If you don’t have much capital to buy products or equipment, a service business is a great option.
Service businesses in Cameroon often require only your time and skills.
For example, if you know how to do something useful, you can offer that as a paid service.
These businesses can start from home or a small rented space, and many clients will come simply by word of mouth.
Here are some ideas:
7. Laundry Service
Many urban residents and students in Cameroon need laundry help.
If you start a laundry service – washing, drying and ironing clothes for customers – you can earn steady income.
You need a good wash basin or a second-hand washing machine, drying space and an iron.
Begin by offering your service to neighbours, friends and nearby workers.
As you get more customers, you might buy a commercial washer and open a small shop.
Busy professionals and students will appreciate clean laundry and may pay higher fees for quick turnaround.

8. Cleaning Service (Homes and Offices)
Offices, shops, hotels and even busy homes always need cleaning.
If you are detail-oriented and diligent, you can offer cleaning services.
You might clean offices on weekdays or homes on weekends.
Basic supplies like brooms, mops, detergents and cloths are enough to start.
Advertise your service locally: for example, leave flyers at offices or talk to hotel managers.
Good cleaners are in demand, and repeat customers will keep coming if you do a reliable job.
You can hire assistants as your business grows.
9. Car Wash
With many vehicles in Cameroonian cities, a car wash is a simple way to earn daily money.
You only need water, car soap and a few buckets or hoses to start.
A good location is crucial – for instance, rent space beside a busy road, market or fuel station.
Drivers who lack time will pay you to wash their cars. Initially, offer hand washes and vacuuming.
Later, you could buy a pressure washer or vacuum machine to clean cars faster.
A friendly service and maybe a car fragrance or polishing add value.
Drivers will keep coming back every week or two, creating regular income.
10. Game or Viewing Centre
Cameroonians love sports, especially football.
If you own a TV and a satellite decoder, you can open a small viewing centre for live games and popular shows.
Pick a neighbourhood where many people don’t have cable at home.
Charge a small entry fee for customers to watch matches, boxing or wrestling together.
You can also sell cold drinks and snacks during the games.
This business works best when there are big matches (World Cup, African Cup, local derbies), as fans gather and pay to watch on a big screen.
A simple setup (a TV with seating) is enough to start.
11. Rental Business
Many people need event supplies but cannot afford to buy them.
You can start a rental business by purchasing items like plastic chairs, tables, tents (canopies), speakers or decoration pieces.
Rent them out to people organizing weddings, birthdays or meetings.
Begin with a few items and reinvest your profits to buy more.
For example, start with 20 chairs and a couple of tables.
Advertise to churches, NGOs, and event planners.
As demand grows, you could offer full party rental packages or even event planning services.
Renting is in high demand because Cameroonians often hold celebrations but save money by renting instead of buying.

12. Mobile Phone Repair
Smartphones break or malfunction frequently.
If you learn how to fix common phone issues (broken screens, battery replacement, charging port faults or software updates), you will always find customers.
You can start from home or a market stall with basic repair tools (screwdrivers, spudgers, multimeter).
Offer fast, trustworthy service.
Many people would rather repair an existing phone than buy a new one.
As your reputation grows, you can open a repair shop or expand to fix tablets and laptops too.
Consider also selling phone accessories to boost profits.
13. Beauty and Hair Services
The beauty industry is growing fast in Cameroon.
If you have skills in hair styling, wig making, braiding, manicures, pedicures or makeup, you will always find work.
You can start from home – set up a corner for customers.
At first, advertise on social media by posting photos of your work.
Offer services like hair braiding (weaves and dreadlocks), wig styling or nail art.
You could also sell beauty products (shampoos, creams, perfumes) alongside your services.
Happy clients will refer friends, and a small home salon can turn into a bustling beauty parlour over time.
14. Barbering (Men’s Haircuts)
Men need haircuts regularly – often every few weeks.
Starting a barber shop can give you steady daily income.
All you need to begin is a barber’s chair (or any sturdy chair), a set of clippers and scissors.
Find a good spot, such as near a busy street or market, and put up a sign.
Offer haircuts and simple shaves.
If you do the job well and keep your tools clean, you’ll quickly get repeat customers.
Over time, you can offer extra services like beard trims or shave facials for more revenue.

15. Massage Therapy
Modern life can be stressful, and many people seek relaxation.
If you train in massage therapy (there are courses available), you can offer massage services at clients’ homes or set up a small spa.
Provide treatments like back massage, foot reflexology or aromatherapy.
Expatriates, businesspeople and busy parents will pay for a massage to relieve stress.
Invest in a massage table, oils and soothing music.
Advertise by word-of-mouth or small flyers.
A good massage therapist can quickly build a loyal clientele.
16. Tour Guide Services
Cameroon has beautiful attractions – beaches like Kribi, mountains like Mount Cameroon, and wildlife parks like Waza or Kumba.
If you live near these places, consider being a tour guide.
Many visitors need someone to show them around.
You could offer guided tours to places like Limbe’s wildlife centre, the sandy beaches of Kribi, or the scenic Bamenda highlands.
Tourists and even local visitors will pay for your help in getting around safely and learning about the culture.
You can start by offering half-day or full-day tours, and arrange transport if needed.
A knowledge of English, French or local languages will help you serve more tourists.
17. Co-Working or Study Space
Many young entrepreneurs and freelancers need a quiet place to work.
If you have a spare room, shop or small building, turn it into a co-working space.
Set up desks, chairs and reliable internet access.
Rent the desks by the day or week to students and start-ups who have no office of their own.
You can also add a small café corner or printer access.
In cities like Yaoundé or Douala, this is in high demand among graduates and young professionals.
A co-working space can provide steady income as people pay for a nice place to work, hold meetings or attend workshops.

18. Daycare and Babysitting Services
Working parents often need a safe place to leave their young children during the day.
You can offer daycare or babysitting services by taking care of kids in your home or a small centre.
Set up a fun, secure play and sleep area with toys and learning activities.
Make sure to meet any local requirements for childcare.
If you do a good job, parents will trust you and pay for daily or hourly care.
You could start by watching a few neighbours’ children, then expand into a full nursery or creche.
Providing healthy meals and basic education activities will make your service more attractive.
19. Radio or TV Show Hosting
If you have a good speaking voice and passion for a topic, you could start your own radio or TV show.
Many people in Cameroon listen to radio or watch television daily.
You might begin by pitching a show idea to a local radio station or producing content online.
Topics could be anything from news commentary to local music or education.
Once your show has an audience, you can attract local businesses to sponsor it.
For example, host a morning news show or an evening entertainment hour.
This is a creative business – all you need is good content and some broadcasting equipment (which you can often borrow or rent at first).
20. Car Mechanic Services
Cars and motorcycles break down regularly.
Running a small mechanic workshop to fix engines, brakes or electrical issues means you’ll rarely lack customers.
You can start as a mobile mechanic visiting clients at home, then eventually set up a garage.
Developing good technical skills will bring a steady stream of clients who can’t fix these problems themselves.