Urbanization Growth in Cameroon from 1990 to 2023

Cameroon’s urbanization rate grew significantly from 39.7% in 1990 to 59.3% in 2023, reflecting an ongoing migration trend toward urban centers driven by economic factors and population pressures. In the early 1990s, Cameroon’s urban population was under 40%, with slow yet steady annual increases as people moved to cities in search of better employment opportunities, healthcare, and education. The growth trend accelerated post-2000, as cities like Douala and Yaoundé expanded due to increased investment in infrastructure and industrial growth, particularly in sectors like manufacturing, telecommunications, and services. Cameroon’s urbanization correlates with government efforts to diversify the economy, improve living standards, and support urban infrastructure, leading to a pronounced shift from rural to urban areas. By 2023, nearly 60% of Cameroonians lived in cities, reflecting urban growth influenced by both demographic pressures and an economic focus on urban-based industries, positioning Cameroon among the more urbanized nations in Central Africa.