Digital Literacy and Online Entrepreneurship: Empowering Women and Youth in Cameroon

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving digital era, the need for digital literacy and online entrepreneurship has become indispensable for economic empowerment, especially for women and youth in Cameroon. Digital literacy encompasses the ability to use digital tools and platforms to access, evaluate, and create information, while online entrepreneurship involves leveraging these platforms to start and manage businesses. The push for digital literacy and online entrepreneurship aligns with both the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063. SDG 4 emphasizes the need for equitable quality education, including digital skills, while SDG 5 targets gender equality and women’s empowerment. SDG 8 focuses on decent work and economic growth, which can be achieved through the digital inclusion of women and youth. Similarly, Agenda 2063’s Aspiration 1 calls for a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development, underpinned by empowered women and youth contributing to the continent’s digital economy.

In Cameroon, where women and youth represent significant portions of the population, empowering these groups through digital means is not only an avenue for individual growth but a catalyst for national economic development. However, despite the transformative potential of digital technologies, significant barriers impede the full participation of women and youth in the digital economy. This policy brief critically explores the challenges peculiar to these groups, highlights opportunities in online entrepreneurship, and provides policy recommendations aimed at fostering inclusive digital growth.

Key Challenges Specific to Women and Youth in Cameroon

While digital literacy challenges are widespread, women and youth in Cameroon face specific barriers that require targeted interventions. These challenges are not merely a subset of broader digital issues but are deeply rooted in structural inequalities:

1. Gendered Digital Divide: Women in Cameroon are disproportionately affected by limited access to digital technologies. According to ITU (2017), only 12% of women possess basic digital skills, compared to 25% of men. Cultural norms and gender stereotypes often restrict women’s access to education and technology, reinforcing existing inequalities. Women are more likely to face time poverty, balancing unpaid household labor with economic activities, leaving little room for digital skills development. These entrenched gender disparities hinder women’s ability to leverage digital platforms for economic gain.
2. Youth Marginalization in the Digital Economy: Despite being more tech-savvy than older generations, a significant proportion of Cameroon’s youth lacks access to the necessary infrastructure and training to fully participate in the digital economy. Data from the World Bank (2020) shows that 25% of youth in Cameroon have never used the internet, with the majority residing in rural areas. The digital infrastructure in these regions remains underdeveloped, limiting young people’s opportunities to acquire digital literacy and engage in online entrepreneurship. Additionally, young entrepreneurs face difficulties in securing startup capital due to stringent loan requirements and a lack of collateral, further marginalizing them from the digital space.
3. Financial Exclusion: Access to finance remains a critical barrier for women and youth in the online entrepreneurship space. Women, in particular, face discriminatory financial practices, with fewer assets and limited collateral, making it challenging to secure loans. Youth, on the other hand, often lack credit histories or collateral, excluding them from traditional financial systems. Although microfinance institutions have emerged to provide alternative financing, their reach remains limited, and interest rates are often prohibitive.
4. Lack of Mentorship and Role Models: Women and youth in Cameroon face a significant shortage of mentorship opportunities and entrepreneurial networks. Digital entrepreneurship requires more than just technical skills—it demands business acumen, access to professional networks, and continuous support. Without role models in the tech industry and structured mentorship programs, young people and women are often left navigating the complexities of the digital marketplace on their own.
5. Online Harassment and Cybersecurity Risks: Women, especially, are vulnerable to online harassment and abuse, which discourages many from pursuing careers in tech or becoming online entrepreneurs. Youth are also susceptible to cybersecurity threats due to limited knowledge of online safety protocols. The lack of digital literacy training on cybersecurity risks and mitigation further compounds these challenges.

Opportunities in Online Entrepreneurship

Despite these challenges, online entrepreneurship offers untapped potential for economic empowerment, especially for women and youth.

• E-commerce and Online Platforms: Digital platforms provide unprecedented access to global markets, allowing small-scale entrepreneurs to reach a broader customer base. In Cameroon, the growth of e-commerce offers opportunities for women and youth to participate in sectors like fashion, agriculture, and technology services. A 2019 study by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) estimated that e-commerce had created over 3 million jobs in Africa, many of which are held by women.
• Digital Services and Freelancing: Youth in particular are well-positioned to take advantage of digital freelancing opportunities. Platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr allow skilled individuals to offer services ranging from web development to graphic design. The success of entrepreneurs like Nji Collins Gbah, founder of Kiro’o Games, highlights the potential for young Cameroonians to create globally competitive digital products.
• Innovation Hubs and Incubators: Innovation hubs, such as ActivSpaces in Cameroon, provide crucial infrastructure and mentorship for aspiring entrepreneurs. These spaces can foster innovation by offering access to resources, networking opportunities, and technical expertise.

Policy Recommendations

To ensure the digital empowerment of women and youth in Cameroon, the following policy recommendations are proposed:

1. Invest in Digital Infrastructure: The government, in collaboration with the private sector, must prioritize the development of digital infrastructure in underserved regions. Expanding affordable broadband access and ensuring the availability of digital devices in rural areas will provide a foundation for inclusive digital participation.
2. Targeted Digital Literacy Programs: Government and civil society organizations should design digital literacy programs specifically tailored to the needs of women and youth. These programs should include training on basic digital skills, online safety, and entrepreneurial strategies to ensure that these groups can fully leverage digital tools for economic growth.
3. Facilitate Access to Finance: The government and other stakeholders should create financial incentives, such as grants and micro-loans, specifically aimed at women and youth entrepreneurs. Additionally, developing policies that promote the expansion of microfinance institutions with lower interest rates and more flexible repayment terms will encourage entrepreneurship in this demographic.
4. Mentorship and Business Incubation: civil societies, governments and other stake holders should jointly establish digital incubators and mentorship programs that connect women and youth with successful entrepreneurs and industry experts. These programs should provide not only technical support but also guidance on navigating business challenges, developing networks, and securing investment.
5. Tackle Online Harassment and Cybersecurity Threats: civil societies, governments and other stake holders should Implement public awareness campaigns to address the issues of online harassment and cybersecurity risks, particularly targeting women and youth. Digital literacy programs should include training on cybersecurity best practices and personal safety measures to create a safer online environment.

Conclusion

Empowering women and youth in Cameroon through digital literacy and online entrepreneurship is a strategic move toward inclusive economic growth. Addressing the unique barriers faced by these groups, while leveraging the opportunities provided by digital platforms, can significantly contribute to poverty reduction, job creation, and sustainable development. Policymakers must take immediate action to implement these recommendations, ensuring that women and youth are equipped with the skills, resources, and support necessary to thrive in the digital economy.

References

• Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development, ITU & UNESCO. (2017). Digital Skills for Life and Work. Geneva: International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Retrieved from https://broadband.itu.int/publication/digital-skills-for-life-and-work/
• International Finance Corporation. (2019). E-Commerce Growth in Africa: Opportunities and Challenges. Washington, DC: International Finance Corporation (IFC). Retrieved from https://www.ifc.org.
• World Bank. (2020). Digital Economy for Africa (DE4A): Leveraging Digital Technologies for Inclusive Growth. Washington, DC: World Bank. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/all-africa-digital-transformation/
• UN Women. (2019). The Future of Work: Trends and Challenges for Women’s Economic Empowerment. New York: UN Women. Retrieved from https://www.unwomen.org
• Forbes. (2021, March 22). Rebecca Enonchong: The Woman Leading the Way in African Tech. Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/03/22/rebecca-enonchong-the-woman-leading-the-way-in-african-tech/
• TechCrunch. (2017, March 10). How Kiro’o Games is Leading the Charge for African Video Games. TechCrunch. Retrieved from https://techcrunch.com/2017/03/10/kiroo-games/