How to Make Money : Top 10 Small Business Ideas to Start in Cameroon in 2025

Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Cameroon: 10 Small Businesses to Start in 2025

Cameroon, often referred to as “Africa in miniature,” is brimming with opportunities for small business ventures. With its diverse economy, expanding population, and increasing access to technology, 2025 presents a fertile ground for entrepreneurs ready to take bold steps. This article highlights ten profitable and practical business ideas tailored to the Cameroonian market, focusing on low startup costs, scalability, and market demand.

Each idea includes essential insights such as startup costs, potential challenges, and success tips, equipping aspiring business owners with the information needed to launch and thrive in 2025.

Why Start a Small Business in Cameroon in 2025?

1. Economic Growth: Cameroon’s economy continues to grow, creating new demands for goods and services. This growth opens up opportunities for small businesses that cater to both urban and rural populations.
2. Emerging Market Trends: Increasing urbanization, technological advancements, and a youthful, dynamic population are driving demand for innovative, localized business solutions.
3. Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Government initiatives and access to funding opportunities are improving the entrepreneurial landscape, making it easier for small businesses to thrive.

How to Choose a Profitable Business Idea

Identify Market Needs:  

• Focus on gaps in the market where demand outweighs supply.

Assess Startup Costs: 

• Start with an idea that aligns with your budget while offering growth potential.

Understand Challenges: 

• Anticipate risks and plan for them to ensure long-term success.

Also read: 5 most profitable digital professtions in Cameroon in 

Top 10 Small Business Ideas to Start in Cameroon in 2025

1. Mobile Food Vending

Mobile food vending is the business of preparing and selling food from a portable cart or stand. Common dishes include local snacks like puff-puff, rice, beans, roasted corn fufu, and grilled fish etc.

Startup Cost: 150,000–300,000 FCFA

Possible Monthly Profit: 100,000–250,000 FCFA

Advantages:

• Low overhead costs.
• Flexible working hours and location.
• High demand in busy areas like markets and office zones.

How to Start:

• Purchase a food cart or portable stand.
• Obtain cooking supplies and ingredients.
• Choose a high-traffic area to sell.

Success Tips: Maintain hygiene, offer tasty meals, and ensure prompt service.

2. Recharge Card and Mobile Money Services

This business involves selling prepaid airtime (recharge cards) and offering mobile money transfer services for telecom companies like MTN, Orange, and Nexttel.

Startup Cost: 200,000–300,000 FCFA

Possible Monthly Profit: 100,000–200,000 FCFA

Advantages:

• Consistent demand from mobile phone users.
• Little overhead or skill required.
• Can be run from home or a small kiosk.

How to Start:

• Register with telecom providers to become an authorized dealer.
• Set up a small kiosk in a busy area.
• Advertise your services in your neighborhood.

Success Tips: Build trust with customers by providing accurate and timely services.

Learn: how to Prepare a CV and cover letter 

3. Laundry Services

Laundry services involve washing, ironing, and folding clothes for customers who don’t have the time or means to do it themselves.

Startup Cost: 150,000–250,000 FCFA

Possible Monthly Profit: 150,000–300,000 FCFA

Advantages:

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High demand in urban areas and among professionals.

Minimal skill required.

Steady cash flow as clients may require regular service.

How to Start:

• Purchase laundry equipment such as irons, detergents, and drying racks.
• Rent a space in a residential area or start from home.

Success Tips: Offer quick and reliable services while keeping clothes clean and well-pressed.

4. Second-Hand Clothing Business (Okrika)

Okrika refers to the sale of second-hand clothes, often imported from abroad in bales. These clothes are resold in local markets or shops.

Startup Cost: 200,000–300,000 FCFA

Possible Monthly Profit: 150,000–400,000 FCFA

Advantages:

• Low startup costs.
• Potential for high-profit margins.
• Constant demand, especially for affordable fashion.

How to Start:

• Source second-hand clothes from wholesalers.
• Rent a stall in a busy market or start selling online.

Success Tips: Offer trendy and high-quality clothes, and be strategic in your pricing.

5. Plantain Chips Production

This business involves producing plantain chips by slicing, frying, and packaging plantains. These chips are then sold as snacks in markets, schools, and to retailers.

Startup Cost: 100,000–200,000 FCFA

Possible Monthly Profit: 80,000–150,000 FCFA

Advantages:

• Low startup costs and simple production process.
• High demand for snacks.
• Potential for business expansion through branding and packaging.

How to Start:

• Purchase plantains, oil, and packaging materials.
• Set up a small production area.
• Sell the chips to shops, markets, and online.

Success Tips: Focus on quality, attractive packaging, and cleanliness to stand out in the market.

6. Small Poultry Farming (Egg Production)

Small-scale poultry farming involves raising chickens for egg production. The eggs can be sold directly to households, local shops, or supermarkets.

Startup Cost: 250,000–300,000 FCFA

Possible Monthly Profit: 150,000–400,000 FCFA

Advantages:

• Steady demand for eggs.
• Potential for scalable growth.
• Relatively low management costs.

How to Start:

• Build a chicken coop or rent a small space.
• Buy a batch of layer chickens and start managing them.

Success Tips: Maintain a healthy environment for the chickens and ensure high-quality eggs for consistent sales.

7. Digital Marketing Services

Digital marketing involves offering services like social media management, content creation, and advertising to businesses looking to improve their online presence.

Startup Cost: 100,000–200,000 FCFA

Possible Monthly Profit: 200,000–500,000 FCFA

Advantages:

• Low overhead and startup costs.
• High demand from businesses transitioning online.
• Flexibility to work from home or remotely.

How to Start:

• Learn digital marketing skills through online courses.
• Build a portfolio and market your services to small businesses.

Success Tips: Be proactive, offer results-driven services, and continuously update your skills.

8. Homemade Soap Production

Homemade soap production involves creating soaps from natural ingredients such as shea butter, oils, and herbs. These can be sold to individuals or shops.

Startup Cost: 150,000–250,000 FCFA

Possible Monthly Profit: 80,000–200,000 FCFA

Advantages:

• Growing demand for natural, organic products.
• Low startup cost and flexible production.
• Easy to market locally and online.

How to Start:

• Learn the soap-making process and source raw materials.
• Design packaging and create attractive products.

Success Tips: Focus on unique selling points like organic ingredients or skin benefits.

9. Delivery Services

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Delivery services involve transporting goods for businesses or individuals, such as food delivery, parcel delivery, or groceries.

Startup Cost: 200,000–300,000 FCFA

Possible Monthly Profit: 150,000–350,000 FCFA

Advantages:

• Steady demand, especially in urban areas.
• Can be started with minimal capital and equipment.
• Flexibility to work part-time or full-time.

How to Start:

• Purchase a motorbike or bicycle, or use your car for deliveries.
• Build relationships with businesses needing regular delivery services.

Success Tips: Be punctual and offer excellent customer service to ensure repeat clients.

10. Event Decoration and Planning

Event decoration and planning businesses involve organizing and decorating venues for weddings, birthdays, and corporate events.

Advantages:

Startup Cost: 250,000–300,000 FCFA

Possible Monthly Profit: 100,000–300,000 FCFA

• High demand for well-organized and beautifully decorated events.
• Potential to scale and take on larger events.
• Creative and rewarding work.

How to Start:

• Purchase decoration supplies such as balloons, ribbons, and lights.
• Start with small events like birthdays or weddings for friends and family.

Success Tips: Offer customized services, promote on social media, and network with event planners and vendors.

Read : Top 5 Free Digital Marketing Trainings to Follow in 2025

Starting a small business in Cameroon is an exciting opportunity, especially when the market demand aligns with your passion and skills. Each of the above business ideas offers low startup costs, with the potential for solid monthly profits. By understanding the challenges and advantages of each, you can make an informed decision that fits your budget and entrepreneurial goals. With hard work, creativity, and excellent customer service, success is within reach.