Cameroon’s digital landscape is undergoing rapid transformation as the number of social media users sees a dramatic increase. Between January 2023 and January 2024, the country recorded a 40.3 percent surge in social media users, according to a report by DataReportal. This spike translates to an additional 1.5 million users, bringing the total number of social media users to 5.05 million, a clear indicator of Cameroon’s expanding digital footprint.
The surge in social media activity is happening alongside steady population growth. As of January 2024, Cameroon’s population stood at 29.02 million, with urbanization and the search for more efficient communication methods playing key roles in this digital expansion. The rise in social media engagement highlights a growing trend among Cameroonians, especially the youth, to connect through online platforms, with Facebook and Instagram leading the charge.
Despite this progress, internet penetration in Cameroon remains at 43.9 percent, which means a majority of the population still lacks access to the internet. This is particularly noticeable in rural areas, where infrastructural challenges and the cost of digital access continue to hinder widespread adoption. Nevertheless, the 12.7 million internet users in the country show the increasing demand for connectivity, driven by mobile data plans and the proliferation of smartphones.
Cameroon’s expanding social media presence reflects broader global trends of digitization and connectivity. This growth is being driven by a more tech-savvy generation keen on accessing global information, entertainment, and economic opportunities. The ease of access to social media platforms has also enabled the rise of local content creators, influencers, and digital entrepreneurs, who are finding new avenues to engage and monetize their audiences.
Experts, however, caution that for Cameroon to fully capitalize on this digital surge, more investments in infrastructure, digital literacy, and affordable access are essential. As the country continues to urbanize, providing affordable internet solutions to the vast majority in rural areas will be key to closing the digital divide.
By Bakah Derick
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