Compliance guides
Messaging Compliance in Cameroon
SMS, WhatsApp, voice and RCS rules for businesses messaging customers in Cameroon.
Overview
In Cameroon, marketing messages should rely on consent and offer an opt-out; the electronic communications and cybersecurity laws of 2010 and the personal data protection law adopted in 2024 apply.
Cameroon adopted a personal data protection law in 2024, and its implementing measures are being phased in, so we check current requirements before campaigns.
Cameroon is officially bilingual: French is used in most regions and English in the North-West and South-West, so campaigns often need both.
WhatsApp is a leading business channel in many African markets; Meta's policies and the local data protection law both apply.
Voice campaigns should use locally licensed numbers and follow consumer protection and data rules on direct marketing calls.
Advertising Rules
Advertising must be truthful and follow consumer protection rules.
Guides by Channel
SMS in Cameroon
In Cameroon, marketing messages should rely on consent and offer an opt-out; the electronic communications and cybersecurity laws of 2010 and the personal data protection law adopted in 2024 apply..
Read the guide →WhatsApp in Cameroon
WhatsApp Business API campaigns to customers in Cameroon need opt-in consent under Cameroon's data protection and electronic communications laws, in addition to Meta's business and commerce policies..
Read the guide →Voice Call in Cameroon
Telemarketing must respect consent and objections, and the Telecommunications Regulatory Board (ART) sets rules for operators..
Read the guide →RCS in Cameroon
RCS business messaging availability in Cameroon depends on operator and device support, so we confirm coverage before planning campaigns and keep SMS as a fallback; the same consent rules that apply to SMS apply to RCS..
Read the guide →Digital Habits and Channels in Cameroon
Cameroon has growing mobile internet use, and WhatsApp and Facebook are the main channels for reaching customers. MTN Mobile Money and Orange Money are used for payments and transfers.
Law No. 2024/017 of 23 December 2024 introduced Cameroon's first comprehensive personal data protection framework, including consent requirements. Campaigns may need French and English versions depending on the region. Back-to-school, Christmas and New Year are key periods.
Cameroon is officially bilingual, with French dominant in eight regions and English in the North-West and South-West regions, so campaigns often need both languages. Its economy relies on oil, cocoa, coffee, cotton, timber and aluminium, and the Port of Douala handles trade for neighbouring landlocked countries such as Chad and the Central African Republic. Prices are in Central African CFA francs, pegged to the euro. Mobile money from MTN and Orange is the main way to pay, and the VAT rate is 19.25%.
Regulators, Registers and Practical Rules in Cameroon
Cameroon's Telecommunications Regulatory Board (ART) regulates telecoms, and a personal data protection law was adopted in 2024. MTN and Orange are the main operators. Messages are in French or English depending on the region.
Bulk SMS is sent through operators or licensed aggregators, and sender names must identify the business. Law No. 2010/012 on cybersecurity and cybercrime also covers electronic communications. Mobile money from MTN MoMo and Orange Money is the most common way to pay, and payment reminders should include the merchant code clearly.
Voice messages in French or English help reach customers who read less.
General guidance, not legal advice. Check current rules with the regulator or a local adviser before launch.
Compliance in Cameroon: FAQs
Which messaging channels need registration in Cameroon?
It depends on the channel. Sender IDs for SMS often need registration with operators or the regulator, WhatsApp requires a verified business account and approved templates, and RCS needs brand verification. Each channel guide explains the details.
Does data protection law apply to messaging in Cameroon?
Cameroon adopted a personal data protection law in 2024, and its implementing measures are being phased in, so we check current requirements before campaigns.
Is this legal advice?
No. These guides are general information. For significant campaigns, take advice from a local lawyer.
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