Data Centers in Cameroon

Cameroon – A Strategic Hub for Central Africa

Cameroon presents a foundational market for digital infrastructure in Central Africa. For businesses targeting the CEMAC region, establishing a presence here offers a strategic advantage in reaching millions of underserved users, provided the infrastructure is engineered to handle local power and network conditions.

Cameroon: At A Glance

Network & Connectivity Ecosystem

The connectivity landscape in Cameroon is maturing, centered around a few key providers and growing international links.

Carrier Density & Carrier Neutrality The market includes approximately 3 data center facilities as of September 2025. Carrier density is developing, with several national and regional telecom operators providing services. True carrier-neutral facilities are emerging, offering choices for interconnection.

Direct Cloud On-Ramps There are no direct, in-country cloud on-ramps from major providers as of September 2025. Businesses connect to cloud regions by extending their networks through carrier partners to major hubs, most commonly Lagos, Nigeria, or Johannesburg, South Africa.

Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) The primary local exchange is the Cameroon Internet Exchange (CAMIX) in Yaoundé. Peering at CAMIX helps localize traffic, reduce latency for domestic users, and lower transit costs for participating networks.

Bare Metal Bare metal server options are available, typically through regional providers or international companies that can deploy equipment into local facilities. Providers like Hivelocity can serve the region through partnerships and network extensions.

Power Analysis

Average Cost Of Power Industrial power costs are competitive for the region, averaging approximately $0.07/kWh as of December 2024. This relatively low cost can help offset other operational expenses for power-dense deployments.

Power Grid Reliability The national grid can experience inconsistencies. For this reason, all credible data center operations in Cameroon are built with significant power redundancy, including multi-megawatt UPS systems and on-site diesel generators with extensive fuel reserves to guarantee uptime.

Market Access, Business & Tax Climate

Proximity To Key Business Districts Data centers are located in or near the primary economic hubs of Douala, the main port and commercial center, and Yaoundé, the nation's capital. This ensures low-latency connectivity for government, financial services, and major enterprises.

Regional Market Reach Cameroon serves as a digital gateway to the broader Central African region, including Gabon, Chad, the Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, and the Republic of the Congo. Its strategic location and port access make it a logical point of presence for serving these neighboring countries.

Tax Advantage For Data Centers The current investment framework does not offer specific tax advantages or financial incentives for data center construction or operation. Businesses should plan based on standard corporate tax and investment laws as detailed in the country's general commercial guides.

Natural Disaster Risk

Cameroon has a High-risk profile according to the INFORM Risk Index, with a score of 6.8 out of 10 as of September 2025. This rating is influenced by specific, localized natural hazards rather than widespread, catastrophic events.

The primary environmental risks to consider are:

• River Flood: The highest-rated natural hazard (6.7/10), particularly during rainy seasons in susceptible river basins.
• Drought: A significant risk (3.9/10), impacting agriculture and water resources in certain regions.
• Coastal Flood: A moderate risk (2.6/10) for infrastructure located in the coastal city of Douala.

Risks from earthquakes, tsunamis, and tropical cyclones are rated as very low.