Remote work and freelancing in Cameroon: an alternative to traditional employment 💻

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Remote work and freelancing are attracting more and more Cameroonians as internet connectivity improves. While some see it as a unique opportunity to work independently, others highlight the challenges related to financial instability and limited infrastructure.

The boom of remote work and freelancing in Cameroon 🚀

Over the years, many Cameroonian professionals have chosen remote work. Some have joined local and international companies, while others offer their services online through platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, Malt, or PeoplePerHour. Before 2020, remote work was not widespread in Cameroon, as most companies and administrations operated in a 100% in-person mode. However, the COVID-19 crisis forced some organizations to experiment with remote work, particularly in the fields of communication, digital services, and education.

Some industries are particularly well suited to this transition:

• Web and mobile development
• Writing and translation
• Online journalism
• Graphic design
• Digital marketing and community management
• Virtual assistance and customer support

For many, this transition represents an opportunity to earn a better living. Some also escape the constraints of traditional jobs, which are often poorly paid.

« I left my corporate job to become a freelance web writer. Today, I work with clients in Europe and earn a decent income. At first, it wasn’t easy, but with experience, the pay improved. You just need to do thorough research, » explains Sandra, a freelance writer.

The challenges of remote work in Cameroon ⚠️

Despite its advantages, remote work in Cameroon still presents several major obstacles.

• Unstable and expensive internet connection 💻

Internet quality remains one of the main hurdles. Frequent outages make work difficult and can jeopardize professional collaborations that require strict deadlines.

« I had to invest in a 4G router and a backup power supply to avoid losing clients due to outages. I also bought a power bank for my phone and a portable modem so I can work freely. It’s frustrating in this country; it’s not easy to work under these conditions, but we make do with what we have, » laments Boris, a web developer.

• Limited access to local opportunities 🌍

Moreover, while international platforms offer great prospects, the local market remains largely closed to remote work. Many Cameroonian companies still favor in-person work and are reluctant to hire remote employees. This is particularly challenging for those who wish to continue their studies while working.

« I would have loved to work remotely for Cameroonian companies, but they are not yet ready to operate this way. There are still in-office requirements 24/7, » says Diane, a social media manager.

• Financial insecurity for some freelancers 💰

De surcroît, l’absence de salaire fixe constitue un défi majeur. Contrairement à un emploi classique, un freelance doit constamment rechercher de nouveaux contrats. Ce qui entraîne une instabilité financière. La plupart des entreprises offrent des contrats à durée déterminée, souvent pas renouvelable à leur expiration.

« Being a freelancer is great, but you need to know how to manage your money. Some months I earn well, others are more difficult. Freelancing is harder than remote work. The standards are different, and you constantly have to strategize, » says Joël, a graphic designer.

A future-proof solution? 🌟

Despite these challenges, remote work and freelancing offer an interesting alternative. Opportunities abound, particularly for young graduates seeking stable employment. Moreover, the emergence of coworking spaces and the improvement of infrastructure could gradually support this transition.

A hybrid model combining remote and in-person work, already implemented in several European countries, could be an appropriate solution for Cameroon. However, for this shift to be truly beneficial, local companies must adopt a more flexible vision of remote work. Additionally, independent workers must acquire financial management and networking skills to ensure their professional stability.

What do you think ?
Have you ever tried remote work or freelancing in Cameroon? Share your experience !