The rise of the digital economy in Cameroon

The digital economy in Cameroon has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, profoundly transforming the country's economic landscape. With the advent of information and communication technologies (ICT), new opportunities are opening up for Cameroonian entrepreneurs, who are seizing this chance to develop their activities and open up to new markets.

The emergence of the Cameroon Marketplace platform

Among the key players in this digital revolution is Cameroon Marketplace, an online platform that has established itself as a true crossroads for commercial exchanges in Cameroon. Launched in 2018, this virtual marketplace allows companies, regardless of their size, to promote their products and services to an ever-growing customer base.

“We created Cameroon Marketplace with the aim of facilitating commercial transactions in Cameroon and giving more visibility to local economic actors,” explains Sylvie Ndongo, founder of the platform. “Our goal is to become the one-stop shop for anyone who wants to buy or sell goods and services in Cameroon.”

An intuitive and accessible platform

Designed to be easy to use, Cameroon Marketplace stands out for its user-friendly interface and optimized ergonomics. Users, whether buyers or sellers, can easily navigate the site and quickly access the information they need.

"We have made it a point of honor to make our platform accessible to as many people as possible," emphasizes Sylvie Ndongo. "Whether you are a large company or an independent craftsman, you can easily create your account and start selling your products online."

A diversified and quality offer

On Cameroon Marketplace, Internet users can discover a wide range of products and services, from local crafts to consumer goods and services. Each seller is required to meet strict quality criteria, thus ensuring a satisfactory shopping experience for customers.

“We ensure that all products offered on our platform meet high standards in terms of quality and reliability,” says Sylvie Ndongo. “This allows us to build trust with our users and retain their loyalty in the long term.”

The rise of online commerce in Cameroon

The emergence of Cameroon Marketplace is part of a broader context of the development of online commerce in Cameroon. Long lagging behind other African countries, Cameroon is now experiencing a real digital revolution, driven by the improvement of telecommunications infrastructure and the democratization of Internet access.

Growing Internet Penetration

According to the latest data from the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ART), the Internet penetration rate in Cameroon reached 35% in 2023, compared to only 18% in 2018. This increase is explained in particular by the massive investments made in the deployment of optical fiber and the rise of 4G, making the Internet network more accessible and efficient throughout the territory.

“Improved digital infrastructure has been a real catalyst for the development of e-commerce in Cameroon,” says Sylvie Ndongo. “More and more Cameroonians are turning to e-commerce for their purchases, which creates new opportunities for local businesses.”

Growing adoption of online payment

Alongside the rise in internet penetration, there is also a growing adoption of online payment methods in Cameroon. Mobile money solutions, such as Orange Money or MTN Mobile Money, are enjoying significant success, allowing consumers to carry out their transactions securely and conveniently.

“Online payment has become an essential element for the development of e-commerce in Cameroon,” explains Sylvie Ndongo. “Thanks to these solutions, buyers can now make their purchases with confidence, which is stimulating the growth of the market.”

Opportunities to be seized by Cameroonian entrepreneurs

The rise of the digital economy in Cameroon opens up many prospects for local entrepreneurs, who can now rely on digital tools to develop their activities and conquer new markets.

Increased visibility for businesses

With platforms like Cameroon Marketplace, Cameroonian businesses, regardless of their size, can benefit from unprecedented visibility to an ever-growing customer base. They can thus promote their products and services, make new contacts and generate more sales.

“Thanks to our platform, Cameroonian entrepreneurs can reach an audience well beyond their geographical area,” emphasizes Sylvie Ndongo. “This allows them to develop and open up to new markets, while remaining anchored in their local ecosystem.”

Reduced operating costs

E-commerce also offers the advantage of reducing operating costs for businesses. Indeed, entrepreneurs no longer need to invest in commercial premises or physical inventory, which allows them to generate higher margins.

"E-commerce represents a real opportunity for Cameroonian SMEs to develop in a more agile and profitable way," explains Sylvie Ndongo. "They can thus focus on innovation and the quality of their products, rather than on logistics management."

Internationalization made easy

Finally, the rise of digital technology allows Cameroonian companies to open up more easily to the international market. Thanks to platforms like Cameroon Marketplace, they can now export their products and services beyond national borders, while benefiting from simplified logistics.

"Our entrepreneurs now have the opportunity to project themselves into foreign markets, without losing their local roots," emphasizes Sylvie Ndongo. "It is a real lever of growth for the Cameroonian economy."

Conclusion

The rise of the digital economy in Cameroon represents a real turning point for the country's economic development. With the emergence of platforms like Cameroon Marketplace, Cameroonian entrepreneurs now have powerful tools to promote their activities, conquer new markets and stimulate the growth of their businesses.

This digital revolution, driven by improved telecommunications infrastructure and the growing adoption of online payment, opens the way to new opportunities for local economic players. It now remains to fully seize this potential to make Cameroon a major player in the African digital economy.