Cybercafés in Cameroon: Still useful or disappearing? 🖥️

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Cybercafés have long played a crucial role in providing access to the internet and digital technologies in many regions of Cameroon. Before the rise of smartphones and 4G, these establishments were essential for those who wanted to browse the web, send emails, or conduct online research. Today, with the expansion of mobile connectivity and increased internet accessibility through mobile phones, cybercafés are experiencing a decline in patronage, to the point that some are now on the verge of disappearing.

Pioneers of internet democratization 🖥️

Many still remember the days when you had to buy a ticket for two hours of internet access. Those times when a single ticket remained valid for three days, just to do homework or play online games. Access to the internet was a luxury that few could afford. The cost of computers and internet connections was out of reach for most Cameroonians, limiting access to the global network. It was in this context that cybercafés emerged as essential spaces for young people, students, and even workers who needed affordable internet access.

« I used to spend my time in cybercafés after school. I only played a popular game called Snake. Everyone had their own box, so when you arrived, you didn’t know who else was there. As I grew older, I started going there to do research, complete assignments, and print documents. That’s how I developed my passion for IT, » recalls Joël, an IT specialist.

These establishments provided relatively fast internet connections and access to computers at hourly rates. Thus, cybercafés became popular spaces for:

• Conducting academic or professional research
• Sending emails or managing social media accounts
• Printing documents and downloading files
• Browsing social media to stay connected with the world

Cybercafés were often frequented by students and entrepreneurs. They were also popular among people looking for online services such as CV creation, information searches, or travel ticket reservations.

The mobile revolution and the decline of cybercafés ? 📱

However, the advent of smartphones, coupled with lower internet access costs and the expansion of 3G/4G connectivity, has changed the landscape. More and more Cameroonians now have direct access to the internet through their mobile phones. This has led to a significant drop in cybercafé attendance.

Users can now do everything they once did in cybercafés, from the comfort of their homes or while on the move, at any time and with greater convenience. Additionally, data plan costs have significantly decreased, making internet access more affordable for many. As a result, the number of cybercafés is gradually decreasing, especially in urban areas where mobile infrastructure is more developed.

« Before, I always had to go to a cybercafé to access the internet. Now, my phone allows me to do everything without leaving my home. Nowadays, you hardly see them anymore—only secretarial services remain, and the only reason I go there is for photocopying and printing, » says Serge, a student.

The model persists in some areas🌍

Despite this general decline, cybercafés are not entirely doomed to disappear. In some rural areas where mobile internet access is still limited, they remain a valuable resource for the local population. The lack of mobile coverage in certain regions, the high cost of smartphones, or the absence of personal internet access make cybercafés an accessible solution.

Cybercafés continue to serve people who do not have internet-connected phones. Additionally, some cybercafés are diversifying their services by offering :

• Printing and document scanning
• Photocopying services
• Digital training for young people and adults looking to improve their IT skills
• Access to professional software for video editing, accounting, or office work, which is often inaccessible to individuals

« In my village in Elog-Batindi, there is no fast mobile internet. When I’m there, I simply go to the cybercafé to use computers and access the internet easily. It’s really useful because you never know when you might need it, » explains Antoine, a government employee.

Cybercafés facing the challenges of the digital era 🔧

Although some cybercafés still attract customers, they must overcome several challenges to adapt to the digital era. These establishments face multiple difficulties :

• Competition from smartphones: Users increasingly prefer to access the internet from their personal devices.
• High operating costs: Maintaining a quality internet connection in a cybercafé requires regular investments.
• Poor infrastructure in some areas: In certain rural regions, internet quality remains poor, discouraging potential customers
• Lack of service diversification: Cybercafés that fail to expand their offerings struggle to retain a loyal clientele.

A new role for cybercafés ? 🔄

To survive, cybercafés must reinvent themselves. They need to adapt to technological advancements and the new needs of consumers. By diversifying further and offering innovative services, they can remain useful and relevant spaces.

Fabrice Bwamou, an IT specialist, suggests some transformation strategies :

• Specializing in digital training: Offering courses on office tools, web development, social media management, or multimedia creation.
• Becoming coworking spaces: Providing professionals and students with a quiet and connected work environment.
• Offering specialized services: Access to professional software, app development, or graphic design services for small local businesses.

Your opinions matter !!
What do you think about the future of cybercafés? Share your thoughts in the comments! 😎