#IWD2025 in Cameroon: Working with digital, between dialogue, challenges and decency 💻

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“Social dialogue and decent work for a peaceful Cameroon.”
This is the theme of the 2025 Labour Day celebration—an invitation to rethink how we collaborate and earn a living. In a world increasingly shaped by technology, this theme also serves as a reminder: digital tools are transforming work, but not without raising new concerns.

Whether they are teachers, traders, tailors, or journalists, today’s Cameroonian workers almost always have a phone at hand. Whether it’s managing clients on WhatsApp, sending documents via email, or taking online courses, digital tools have become a natural extension of professional skills.

Remote Work, Microservices, and Apps: A New Daily Life 📱

We no longer work like we used to. There are delivery drivers, designers, virtual assistants, online sellers, influencers, and coders. In major cities, thousands of Cameroonians now work behind a screen. For some, it’s a choice; for others, it’s a necessity in the absence of formal employment. Even in the smallest schools, “digital skills” are now part of the conversation.

“I manage a shop’s social media from home. They pay me via mobile transfer. It’s not a stable job, but it helps me survive. I didn’t have anything better, and digital work opened doors to a world where you never get bored,” says Stéphanie, a freelance community manager.

Digital technology has opened new horizons—but also blurred old boundaries. When does work start and end? What rights do people working alone from their living rooms have—without written contracts or social protection? These are questions that many hope will be addressed in the upcoming revision of Cameroon’s labor code.

Rethinking Social Dialogue 🗣️

In this digital landscape, social dialogue can no longer be limited to large companies. Freelancing platforms, WhatsApp groups of online sellers, and content creator collectives are becoming the new negotiation spaces.

But the lack of unions in these areas, precarious working conditions, professional isolation, and income instability reveal that major work remains to be done. The challenge now is to make the digital space one of decent work.

“We want to be heard too. So many of us work for companies online with no safety, no contract, no guarantee of getting paid. We just want to be respected and acknowledged through this channel,” pleads Josué, an independent video editor.

A Transition That Must Include Everyone 🌍

Another challenge is inclusion. Access to the internet, digital tools, and training is still uneven. In rural areas, many people still lack the tools to seize digital opportunities. Even in urban areas, support is often insufficient. Working with digital tools also means constant adaptation. Learning to use Zoom, Canva, Excel, or e-commerce platforms is becoming as essential as reading and writing.

“We need to train more people. Digital isn’t just for the youth. Even artisans can benefit if they’re properly supported. This lack of digital literacy is still holding us back. Older people apply outdated ideas in a world that’s rapidly evolving,” says Brigitte, a trainer.

Making Digital Work Serve Decent Work ⚖️

Digital tools shouldn’t be a trap, but a springboard. For many, social dialogue in 2025 also means this: recognizing digital workers, securing their careers, integrating them into public policies, and strengthening their rights. It’s about ensuring that new forms of employment don’t lead to new forms of exploitation.

The movement is already underway. Digital tools are no longer a luxury—they are a development tool and a springboard for youth inclusion.

This May 1st, beyond the parades and celebrations, may be the perfect time to listen to those who work through a phone, computer, or app. They are already part of today’s economy. All they ask is for the right to a secure and dignified future.

We’d love to hear your thoughts!
How do you view the new forms of work linked to digital tools in Cameroon? Tell us in the comments 😊