#CameroonVotes2025: Tap to donate, swipe to believe: The politics of Mobile Money in Cameroon 🇨🇲🗳️

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As Cameroon gears up for a pivotal presidential election, a parallel campaign is unfolding—not in town halls or stadiums, but across social media platforms and private chat groups. Digital fundraising is taking center stage, powered by candidates, campaign teams, and grassroots movements. It’s a modern take on political financing, but one that straddles the line between innovation, genuine engagement, and growing skepticism.

Between political support and people power 🗳️

Since the electoral calendar was announced and candidates filed their paperwork, online donation drives have ramped up. Some campaigns are leaning into transparency, posting links to familiar fundraising platforms. Others are using mobile money and bank transfers as go-to tools for rallying financial support. On social media, posters now feature not just faces and slogans, but payment details.

For organizers, this is about bringing citizens into the fold—making them feel like active stakeholders in the political process.

“We want a participatory campaign. Every contribution, no matter how small, shows the people are behind us. We’re counting on them,” says Serge, a local campaign coordinator.

From symbolic donations to big-money drives💸

While some teams rely on grassroots enthusiasm to fund rallies or print campaign posters, others are setting their sights higher. Online fundraisers featuring six-figure targets in CFA francs are popping up—drawing as much curiosity as criticism. In one case, young supporters reportedly raised over 40 million CFA francs to back a presidential hopeful.

“There’s a lot of generosity online. People support candidates they believe will win—or bring the change they want. But more than anything, it’s the feeling of contributing to your country’s future that matters,” says Jean, a political figure.

Social media feeds are saturated with posters, videos, and rallying cries urging supporters to send their “share” for the win. The messaging often taps into ethnic, political, or generational identity to mobilize support.

The shadow of mistrust looms over digital donations 🤨

Despite the momentum, many Cameroonians remain wary. Previous scams disguised as fundraisers have eroded public trust.

“We’ve seen too many people disappear with donations. If we’re cautious about funeral collections, imagine how we feel about politics,” says Junior, a corporate executive.

Comment sections on donation posts are split. Some users publicly pledge support. Others ask pointed questions about fund management—or dismiss the practice as opaque and manipulative.

“It’s always the same during campaigns. They show up asking for money and never account for it. Now with the internet, they can reach the diaspora and they’re jumping at the chance. Personally, I’m skeptical,” says Jules, a political science student.

Imported trend or meaningful civic tool ? 🌍

Digital political fundraising isn’t new across Africa. Candidates in Nigeria and Ghana have previously raised millions online. In Cameroon, the practice is still in its early days, generating equal parts intrigue and suspicion.

“We all know the internet makes it easier to reach Cameroonians abroad. If they support a candidate and can afford it, they’ll contribute. More and more countries are using this model—and it works,” says Thomas, a journalist.

Supporters of this trend see it as a break from shadowy political financing or campaigns bankrolled by wealthy patrons. Critics argue it’s a flashy gimmick—sometimes a personal cash grab dressed up as public support.

A space with little oversight ⚖️

The ecosystem remains largely informal. Many campaigns rely on direct transfers via mobile money or ad hoc fundraising groups—completely unregulated. One economist interviewed for this piece warned that the lack of transparency is a breeding ground for fraud and donor fatigue.

“We need certified platforms. Campaigns should issue public reports on how funds are used. That would build credibility and encourage more citizens to participate. Right now, there’s too much fraud—and we usually realize it too late,” he warns.

A reflection of political ambition—and disillusionment 🪞

These digital fundraisers reflect a new desire among some Cameroonians to engage politically in a different way. They also highlight a kind of creative workaround in a system where traditional funding is hard to access.

But they also expose deep-rooted distrust—many are tired of broken promises and disappearing funds. For now, whether these digital cagnottes represent genuine civic participation, smart political branding, or opportunism remains to be seen.

The big question: Will these campaigns inspire a new era of political engagement—or fade into the same old cycle of suspicion?

💬 What do you think !?
Would you be willing to donate to a political campaign through social media or mobile money? Why or why not?