Poverty in Cameroon is a tough cycle to break, but it is not impossible.
Many people struggle daily, wondering how to change their financial situation.
They work hard but see little progress.
Does this sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone.
The truth is, many people remain poor because they lack the right mindset, skills, and strategies to climb out of financial hardship.
Some are waiting for a miracle, while others make avoidable mistakes that keep them stuck.
But what if you could take control and start making real progress?
This article will show you 10 practical steps that can help you improve your financial situation in Cameroon.
By following these strategies, you can develop new skills, build strong networks, and create a path to financial stability.
Things that can lift you from poverty in Cameroon
If you want to break free from poverty, you need to change how you think, who you associate with, and what you do with your time.
You don’t need a magic formula.
You need the right habits, and this article will show you ten things that can lift you from poverty in Cameroon.
1. Network and Build Relationships
If you are in Cameroon and you don’t know people, your progress will be slow.
You need to put yourself out there.
Attend community events, go to village town hall meetings in the city, and join social clubs.
These places are where conversations happen.
This is where people talk about available jobs, business opportunities, and contracts.
This is where people recommend one another for favors, and if nobody knows you, who will recommend you?
Join online forums, too.
Facebook groups, WhatsApp business communities, and even LinkedIn can connect you to people who will change your life.
But don’t just join and stay silent like a ghost.
Speak up, contribute, and offer value.
If you provide solutions, people will notice you.
If you always hide in the background, nobody will even know you exist.
And please, don’t be timid.
Market men and women, with their broken English and zero education, will argue with a university professor and still make their point.
They don’t allow anybody to rubbish them. You should also learn to speak up, but do it respectfully.
Be confident, because confidence opens doors.
And if someone tries to intimidate you, just shout, “Don’t be silly,” and keep moving.
Also Read: How to start a business in Cameroon
2. Read Widely and Often
Ignorance is expensive.
If you don’t know, you will suffer.
And the easiest way to know more is to read.
You don’t need to spend money buying expensive books.
Download free e-books, read blogs, and follow people who write meaningful things.
Read aloud if you must—it improves your vocabulary and helps your brain retain information better.
And please, follow people who write their posts in full.
Avoid those kaikai people who write gist with complicated grammar that stresses your brain before you even finish reading.
Your goal is to learn, not to struggle.
Also Read: Business ideas for students
3. Build an Online Presence for Your Business
In today’s world, if your business is not online, you are losing money.
You don’t need a physical shop to start making sales.
Create a professional page on Facebook or Instagram.
Use WhatsApp Business to communicate with your customers.
Be consistent with your marketing and take your business seriously.
If you are selling something, sell it well.
Treat your customers right so they can come back.
And most importantly, don’t give out things for free because you saw big bumbum.
Focus!
If people don’t buy from you, you won’t remain in business.
4. Volunteer and Gain Experience
Sometimes, the problem is not lack of jobs—it’s lack of experience.
Many people want a job but have no skills to offer.
Volunteering is a smart way to gain experience and build connections at the same time.
Find a community project and get involved.
Offer your services at a place where you can learn something useful.
Even church groups can help.
But be careful—if any brother or sister tells you to visit them for a “special training session,” run!
Don’t go and put yourself in trouble.
Also Read: Business ideas to start with 50k
5. Develop In-Demand Skills
Jobs are scarce, but skills will always pay the bills.
Learn a skill that people are willing to pay for.
Coding, digital marketing, graphic design, electrical work, plumbing, carpentry—anything that makes you useful is a good investment.
If you are into business, learn how to buy and sell.
But whatever you do, stop spending all day on TikTok shouting, “Follow my gifter.” That one will not put food on your table.
Step into the real world and sacrifice your time to learn something meaningful.
And always remember, there is dignity in labor.
But if you stand on the road at night, your own dignity is already inside the bed.
6. Learn from Online Resources
You don’t need a university degree to succeed.
The internet has everything you need to learn and grow.
Use free platforms like YouTube, Coursera, and edX.
Instead of spending all your time watching kaikai content for entertainment, balance it with things that add value to your life.
Watch business leaders and entrepreneurs.
Follow people who share useful information.
Every piece of knowledge you acquire is another step out of poverty.
Also Read: 6 Financial Mistakes Ladies Make in Their 20s & 30s in Cameroon
7. Develop a Growth Mindset
Your mind is your greatest weapon.
If you believe you can grow, you will.
If you believe you are stuck, you will remain stuck.
Nobody can help you if you don’t first help yourself.
You don’t need a university education to succeed.
Knowledge is everywhere, and if you are willing to learn, you will find it.
But avoid pseudo-intellectuals who spend all day teaching you how to dislike men or women.
That is not your problem. Focus on building yourself.
8. Improve Your Communication Skills
Knowing how to express yourself is a game-changer.
Whether in business, work, or daily life, good communication can open doors that money cannot.
Listen when others are speaking.
Allow them to make their point before you respond.
If you always talk over people, you will come across as unserious.
Control yourself, or people will think you are a mad person.
Communication is not shouting.
It is understanding and being understood.
Also Read: How to make money online in Cameroon
9. Set Goals and Track Progress
If you don’t have a plan, you will go nowhere.
Set clear, specific goals. Start small and grow.
I know you want to buy the whole of your village and marry all the virgins, but first, learn a skill.
Build yourself gradually.
Don’t rush to show off when you haven’t even secured your foundation.
Many people have chopped their capital while others were chopping their profits.
Don’t be one of them.
10. Develop Emotional Intelligence and Empathy
Success is not just about money.
If you don’t have emotional intelligence, you will struggle to maintain relationships, manage conflicts, and make wise decisions.
Learn self-awareness.
Control your emotions.
And most importantly, be empathetic—understand other people’s perspectives.
If you can master these things, you will go far in life.
And finally, save your money and invest wisely.
You can succeed without a university degree, but you cannot succeed without discipline.
Change your mindset, take action, and step out of poverty.
