Starting a business in Cameroon doesn’t have to cost millions. With just 50,000 FCFA, you can kick-start a profitable venture and earn daily income. Whether you’re looking to sell essential goods, start a small food business, or provide a much-needed service, there are plenty of opportunities to explore.
For example, you can open a small retail shop selling essentials like rice, sugar, soap, and beverages in a busy market.
Food businesses, such as selling puff-puff, roasted plantains, or grilled fish, are also highly profitable. If you prefer a service-based business, cleaning services or mobile phone accessories sales can bring a steady income.
No matter your choice, success comes from consistency and choosing a business that meets people’s everyday needs. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best businesses you can start in Cameroon with 50K and how to make them work for you!
Best Businesses to Start with 50K in Cameroon
Below is a detailed breakdown of 10 business ideas that you can start with 50K in Cameroon and grow into a successful enterprise.
1. Selling Everyday Essentials
One of the best and safest businesses to start with 50K is selling daily essentials.
People need basic goods every day, which ensures steady sales.
What You Can Sell:
- Food items: Rice, sugar, salt, groundnuts, tea, coffee, biscuits, spaghetti.
- Household essentials: Omo (detergent), soap, candles, matchsticks, toilet paper.
- Cold beverages: Soft drinks, bottled water, and sachet water, especially in busy areas.
How to Start:
- Find a good location near a busy market, roadside, or residential area.
- Buy in small quantities and reinvest your profit to expand.
- Offer competitive pricing to attract more customers.
- If possible, add mobile money services to increase daily transactions.
2. Selling Snacks and Street Food
Food is one of the fastest-moving businesses in Cameroon because people eat multiple times a day.
Selling affordable and tasty food items will guarantee daily income.
Food Items to Sell:
- Puff-puff and beans: A popular breakfast and snack combo.
- Fried doughnuts: Quick to prepare and highly profitable.
- Roasted fish, plantains, or corn: Well-loved and in demand, especially at night.
- Boiled groundnuts and roasted peanuts: A favorite snack in Cameroon.
How to Start:
- Identify a location with high foot traffic (near schools, markets, bus stops).
- Invest in a small frying pan, cooking oil, and packaging materials.
- Maintain hygiene and quality to get repeat customers.
- Consider adding drinks to increase profits.
3. Mobile Phone Accessories Business
With millions of Cameroonians using mobile phones, accessories are always in demand.
This business has high-profit margins and requires low capital.
Products You Can Sell:
- Chargers, USB cables, and power banks.
- Earphones, Bluetooth speakers, and headphones.
- Phone cases, screen protectors, and pop sockets.
Also Read: How to make money online in Cameroon
How to Start:
- Purchase accessories from wholesalers or online suppliers.
- Sell in high-traffic areas like phone repair shops, markets, and universities.
- Offer a small discount for bulk purchases to attract customers.
- Provide after-sales services like phone case fitting and screen protector installation.
4. Selling Seedlings
Agriculture is a top sector in Cameroon, and farmers need quality seedlings.
If you have a small piece of land, you can grow and sell seedlings for profit.
Seedlings in High Demand:
- Tomatoes, peppers, okra, and garden eggs.
- Fruit tree seedlings like mango, orange, avocado, and guava.
- Flowering plants for home decoration.
How to Start:
- Get quality seeds from reliable sources and plant them in small containers.
- Water and care for the plants until they are ready for sale.
- Sell to local farmers, gardeners, or agro-shops.
- Use social media to advertise and attract more customers.
5. Recharge Card and Mobile Money Business
Mobile money transactions are growing rapidly in Cameroon, making it a profitable business to start with 50K.
What You Can Offer:
- Sell MTN, Orange, and Nexttel recharge cards.
- Provide mobile money services (MTN MoMo, Orange Money).
- Offer cash deposits, withdrawals, and bill payments.
How to Start:
- Register with MTN or Orange as a mobile money agent.
- Get a simple wooden kiosk or small shop in a busy area.
- Offer fast and reliable services to gain customer trust.
- Promote your business with banners or word-of-mouth advertising.
Also Read: How to start a business in Cameroon
6. Vegetable Farming
If you have access to land, vegetable farming is a great business to start.
Vegetables grow quickly, and demand is always high.
Best Vegetables to Grow:
- Tomatoes, peppers, and onions.
- Cabbage, spinach, and lettuce.
- Bitterleaf and okra.
How to Start:
- Prepare a small piece of land and plant the selected vegetables.
- Water and apply organic fertilizers to ensure healthy growth.
- Sell to local markets, restaurants, or directly to households.
- Advertise on social media to attract more buyers.
Also Read: Business ideas in Cameroon
7. Selling Charcoal for Cooking
Charcoal is widely used for cooking in Cameroon, making it a profitable small business.
How to Start:
- Buy charcoal in bulk from suppliers at lower prices.
- Package it in different sizes (small, medium, large) for different customers.
- Sell to food vendors, households, and restaurants.
- Offer home delivery services to attract more buyers.
8. Plantain Chips Business
Plantain chips are a popular snack, and with 50K, you can start a small-scale production business.
How to Start:
- Buy unripe plantains in bulk.
- Slice, fry, and package them in clean, attractive wrapping.
- Sell in schools, markets, bus stations, and roadside stands.
- Distribute to small shops and supermarkets for larger sales.
Also Read: 10 things that will lift you from poverty in Cameroon
9. Selling Red Palm Oil
Palm oil is a major ingredient in most Cameroonian meals, making it an ideal business opportunity.
How to Start:
- Buy high-quality palm oil from rural areas at a cheaper price.
- Package it into smaller bottles for resale.
- Sell in markets, food stores, and to households.
- Store it properly to maintain quality and increase shelf life.
10. Selling Bread
Bread is a staple in every Cameroonian household, and selling it is a simple way to earn daily income.
How to Start:
- Buy fresh bread in bulk from bakeries.
- Sell near bus stops, schools, or roadside stands.
- Offer butter, mayonnaise, or tea to increase sales.
- Provide home delivery to reach more customers.
Also read: Business Ideas for University Students
Which Business Makes the Most Money in Cameroon?
Businesses that solve daily problems and have a large customer base make the most money.
Some of the most profitable sectors include:
✔ Food and Agriculture – Always in demand and provides daily income.
✔ Retail and Trading – Selling daily essentials guarantees steady sales.
✔ Mobile Money and Recharge Cards – Offers commissions on every transaction.
✔ Transportation and Logistics – High returns, especially in urban areas.
Which Sector Has the Most Millionaires in Cameroon?
Globally, sectors like finance, real estate, and technology produce the most millionaires.
In Cameroon, agriculture, telecommunications, and retail businesses create the most wealth.
Many successful entrepreneurs started with small businesses and expanded over time.
