Small ads as first steps to Internet business: A preliminary survey of Cameroon's commercial Internet usage

We have surveyed current commercial use of the Internet in Cameroon. This paper provides some data on Cameroon’s presence on the Internet as an initial means of assessing the impact information technologies and the Internet have had on local business practices in Cameroon. We have found some NGOs promoting entrepreneurs and artisan producers to sell their wares. Alongside tourism and import/export listings, the use of small ads is predominant. Connectivity via fixed lines remains a bottleneck impeding expansion. Since mobile phone use is mushrooming, a suggested solution is the development of SMS–Web bridges.