Cameroon has been ranked among the bottom 15 of 27 African countries assessed in 2024 in the Digital Rights domain. This was revealed by Pan African Nonprofit, Paradigm Initiative’s 2024 Digital Rights and Inclusion in Africa Report- Londa
According to the report, among other things, Cameroon faces significant infrastructure gaps, which contribute to internet disruptions and hinder access to digital services. These disruptions the report says, not only affect the country’s economic development but also limit citizens’ ability to access essential services and information. The report also notes that arbitrary arrests of media practitioners, human rights defenders, and everyday citizens are a worrying trend, raising concerns about freedom of expression and access to information in Cameroon.
In PIN’s report, it notes that the invasion of the privacy of Cameroonians is another area of concern, with the report highlighting the need for stronger protections to safeguard citizens’ personal data. The report further notes that Cameroon still experiences a marked increase in internet shutdowns, which reflects a reluctance to comply with international human rights law and a demonstrated negligence towards national, regional, and international obligations to promote freedom of expression and access to information.
“The marked increase in internet shutdowns is a reflection of the reluctance of some African countries to comply with international human rights law and a demonstrated dereliction of duty towards national, regional and international obligations to promote freedom of expression and access to information,” the report stated.
The report released by PIN also cites the high cost of data, saying it is also a significant issue, affecting the ability of women to afford data bundles for internet access. This has been a cry of many Cameroonians who feel cheated by the network operators, whose services are becoming more expensive and at the same time continually falling in standards. The report states that this goes further to widen the digital divide and limits opportunities for economic empowerment.
The report equally frowns at the government’s crackdown on freedom of expression and criminalisation false news as an offence, a practice which the report says is contrary to international standards, and that it further raises concerns about the state of digital rights in Cameroon.
The report also highlights the lack of legal frameworks addressing online gender-based violence. It says this leaves vulnerable populations exposed to abuse and harassment. Moreover, the report also emphasises the need for governments to proactively disclose information and utilise digital platforms to enhance access to information.
The PIN report called on the Cameroonian government to prioritise digital inclusion and rights by strengthening digital infrastructure, promoting freedom of expression, addressing online violence, and enhancing access to information.
The 2024 Digital Rights and Inclusion in Africa Report- Londa was launched at the 2025 Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF25) in Lusaka, Zambia. It brought together policymakers, civil society actors, and tech innovators to address pressing digital rights issues in Africa.
