Being a student in Cameroon can be challenging, especially when money is tight.
Many students need extra cash for transport, food, or even small luxuries, but relying only on family support is not always enough.
The cost of living keeps going up, and getting a good-paying job as a student is difficult.
A business that is flexible and doesn’t interfere with studies is the best way to make extra money.
With the right business idea, earning money as a student is possible.
Whether it’s selling perfumes, doing laundry, or running a small food business, there are many simple ways to make money without needing a huge investment.
This blog will explore some of the best business ideas for students in Cameroon—easy-to-start businesses that require little to no capital and can fit into a student’s busy schedule.
14 Business Ideas for Students in Cameroon
1. Mobile Hair Barber
A fresh haircut boosts confidence, and students always want to look sharp.
However, not everyone has the time to visit a barbershop.
That’s where a mobile hair barber comes in.
How to Start:
If you already have basic barbering skills, invest in a good-quality clipper.
Offer haircuts to friends and classmates at a lower price than barbershops.
Move from hostel to hostel or house to house to increase your customer base.
Share your work on social media to attract more clients.
This business requires only a clipper and a steady hand, and with consistency, you can make good money every weekend.
2. Selling Perfumes
Everybody loves to smell good, and perfumes are a great product to sell.
Students, workers, and even lecturers buy perfumes, making this a profitable business.
How to Start:
Buy in bulk from wholesalers or online suppliers to get cheaper prices.
Sell branded or designer-inspired perfumes, as they are more affordable.
Offer home delivery or meet customers at school.
Use social media and WhatsApp status to market your products.
With as little as 10,000 – 20,000 FCFA, you can start this business and make a daily profit.
Also Read: Business ideas to start with 50k
3. Dark Spots Soap
Many students struggle with skin problems like acne and dark spots.
Selling skincare products, especially natural soaps, can be a great way to make money.
How to Start:
Buy popular dark spot soaps like turmeric or black soap from wholesalers.
Learn how to make homemade soaps using natural ingredients.
Advertise with before-and-after pictures to gain customers.
Offer doorstep delivery or sell through social media.
This business can grow into a full skincare brand if you stay consistent.
4. Hair Accessories
Hair accessories like wigs, weaves, hairbands, and combs are always in demand, especially among female students.
How to Start:
Buy hair accessories in bulk from local or online suppliers.
Sell them directly to students or through an Instagram or WhatsApp shop.
Offer discounts for repeat customers to build loyalty.
Expand your business by taking orders for special hair products.
With a small starting capital, this business can bring in a steady income.
Also Read: 10 things that will lift you from poverty in Cameroon
5. Selling Watches
Watches are not just timepieces—they are also a fashion statement.
Many students love stylish watches, making this a great business opportunity.
How to Start:
Buy affordable but trendy watches in bulk.
Sell on social media, WhatsApp, or in school.
Offer different price ranges to attract more buyers.
Even with 15,000 – 30,000 FCFA, you can start this business and make daily sales.
6. Selling Fried Chips
Food businesses always do well because people eat every day.
Fried chips (plantain, Irish potatoes, or sweet potatoes) sell fast, especially in the evening.
How to Start:
Buy a frying pan, cooking oil, and a small stove.
Find a good selling spot in a busy area.
Package the chips well and sell at affordable prices.
Add extras like eggs or pepper sauce for more profit.
This business requires low capital but gives high returns.
7. Blogging and Social Media Influencing
If you love writing or creating content, blogging or social media influencing can be a great way to make money.
How to Start:
Choose a topic you love, such as fashion, business, or entertainment.
Start a blog or grow a following on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.
Monetize through ads, sponsored posts, or affiliate marketing.
Though it takes time to grow, this business can become a full-time income source.
Also Read: How to start a business in Cameroon
8. Boil and Sell Eggs
Boiled eggs with pepper sauce are a popular snack in Cameroon.
You can start this business with very little money.
How to Start:
Buy eggs in bulk and boil them daily.
Sell at school, hostels, or busy areas.
Offer delivery to increase sales.
With just 5,000 – 10,000 FCFA, you can start making money immediately.
9. Selling Fruits
Fruits like pineapples, bananas, and oranges are always in demand.
You can also sell fresh fruit salads or natural juices.
How to Start:
Buy fresh fruits from the market daily.
Sell at school or online.
Offer fruit combos for more profit.
This is a great business because it’s both profitable and healthy.
10. Tutoring
If you’re good at a subject, you can tutor other students and get paid.
How to Start:
Choose a subject you’re confident in.
Advertise through school notice boards and social media.
Offer flexible classes in person or online.
Parents and students are always looking for extra lessons, making this a steady business.
11. Mini Importation from China
With platforms like Alibaba and 1688, you can buy items like clothes, gadgets, and accessories at low prices and sell them in Cameroon.
How to Start:
Choose a profitable product.
Order small quantities to test the market.
Sell through WhatsApp, Instagram, or a small website.
This business requires some capital but has high profits.
12. Laundry and House Cleaning
Many students and workers don’t have time to wash clothes or clean their homes.
If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, this is a profitable business.
How to Start:
Offer services to busy students and workers.
Charge per load of laundry or per cleaning session.
Expand by hiring extra hands as your business grows.
This is a simple business that requires little to no capital.
13. Hairdressing Services
If you know how to braid or fix weaves, you can make money by offering hairdressing services.
How to Start:
Offer services to students at affordable prices.
Promote your work through before-and-after photos.
Buy basic hairdressing tools to improve service quality.
With good skills and consistency, this business can make you daily income.
Also Read: Business ideas in Cameroon
14. Smoothie & Natural Juice
Selling healthy smoothies and fresh juices is a growing trend.
How to Start:
Buy a blender and fresh fruits.
Sell ready-made juices or take orders.
Offer unique flavors to attract more customers.
This is a great business with good profit margins.
