some regions, pay certain taxes via mobile money, and access information through government websites. The tax authority is rolling out an Integrated Tax Management System (SIGIT) to modernize tax collection and reduce leakages, with the help of international advisors. Likewise, the customs system is using electronic tracking and single window systems for trade to expedite processing at ports. These steps not only improve efficiency but also aim to curb corruption by automating processes.

In terms of policy and regulation, Cameroon created a dedicated Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications and also a separate Ministry of Digital Economy (the exact portfolio name has varied) to oversee ICT development. Regulatory updates have included cybersecurity laws, e-commerce and data protection regulations (still evolving), and incentives for tech investments (for instance, imported ICT equipment enjoys some customs duty exemptions to lower costs). The government has also shown interest in fostering tech entrepreneurship through initiatives like an entrepreneurship fund and discussions of a “Startup Act” (a law to provide benefits and a clear framework for startups, similar to what Tunisia and Senegal have enacted). While that is still under consultation, its consideration reflects the shift in viewing the digital sector as a key component of economic growth.

Notably, nearly 95% of all electronic financial transactions in Cameroon are now conducted via mobile money services (according to recent telecom reports). This statistic underscores how government and private initiatives have successfully driven financial inclusion through digital means. Recognizing this, authorities are working with the Central Bank (BEAC) to integrate mobile payments into government collections (like school fees, tax payments) and to ensure proper regulation of fintech innovations such as digital lending and crypto-assets. In 2022, for example, regulators issued warnings and started drafting rules for cryptocurrency-related businesses after a surge of interest in crypto platforms (Cameroon is among African countries where crypto trading, though not mainstream, has a noticeable uptake by youth seeking alternative investment).

In summary, Cameroon’s digital infrastructure and policy landscape in 2024–2025 shows significant progress and strong government commitment. There are clear challenges – from rural access gaps to affordability and lingering bureaucratic hurdles – but the direction is set toward a more connected, digital-driven economy. As we move forward, the effectiveness of these initiatives will be seen in the vibrancy of the online and tech sector, which we explore next.

Online and Tech Sector Overview

Popular Digital Platforms and Online Behavior

Cameroonians online tend to frequent a mix of global platforms and some local websites, with global tech giants dominating web traffic. In terms of web usage, the most visited websites in Cameroon are those providing search, social media, and communication services:

• Google is by far the most used website – it serves as the entry point for information, with millions of daily searches. Both Google’s main page and related services like Gmail and Google Maps see heavy use. In fact, Google.com receives an estimated 20+ million visits per month from Cameroon, reflecting how ingrained it is in internet use (search queries, Android phone integration, etc.).

• YouTube, as a video-sharing platform under Google, is extremely popular especially among the youth. Cameroonians use YouTube for music videos (local and international artists), comedy skits, tutorials, and religious content. It ranks consistently among top sites, indicative of the high demand for video content even with bandwidth limitations.

• Facebook remains the leading social media platform by user numbers. As of 2024, there were about 5.8 million Facebook users in Cameroon (roughly 19% of the population, and a much larger share of the adult online population). Facebook’s appeal cuts across demographics – it’s used for keeping up with friends and family, following news on pages, and participating in community groups. Notably, Facebook-owned apps WhatsApp and Instagram are also widely used. WhatsApp is nearly ubiquitous for messaging: it’s the default communication tool for everything from casual chat to business customer service. Many small businesses run entire operations via WhatsApp, taking orders and arranging deliveries. Although WhatsApp is an app, its web interface (web.whatsapp.com) shows up in web traffic rankings, underscoring its popularity. Instagram, on the other hand, has a smaller user base (estimated around 700,000 users) focused on urban youth interested in fashion, lifestyle, and entertainment.

• LinkedIn has an unexpectedly strong presence in Cameroon’s web statistics, with over 1 million registered users. Professionals and jobseekers use LinkedIn to network and search for opportunities, reflecting a growing professional class engaging with digital tools for career advancement. The platform is popular among recent graduates and those in sectors like oil/gas, banking, and NGOs.

• Twitter (now often referred to as X) is present but not as mainstream as Facebook. It’s used primarily by a segment of urban, educated Cameroonians for news, activism (especially around the Anglophone crisis or political discourse), and following global trends. Twitter’s usage share among social media in Cameroon is around 5–10%, translating to a few hundred thousand active users.

Aside from social media and search, other notable online destinations include:

• Messaging/Communication: The web portal for Yahoo Mail (and yahoo.com) historically had traction, particularly among Francophone users (as Yahoo was once popular for email and news in French). Outlook/Hotmail (Microsoft’s email) is used within corporate circles.

• News and Information Sites: Websites of local news outlets attract significant traffic, though often through social media referrals. For example, Cameroon Tribune (a state-run newspaper) has an online edition, and private news sites like Journal du Cameroun, Actu Cameroun, and regional news blogs get readership especially during major events (elections, sports tournaments, etc.). However, due to trust issues with media, many Cameroonians prefer getting news via social media excerpts or through international news sites. BBC and RFI (Radio France Internationale) have French-language African news services that are widely followed.

• Entertainment and Sports: Cameroonians are passionate about football, so sports sites like Camfoot (focusing on football news) and international sports pages (ESPN FC, Goal.com, etc.) are popular. Music and entertainment news is often consumed on platforms like YouTube, or specialized forums/Facebook pages rather than dedicated Cameroonian sites.

• Search and Portals: Interestingly, Bing (Microsoft’s search engine) and MSN show up in web rankings, possibly because some users with Windows PCs use the default settings or because they seek alternatives for certain queries. Additionally, new AI-based search/chat sites saw a spike in interest – for example, ChatGPT (chatgpt.com or openai.com) had a surge of visits from Cameroon in late 2023 and 2024, indicating curiosity and use of AI tools among the tech-savvy populace.

The country code top-level domain “.cm” is Cameroon’s official domain suffix. Many local businesses and institutions use .cm domains (for example, the government’s portal is cameroon.cm and some universities use .cm addresses). However, .cm has an interesting history: due to its similarity to “.com”, it at one point was infamously used for typo-squatting (unsuspecting users mistyping a .com address would land on a .cm site). The administration of .cm has since improved, and the domain is being leveraged legitimately by companies inside Cameroon. For instance, one of the most visited .cm websites is 1xbet.cm, a local domain for a global online betting platform; sports betting is popular and 1XBet’s Cameroon site draws significant traffic from fans looking to place bets on football matches. Similarly, other .cm sites like Orange.cm or MTN.cm serve customers of those companies. Nonetheless, Cameroonian businesses aiming for international reach often prefer .com or .net domains to appeal to a broader audience.

In terms of general online behavior, mobile access dominates. A large share of web traffic comes from smartphones. Cameroonians are active on social media for communication and content sharing, they use search engines as a primary tool for information, and increasingly consume video content for entertainment and learning. Downloading of music (MP3s) or videos is common via sites or apps – sometimes through unofficial channels or using data-cheap methods. WhatsApp groups serve as information hubs where people share news articles, job postings, and community announcements. However, the heavy use of social platforms for news can lead to the rapid spread of misinformation as well. The government has occasionally intervened in the internet space for security reasons – notably, there were internet shutdowns in the Anglophone regions during periods of unrest in 2017 and 2018, and more recently authorities have warned against online hate speech. Overall, Cameroonians’ digital habits reflect a blend of global trends and local adaptations, with global platforms largely setting the stage on which local digital culture plays out.

E-commerce and Fintech Services

The digital economy in Cameroon is burgeoning, with e-commerce and fintech being two of the most promising segments. E-commerce (online buying and selling of goods) is still in its early growth phase but has seen rapid uptake among urban consumers in the last few years. A few factors drive this: increasing internet/smartphone access, a youthful demographic open to new shopping experiences, and the expansion of digital payment options like mobile money.

E-commerce Platforms: The most prominent e-commerce player in Cameroon is Jumia, often dubbed the “Amazon of Africa.” Jumia operates an online marketplace (accessible via web and app) where various sellers offer products ranging from electronics and appliances to fashion and groceries. Jumia Cameroon (with a dedicated jumia.cm site) has been active for several years and gained popularity especially in Yaoundé and Douala. It offers home delivery and pick-up points, and importantly, cash-on-delivery payment which builds trust with customers who may be hesitant to pay online upfront. During the pandemic period, Jumia’s services became even more relevant as people sought to order items remotely. Besides Jumia, other e-commerce or classified platforms have emerged:

• Afrimarket and Glovo had short-lived operations or pilot programs for e-commerce and food delivery in Cameroon; Glovo (a food delivery app from Europe) did enter the market partnering with local restaurants to deliver meals in Douala/Yaoundé, tapping into the convenience culture among the urban middle class.

• Local online marketplaces: Sites like Kerawa, kamerbiz, or CamerMarket serve as classifieds where individuals buy/sell second-hand goods, or small merchants list items. Social networks also double as e-commerce channels: many entrepreneurs run Instagram or Facebook shops for products like clothing, cosmetics, and handicrafts. They showcase items online and then fulfill orders via delivery or meet-ups, usually with payment in cash or mobile money on delivery.

• Niche platforms: We see specialized services like eFarm.cm (an agricultural marketplace for fresh produce), which tries to connect farmers with urban buyers online. There are also travel booking sites (for bus tickets, hotels) and event ticketing platforms cropping up, though scale is still limited.

Challenges for e-commerce include logistical hurdles (address systems are not well-defined, making deliveries tricky beyond main streets; companies often have to call customers for directions), payment issues (low credit card penetration, though mobile money is mitigating this), and consumer trust. Many Cameroonians are still getting comfortable with the idea of buying something unseen online, so building reliability through good customer service is key. Despite these challenges, the trajectory is upward. An expanding courier and delivery sector (with new motorbike delivery startups in cities) supports the e-commerce ecosystem. Also, diaspora connections play a role: Cameroonians abroad sometimes use e-commerce sites to send gifts or goods to family back home, boosting cross-border digital commerce.

Fintech and Mobile Money: Financial technology in Cameroon is dominated by mobile money services, which have dramatically changed the financial landscape. MTN Mobile Money (often called “MoMo”) and Orange Money are the two largest mobile money services, leveraging the telecoms’ vast user base. These services allow users to deposit, withdraw, and transfer money using their mobile phones, and they function like quasi-bank accounts for millions of unbanked people. By 2024, it’s estimated that over 10 million Cameroonians have mobile money wallets. As noted earlier, about 95% of electronic transactions nationwide occur through these mobile platforms – a testament to how deeply they’ve penetrated daily life. People use mobile money to:

• Send remittances to friends or family within the country (urban to rural remittances are very common, e.g., someone working in the city sends money home to their village).

• Pay bills and utilities (electricity bills, water bills, TV subscriptions) directly from their phone.

• Purchase airtime/top-up for phones (a basic but hugely popular use).

• Pay for goods in certain shops or for services (some merchants and even taxi drivers accept MoMo payments now).

• Receive salaries or payments – a number of companies and organizations disburse wages or travel allowances via mobile money to employees or contractors, as it’s safer and easier than cash.

Beyond mobile money, other fintech innovations are emerging. Fintech startups are gaining traction, particularly to address gaps in payments, lending, and investments:

• Electronic payment gateways like PayDunya or Maviance (SmobilPay) operate in Cameroon to help businesses integrate mobile money and other payment methods into their online platforms. For instance, an e-commerce site can use these gateways so that customers can pay with MTN or Orange Money during checkout.

• Diool is a Cameroonian fintech startup that created a platform for small businesses to accept diverse digital payments and manage transactions easily. It raised venture funding to expand its solution among merchants.

• Ejara is a notable startup in the investment/crypto space. Based in Cameroon (and serving Francophone Africa), Ejara provides an app for users to save and invest in different assets, including fractional shares and cryptocurrency, using mobile money for funding accounts. It made headlines by raising $8 million in 2022 – one of the largest Series A funding rounds for a Cameroonian tech startup – highlighting investor interest in fintech solutions that cater to the mass market.

• Microfinance institutions and banks are also innovating: some offer mobile apps or USSD services to give customers access to accounts via phone. Banks have partnered with mobile operators for services like bank-to-wallet transfers.

The fintech boom is not without competition and regulatory oversight. The Bank of Central African States (BEAC) regulates mobile money under a common framework for the CEMAC region, ensuring that telecom-led financial services maintain certain liquidity and reporting standards. Recently, new players like Wave (a Senegal-founded mobile money provider with ultra-low fees) have been exploring entry into Cameroon, promising to stir competition by reducing transaction costs for users. Also, traditional banks are launching their mobile banking products to not be left behind. For example, local banks have e-wallets or have integrated with the mobile money networks to reach customers who lack traditional bank accounts.

Fintech beyond payments is also slowly growing – digital lending apps that provide small loans, crowdfunding platforms for projects, and insure-tech solutions (like micro-insurance via mobile) are in nascent stages. One example is the proliferation of digital credit via airtime: some telecoms allow subscribers to borrow small amounts of credit or cash (to be repaid on next top-up), which is effectively a microloan service.

In summary, online commerce and financial tech in Cameroon are on an upward trend. E-commerce is introducing a new retail channel in the economy, with both big players like Jumia and local entrepreneurs tapping into social media commerce. Meanwhile, fintech – especially mobile money – has arguably been the most transformative digital innovation in the country’s economy, by formalizing and facilitating transactions that used to be exclusively cash-based. These sectors benefit from each other (e-commerce relies on digital payments to scale, and fintech finds use-cases in commerce), and together they form a cornerstone of Cameroon’s digital economy trajectory.

Digital Media and Entertainment

Entertainment has a strong presence in Cameroon’s digital sphere, reflecting the country’s rich cultural scene and the global nature of online content. One of the major shifts in recent years is how Cameroonians consume music, movies, and other media: increasingly through online channels and less via traditional physical media.

Music and Video: Cameroon has a vibrant music industry, spanning genres like makossa, bikutsi, afrobeats, and gospel. Artists today leverage digital platforms to reach audiences. YouTube is the primary medium for releasing music videos and songs to the public. For example, when a popular Cameroonian artist like Mr. Leo or Charlotte Dipanda releases a new song, the video on YouTube garners hundreds of thousands (sometimes millions) of views, many from Cameroonian fans at home and in the diaspora. Audio streaming is also catching on – while dedicated services like Spotify or Apple Music are not yet household names due to payment barriers, people use alternatives. Some use Boomplay, an African-focused music streaming app available in Cameroon, or they download songs via websites and play them offline. The rise of affordable Android phones and memory cards means many share music via Bluetooth or WhatsApp too.

There’s an emerging scene of online content creators: comedians and filmmakers making short skits or series on platforms like YouTube and Facebook. For instance, comedy skits in Cameroonian Pidgin or French, poking fun at daily life or political satire, circulate widely on WhatsApp. A few web series have gained popularity on YouTube, effectively bypassing TV. The entertainment content is often in both official languages – English and French – targeting different audiences within the country. Bilingual content creators who can switch between languages (or caption their videos) manage to appeal across Cameroon’s cultural spectrum.

Film and TV streaming: The Cameroonian film industry (“Collywood”) is smaller compared to Nigeria’s Nollywood or Ghana’s industry, but there are locally produced movies. Distribution of these films is increasingly digital, since cinema infrastructure is limited. Some Cameroonian movies find their way to platforms like Netflix (Netflix has a few Cameroonian titles and a presence in Cameroon’s market, though subscription costs limit its user base to the upper-middle class). Many people, however, access movies and TV shows through less formal means – either pirated downloads or shared files, due to cost constraints. That said, with improving broadband, a niche of streaming subscribers is growing. Aside from Netflix, there are French-language streaming services (like Canal+’s MyCanal app) that cater to those wanting international content.

News and Information: Digital media also encompasses news consumption. As mentioned, a significant portion of the population gets news from social media and messaging rather than directly visiting news websites. Facebook groups and pages run by news organizations or citizen journalists have large followings. There are also influential bloggers and YouTubers who discuss current affairs in Cameroon – they effectively function as alternative media, sometimes more trusted than official sources. However, this has led the government to monitor and sometimes caution content creators about spreading false information or “cyber-crime”. Cameroon passed a controversial cyber security law in 2010 which has occasionally been used to arrest individuals for online content deemed false or seditious. This has an impact on the online media climate, though many still speak out on issues via Facebook Live or YouTube commentary videos.

Gaming and Apps: The younger generation engages in digital entertainment through gaming as well. Mobile gaming is widespread – popular games (from casual puzzles to battle royale games) are played on smartphones by youths who can afford data or frequent Wi-Fi zones. There’s a growing interest in locally-made games too: notably, Cameroon’s first major video game studio, Kiro’o Games, released an African-themed role-playing game “Aurion: Legacy of the Kori-Odan”. Kiro’o Games is a startup that not only entertains but also inspires other African game developers. While gaming isn’t yet a massive industry, the presence of such startups and the enthusiasm for gaming point to potential in this area of digital content creation.

Influencers and Online Personalities: In entertainment and lifestyle, certain individuals have become social media influencers. Fashion, beauty, and comedy are common domains for influencers on Instagram and Facebook. For example, beauty pageant winners or models often have large Instagram followings and collaborate with brands for promotions. Comedians like Marcelle Kuetche (Mama Nguea) or platforms like 237Showbiz on Instagram share celebrity news and humor, drawing in youth audiences. These influencers not only entertain but also shape trends (like promoting new music or slang) and increasingly are approached by advertisers (as we’ll see in the marketing section).

In essence, the digital sphere in Cameroon for media and entertainment is lively and growing, although it operates with certain limitations (bandwidth costs, censorship concerns, monetization challenges for creators). The internet allows Cameroonian culture to be shared globally: a musician in Douala can have their work heard by a fan in Paris via one upload, and a comedian in Bamenda can make thousands laugh through a WhatsApp video. Conversely, global culture is very accessible – Cameroonian youth follow international stars on social media, stream Hollywood and Nollywood content, and partake in global internet trends (such as TikTok challenges, even if TikTok itself isn’t top-ranked, many see its content reposted on WhatsApp or Facebook). This cross-pollination of local and global content defines Cameroon’s digital entertainment landscape in 2024–2025.

Startups and Innovation Ecosystem

Cameroon’s tech startup ecosystem is smaller compared to African hubs like Nigeria or Kenya, but it is developing steadily, with a cluster of innovative companies and support networks emerging over the past decade. The heart of the startup scene is often referred to as “Silicon Mountain,” centered around the city of Buea in the anglophone Southwest region. Buea gained this reputation due to a combination of a strong university (University of Buea produces skilled English-speaking graduates), relatively reliable internet (for a time, Buea’s proximity to a coastal cable and a tech-focused community meant better connectivity), and the early success of tech hubs like ActivSpaces. ActivSpaces, founded in 2010, was one of Cameroon’s first innovation hubs providing co-working space, mentorship, and seed funding connections to young tech entrepreneurs.

Key local digital companies and notable startups in Cameroon include:

• Kiro’o Games: As mentioned, a pioneering video game development studio based in Yaoundé. Kiro’o not only released a PC game that gained international attention, but it also created a platform called Rebuntu to attract investments via equity crowdfunding. The success of Kiro’o (which raised over $250k from crowd-investors) showed an alternative funding path for local startups and put Cameroon on the map in the gaming industry.

• Diool: A fintech startup (Douala-based) focusing on simplifying digital payments for merchants. Diool’s platform aggregates payment methods (mobile money, cards, etc.) into a single interface for small businesses. It received several million dollars in funding from international investors around 2020–2021, illustrating investor confidence in fintech solutions in Cameroon.

• Maviance: A fintech company behind the product “SmobilPay”. SmobilPay is a digital financial services aggregator that connects utilities, banks, and service providers with mobile money networks. Essentially, it allows a single agent or point (like a kiosk) to offer multiple services: paying bills, buying airtime from different telecoms, banking transactions, etc. Maviance has partnerships with banks and even Mastercard to expand digital payments acceptance, and got funding to scale its operations within Cameroon and to other CEMAC markets.

• Ejara: The crypto and investment platform co-founded by a Cameroonian woman, which we detailed earlier. Ejara’s success in raising capital (including an $8M Series A led by international venture funds) was a milestone, signifying one of the largest financings for a Cameroonian startup. It demonstrates the global interest in tapping into francophone Africa via Cameroon-based solutions.

• HealthTech and EdTech: A few startups in health and education technology have emerged. For example, GiftedMom (initially a social enterprise project) developed a maternal health communication platform that sends SMS reminders to pregnant women about antenatal care and baby vaccination schedules, bridging gaps in healthcare information. University e-solutions are being tried by startups to help with exam prep or school management systems. While not all have scaled widely, they contribute to the ecosystem’s diversity.

• Logistics and Mobility: Some ventures have attempted to solve transport problems via digital means. Apps for taxi-hailing specific to Cameroon have been piloted (like EasyRide in Douala) to provide an Uber-like experience. Gozem, a ride-hailing startup from neighboring countries, expanded to Douala offering motorcycle and taxi booking via app. These services are early-stage but cater to the need for safer and more reliable urban transport.

• E-commerce and Retail tech: Besides Jumia which is international, local entrepreneurs have tried subscription commerce or hyperlocal delivery. For instance, Buyam was an app developed to connect people to local markets for fresh produce (the concept of having a motorbike pick up your groceries from the open market and deliver to you).

Support for startups comes from various quarters: tech hubs (ActivSpaces has branches in Douala and Buea; in Yaoundé there’s Ocean Innovation Center and others), as well as competitions and accelerator programs. The Cameroon government, through its Ministry of SMEs, has occasionally run startup challenge competitions with small grant prizes. International organizations like the World Bank and GIZ (German development agency) have funded digital entrepreneurship programs, such as facilitating mentorship or linking startups to foreign accelerators. There’s also a growing community of developers and tech enthusiasts — GDG (Google Developer Groups) chapters exist, and events like Startup Weekends are held in Cameroon’s cities, fostering collaboration and new project ideas.

Despite the enthusiasm, Cameroonian startups face several challenges:

• Financing: Local funding sources are scarce. There are few local venture capital firms or angel investor networks, so most startups rely on personal funds, grants, or foreign investors. Traditional banks are conservative and often unwilling to lend to tech startups without collateral. This makes the success stories of raising international capital (like Ejara or Diool) the exception rather than the norm.

• Market Size and Adoption: The local market, while growing, has limitations. Low consumer purchasing power can make it hard to scale certain B2C (business-to-consumer) products that aren’t seen as necessities. Hence, many startups focus on fintech or B2B solutions where they can earn through transaction volume or enterprise clients.

• Regulatory Hurdles: Starting a business in Cameroon involves bureaucratic paperwork, and navigating licenses (especially in finance or transport) can be complex. For instance, a fintech needs to coordinate with the central bank and meet stringent conditions, which can be a lengthy process. Similarly, the lack of a clear legal status for startups can mean they face the same taxes and requirements as a large established company, which is a burden in early stages.

• Talent and Brain Drain: While there are talented developers and engineers in Cameroon, there’s a limited pool with advanced experience in cutting-edge tech due to fewer big tech companies to train them. Some of the best talent might emigrate or work remotely for foreign companies, meaning startups have to compete to retain skilled personnel. However, an upside is that many Cameroonians abroad, especially in Europe and America, maintain ties and sometimes mentor or invest in local startups (the diaspora network is a crucial intangible asset).

It’s worth noting some notable investments or acquisitions in the digital sector: in 2015, French telecom giant Orange acquired the operations of Mobilis (which was previously the brand of Cellcom) to consolidate its position – this was more of a market consolidation in telecom than startup acquisition, but it showed foreign interest in Cameroon’s telecom market. There haven’t been many high-profile acquisitions of startups yet (no “Cameroonian startup bought by Google” type of story so far). However, partnerships are happening – e.g., local fintechs partnering with international firms (Mastercard partnering with Maviance, or a Cameroonian health startup partnering with a pharmaceutical multinational for a pilot). These collaborations could be precursors to deeper integration or investment.

The tech community in Cameroon is increasingly connected to the broader African tech movement. Cameroonian startups participate in regional programs like the Tony Elumelu Foundation entrepreneurship program, or pitch at events like AfricArena. Cameroon’s inclusion in the AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area) also potentially opens a wider market for its digital entrepreneurs in the future, as cross-border digital services become easier within Africa.

In summary, the local tech industry is planting its roots. The combination of supportive government rhetoric, foreign donor support, and the sheer ingenuity of young entrepreneurs is gradually creating an ecosystem. If key issues (funding, regulation, connectivity) continue to improve, Cameroon could see a stronger digital economy emerge that complements its traditional industries. The presence of innovative startups in fintech, e-commerce, health, and creative industries indicates that the next generation of Cameroonian businesses may well be digital-first and oriented toward both local impact and global reach.

Digital Marketing and Advertising

Online Advertising Trends

As internet usage expands in Cameroon, businesses are increasingly turning to digital marketing and online advertising to reach consumers. While traditional advertising channels like radio, billboards, and TV still command the largest share of ad spend, online advertising is the fastest-growing segment. In 2024, spending on digital ads (including social media, search, and display advertising) in Cameroon is estimated in the tens of millions of dollars and rising each year. In fact, projections suggest that social media advertising spending could reach around $40 million by 2025 in Cameroon, reflecting double-digit annual growth. This is a relatively small figure compared to larger economies, but significant in the local context, given that five years ago online ad spend was negligible.

The trend is driven by a few factors:

• Audience migration online: With around 12 million internet users and 5+ million on social media, a large chunk of the reachable audience, especially youth (ages 18-35), can be found online daily. Advertisers want to be where the eyeballs are. For example, an urban youth may spend more time scrolling Facebook or reading news on a phone than listening to state radio; businesses recognize that and allocate budgets accordingly.

• Cost-effectiveness: Online ads can often be cheaper and more targeted than a blanket TV or radio ad. With a modest budget, even a small business can run a Facebook ad campaign to reach thousands of potential customers filtered by location (say, only users in Douala) and interests. This granular targeting is something traditional media can’t provide.

• Measurability: Digital marketing provides metrics (clicks, views, conversions) that companies find valuable to measure campaign performance. Marketing managers in Cameroon are increasingly data-conscious and appreciate the insights from digital campaigns that show ROI, compared to the more nebulous impact of a billboard.

That said, the overall marketing landscape is still one where digital is emerging. Many businesses are experimenting with combining online and offline strategies. For example, a beverage company launching a new drink might use billboards and TV commercials for mass awareness, but also run a hashtag campaign on Twitter and sponsor popular Facebook pages to generate buzz among younger consumers.

Social Media Marketing

Social media is at the heart of digital marketing in Cameroon. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram are the primary venues for engaging with consumers. Businesses set up official pages on Facebook to post updates, promotions, and customer service responses. As of 2025, virtually every major brand in Cameroon – from banks to telecom operators to fast-food chains – maintains an active social media presence. The style of communication is often interactive: companies run contests where users can comment or share posts to win prizes (which helps the content go viral), or they use humor and localized memes to increase relatability.

Facebook, being the largest platform, garners the most advertising use. Facebook Ads allow targeting by age, location, interests, and even language (useful in Cameroon to target English vs. French speaking audiences differently). For example, a telecom company like MTN Cameroon might run French-language ads in Yaoundé and Douala, but English ads in Buea and Bamenda, promoting the same data bundle with tailored messaging. Similarly, Orange Cameroon could use social media to announce new mobile money features, instructing users through short videos.

Instagram is used particularly in the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle sectors. Brands that sell clothing, cosmetics, or even hospitality businesses (hotels, restaurants) use Instagram’s visual-centric platform to showcase attractive images and short clips. Influencer marketing (discussed more below) is very tied to Instagram for those sectors, where an influencer might post wearing a designer’s outfit or visiting a new café, effectively advertising it.

WhatsApp is an interesting channel – while it’s not a traditional “advertising” platform with ads, it’s heavily utilized for marketing in Cameroon. Small businesses create broadcast lists or groups of customers to send promotions. A clothing store might send out a WhatsApp message with photos of new arrivals to its list of clients every week. Even larger companies use WhatsApp Business API to send notifications or do chatbot-based marketing (for instance, banks sending promotional loan offers or telecoms informing about special data deals). The personal, direct nature of WhatsApp marketing makes it very powerful, albeit one-to-one.

Twitter has a niche but important role. Corporate communication teams often use Twitter to engage with a more elite or journalist demographic. For example, during product launches or corporate social responsibility events, companies live-tweet to reach media professionals. Some brands also deal with customer complaints on Twitter (knowing that a complaint made public on Twitter might need urgent handling to avoid PR issues). For pure advertising, Twitter’s user base in Cameroon is smaller, but one might see sponsored tweets occasionally, especially from tech companies or banks that want to appear trendy and in-the-know.

Local social networks specifically for Cameroon are not very prominent; Cameroonians use the global platforms overwhelmingly. However, there are popular Facebook Groups that serve as marketplaces or interest communities (like groups for car sales, job postings, or parenting tips). Savvy businesses sometimes join these groups to post their offerings where relevant (a real estate agent posting in a housing group, etc.). Moderation rules vary, but this kind of grassroots marketing is common.

Influencers and Content Creators in Marketing

The rise of social media influencers has not bypassed Cameroon. Influencers – individuals with large followings on social platforms – are increasingly being tapped by brands to help promote products in a more organic, authentic way. This trend is mostly seen on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Categories of influencers in Cameroon include:

• Entertainment Personalities: Musicians, actors, and comedians often have huge social followings. For example, a famous Cameroonian singer like Stanley Enow or actress like Syndy Emade can influence trends. Brands frequently use them as ambassadors. It’s common to see telecom companies feature pop stars in their social media campaigns or to have a music celebrity shout out a product (like a new soft drink) in an Instagram post.

• Lifestyle and Beauty Influencers: These are typically younger individuals, often female, who post about fashion, beauty tips, travel, or day-to-day lifestyle. They might not be mainstream celebrities, but they build a niche audience who trust their taste. A beauty influencer on Instagram could partner with a cosmetics brand to review a new makeup line or host a giveaway sponsored by that brand. Their followers, who engage with their content regularly, are likely to take interest in those products.

• Tech and Business Influencers: In the professional space, some bloggers and YouTubers cover tech or business topics and have followings among entrepreneurs and youth in tech. They might be approached by a smartphone distributor to review a new phone model, or by a fintech startup to explain a new app, effectively serving as credible voices that can simplify and endorse tech products.

• Comedy and Meme Creators: Humor goes a long way in social media marketing. Cameroon has Facebook pages and individuals known for creating viral comedic content (skits, memes in Pidgin or Camfranglais – a blend of French, English, and local slang). Brands sometimes sponsor these creators to slip in a funny mention of the brand or create a skit around using the brand’s service. Because the content feels fun and not like a formal ad, it can engage viewers more effectively.

Brands usually compensate influencers either with money, free products, or other perks. The practice of influencer marketing is still informal – not many have fixed rate cards or contracts, but it’s evolving. As an example, a local fashion boutique might gift outfits to a popular Instagram figure and in return get featured in her posts, whereas a bigger company like a brewery launching a new drink might pay a few influential Facebook page admins to create buzz around a launch event.

One specific channel worth noting is YouTube influencers. Some Cameroonian YouTubers produce content from beauty tutorials to motivational talks in French or English. Those with substantial subscribers sometimes include product placements in their videos or get sponsored by companies (like a cooking show on YouTube being sponsored by a seasoning brand). Because YouTube consumption is relatively high for music and comedy, tapping into known YouTube content creators is a logical strategy for relevant brands.

Advertising Channels and Techniques

The dominant digital advertising channels used by businesses in Cameroon are:

• Facebook Ads and Boosted Posts: As described, these allow targeting and are easy to set up. Many SMEs use the “boost” feature on Facebook for a specific post (like an upcoming sale announcement), spending perhaps $20-$100 to reach tens of thousands of users in their city. Larger advertisers work with digital marketing agencies to run more sophisticated campaigns on Facebook and Instagram, often A/B testing different creatives in English and French.

• Google Ads (Search and Display): Companies that have an online presence utilize Google Ads to capture intent. For instance, a hotel in Douala will bid on keywords like “hotels in Douala” so that their website appears at the top of Google search results. Likewise, educational institutions or visa service companies bid on related queries. Google’s Display Network also reaches Cameroonian internet users when they browse other websites – those banner ads on news sites or blogs are often served via Google. International companies or NGOs running awareness campaigns in Cameroon use Google display ads to get their message on local sites.

• YouTube Advertising: Pre-roll video ads on YouTube are another method, especially for brands that already have TV commercials and can adapt them to online. A telecom company might place a 15-second video ad that plays before popular music videos that Cameroonians watch. The advantage is reaching a specific demographic (say, showing an ad only to users 18-35).

• Programmatic Advertising and Ad Networks: Beyond Google, some advertisers use other ad networks or programmatic platforms to serve ads on websites and mobile apps popular in Cameroon. For example, Opera browser is widely used on mobile phones; Opera has an integrated news feed and ad platform that some brands tap into to display sponsored content to users reading news on Opera.

• SMS and Email Marketing: While not “online” in the internet sense, SMS marketing is a digital channel that remains common. Banks, telecoms, and retail chains frequently send out bulk SMS to customers announcing promotions (for instance, a bank texting its clients about a new loan product, or a supermarket sending weekly deal notices). These are effective given the near 100% mobile penetration. Email marketing is less prominent, as email usage is lower; it’s mainly used in corporate or professional contexts. Still, some e-commerce sites and travel agencies maintain email lists for newsletters.

Local alternatives for digital ads are limited. There are a few Cameroonian advertising companies offering digital ad space on their owned platforms (like news sites or community forums), but most campaigns rely on the big international platforms because they aggregate the largest audiences.

Challenges and Opportunities in the Digital Marketing Landscape

Cameroon’s digital marketing scene, though promising, faces certain challenges:

• Limited Reach in Rural Areas: Since internet penetration is heavily skewed to urban zones, online marketing has a limited reach outside cities. For products that target rural consumers (say agricultural inputs, or basic consumer goods), traditional channels (radio, community outreach) are still necessary. Online ads might not effectively reach a farmer in a village with low connectivity.

• Cost of Data: Many consumers use internet sparingly due to data costs. This means they might be cautious with rich media content. For marketers, this implies that very heavy ad content (e.g., HD video ads) might not be fully watched by many on mobile connections. There’s also the phenomenon of “data-sponsored” content – some telecoms offer free Facebook access or certain free websites. If your ads appear outside those zero-rated services, some users might not see them until they have data. This influences campaign strategies (for instance, keeping video ads short and offering low-bandwidth versions).

• Digital Literacy and Trust: A segment of the population is still not fully comfortable with online interactions. They may doubt online advertisements or fear scams (with reason, since internet scams exist). Convincing users to click an ad or to trust an online offer can be challenging. Brands have to work on building trust – often by having a strong offline presence or endorsements that carry over online. Scandals like fake promotions or fraud via social media have made some internet users cautious.

• Regulatory Environment: Advertising for certain categories (like alcohol, gambling, or pharmaceuticals) is regulated offline and online too. Cameroon’s consumer protection and advertising laws apply, but enforcement in digital is still catching up. Advertisers must also be mindful of not violating social media platforms’ own rules. Additionally, data protection laws (just being developed in Cameroon) could in the future affect how personal data can be used for targeting ads, although currently this is not strict.

• Metrics and Expertise: Some companies struggle with leveraging digital marketing fully due to a shortage of skilled digital marketers and analytics expertise in the country. It’s one thing to run a Facebook ad, another to optimize it. As a result, a lot of digital marketing in Cameroon is still basic (boost a post and hope for the best). However, this is changing as more young professionals gain certifications in digital marketing and agencies upskill their teams.

On the other hand, opportunities abound:

• Youth Demographics: Cameroon’s young population is a marketer’s opportunity playground. The youth set trends and are more likely to be online. Clever digital campaigns that resonate with youth culture (using local slang, popular music, or memes) can go viral and greatly boost a brand’s visibility. We’ve seen campaigns where user-generated content is encouraged – for instance, a beverage company might ask fans to submit TikTok-style dance videos with their product and then share the best ones on official channels, effectively turning consumers into brand ambassadors.

• Underserved Content Niches: Brands can capitalize on content marketing by filling gaps in locally relevant content. For example, a bank can run a series of Facebook Live sessions on personal finance tips in French and English, attracting an audience that’s eager to learn – subtly marketing its savings products in the process. Similarly, a telecom could sponsor an e-sports tournament stream, tapping into the gaming community. These types of content-driven marketing are still novel in Cameroon and can differentiate forward-thinking companies.

• Influencer Growth: As more people become micro-influencers in their communities (even someone with 5,000 engaged followers can sway opinions in their niche), brands have a large pool of potential partners to market through. This can make marketing more relatable and cost-effective compared to large ad buys. Brands that create long-term relationships with influencers (rather than one-off ads) could build a loyal fan base.

• Integration with Mobile Money: A unique opportunity in Cameroon is integrating marketing with fintech. Because mobile money is widespread, we see creative campaigns like giving mobile money cashback for purchasing a product or using mobile money transactions as an entry to contests. For instance, an FMCG company might say “Buy our product at a supermarket and pay with Mobile Money, and you’ll automatically enter a raffle” – using digital payments to track participation. This not only promotes the product but also usage of digital payments.

• Cross-border Market via Digital: The internet allows Cameroonian businesses to reach the diaspora and neighboring countries without physical presence. A company can run targeted ads to Cameroonians living in France or the US, for example, offering services like real estate management or investment back home. This taps into diaspora wealth. Similarly, an e-commerce venture in Cameroon can advertise to customers in Gabon or Chad and arrange delivery, effectively expanding its market through digital reach (leveraging Cameroon’s central position).

In conclusion, digital marketing and advertising in Cameroon are rapidly evolving from a secondary consideration to a central component of business strategy. Companies that adeptly use online channels are seeing competitive advantages, especially in engaging the crucial youth demographic and urban consumers. While challenges of infrastructure and trust remain, the direction is set: marketing in Cameroon is increasingly digital, interactive, and data-informed. Brands that learn to navigate this landscape — combining the wide reach of traditional media with the precision and creativity of digital media — stand to gain the most in a market that is modernizing its consumer engagement day by day.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

Cameroon’s current economic state (2024–2025) presents a nuanced picture of resilience and transition. The traditional sectors – agriculture, oil, manufacturing, services – continue to be the bedrock of GDP and employment, but they face the persistent challenges of needing modernization and value addition. At the same time, the country is witnessing the emergence of a digital economy that is beginning to transform the way business is done and opening new avenues for growth.

In the near future, the macroeconomic outlook for Cameroon is moderately positive. Real GDP is expected to grow around 4% annually, driven by factors such as increased natural gas exports, steady performance in agriculture, and a gradual recovery of global markets. If the global economy remains stable and oil prices hold, Cameroon should benefit from improved export revenues. Moreover, large infrastructure projects completed in the past few years (ports, energy plants, roads) will start yielding returns in terms of efficiency and capacity, potentially boosting industrial output and trade volumes. The nation’s strategic geographic position will continue to be an asset: as regional integration deepens (with initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area), Cameroon could capitalize on being a trade and logistics hub bridging West and Central Africa. Efforts to resolve internal conflicts, if successful, would significantly enhance investor confidence and allow dormant economic potential in affected regions (like the fertile Northwest) to be unlocked again.

A key trend is the integration of the digital economy with traditional sectors. We can expect to see more of this synergy:

• Farmers using mobile apps or SMS services to get market prices and weather updates, improving agricultural productivity and income.

• Small manufacturers and artisans expanding their customer base via e-commerce platforms, selling “Made in Cameroon” products both domestically and to the diaspora.

• Service industries like tourism and transport leveraging digital marketing and online booking systems to attract clientele (imagine more hotels in Cameroon taking online reservations, or bus companies using digital ticketing to streamline travel).

• The banking sector continuing to digitalize, with perhaps new digital-only banks or more advanced fintech offerings providing credit to SMEs based on mobile transaction histories.

The government’s Vision 2035 and accompanying strategies will play a crucial role in shaping outcomes. Ambitious goals such as becoming an emerging economy by 2035 require sustained reforms. We anticipate a stronger push in the ease of doing business reforms – possibly simplifying the tax code, improving contract enforcement, and enacting the Startup Act to give young enterprises a boost. If Cameroon can improve its business climate even marginally, it could unlock domestic entrepreneurship and attract more foreign direct investment, particularly in sectors like agribusiness, renewable energy, and ICT services.

In terms of the digital infrastructure outlook, Cameroon is likely to see better connectivity in the coming years. The combination of public and private investments might bring broadband to more towns and reduce the urban-rural divide. The eventual rollout of 5G networks (perhaps after 2025) could revolutionize high-speed connections for industries, although widespread 5G for consumers might be further off. More immediately, the completion of ongoing fiber projects and the advent of new satellite internet options could see even remote areas coming online. This bodes well for inclusivity – more widespread internet access means more widespread opportunity for education, innovation, and markets.

The tech startup ecosystem is expected to expand. With success stories building confidence, we may see greater involvement from venture capital across Africa and beyond. Cameroonian startups could increasingly solve not just local problems but regional ones, scaling into neighboring markets (for instance, a fintech that thrives in Cameroon might replicate its model in Gabon or DRC). Knowledge transfer from the diaspora may accelerate, especially as some in the diaspora see opportunities back home in the growing tech scene and return to start ventures or mentor teams. Government support, via incubators or fiscal incentives for tech parks, if executed well, could nurture a new generation of tech companies that generate employment and wealth.

From a digital marketing perspective, the next few years will likely solidify the trends already in motion. By 2025 and beyond, expect virtually all mid-sized and large businesses in Cameroon to allocate a significant portion of their ad budgets to digital. The sophistication of campaigns will grow as more agencies and professionals gain experience. We might see the first truly viral national digital campaigns that engage millions (for example, a campaign around the African Cup of Nations, should Cameroon participate or host, leveraging national pride and social media interactivity). Influencer marketing could become more structured, perhaps with influencers represented by agencies and standardized rates, as the industry matures. Additionally, as consumers become more digitally savvy, their expectations rise – companies will need to ensure that the online customer experience (from clicking an ad to receiving a product or service) is smooth and trustworthy, which could improve overall business practices.

However, it’s important to remain aware of risks. Globally, any downturn in commodity prices, or a slowdown in key trade partner economies (like China or the EU), could affect Cameroon’s traditional earnings. Domestically, political uncertainty around the eventual transition of long-time leadership could create a temporary vacuum or instability if not managed peacefully and transparently, potentially unsettling the economic progress. The pace of reform is another question mark – without continuous improvements in governance and anti-corruption efforts, the full potential of both traditional and digital sectors might not be realized.

On balance, Cameroon’s state of the economy in 2024–2025 is one of cautious optimism, with the nation straddling the old and the new:

• The traditional sectors (agriculture, oil, manufacturing, services) provide a foundation that, if bolstered by reforms and investments, can ensure food security, job creation, and stable export revenue.

• The digital economy offers a leapfrog opportunity – allowing Cameroon to circumvent some developmental hurdles by adopting new technologies, improving efficiency across all sectors, and engaging in the global digital marketplace.

For business leaders and investors looking at Cameroon, the advice is to appreciate this dual nature. Opportunities exist in enhancing traditional industries (there is still so much value to be unlocked in processing Cameroon’s raw products domestically, or improving services like healthcare and education) and in championing new digital ventures (from fintech platforms to creative digital media). The most successful enterprises will likely be those that harness digital tools to amplify their competitive advantage in whatever sector they operate.

In conclusion, Cameroon is steadily moving towards an economy where plantains and cocoa, oil rigs and factories, smartphones and software, all coexist and contribute to growth. The current state shows progress and potential: a country working to connect its geographic and economic dots – linking a farmer in Garoua to a consumer in Douala via mobile market information, linking a coder in Buea to a bank in Yaoundé via a fintech API, and linking Cameroon’s markets to the world via seaports and e-commerce. If Cameroon continues on this path, balancing prudent management of its traditional economy with bold investments in its digital future, it stands to achieve robust, inclusive growth and perhaps surprise the world with its innovative contributions in the years ahead. Cameroon’s story in 2024–2025 is one of an economy embracing transformation – rooted in its rich resources and culture, and reaching ambitiously into the digital age.