Analyzing the Impact of Cloud Computing in SMEs: A Study of Adoption, User Experience, and Performance in Cameroon (Doctoral dissertation)

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play an essential role in fostering innovation, productivity, job creation, and competitiveness at national and international levels. SMEs face unique challenges in accessing and utilizing cloud computing, a technology that offers critical resources for growth, but whose adoption in Cameroonian SMEs is notably lacking. This study examines the adoption, user experience, and impact of cloud computing on SMEs in Cameroon. Using a qualitative grounded theory approach grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the research seeks to understand the factors influencing low adoption rates despite apparent advantages, focusing on implications for organizational growth and competitive advantage. Data were collected from interviews with nine participants across three SMEs in Buea, Douala, and Yaounde. Findings reveal benefits such as enhanced competitiveness, increased customer satisfaction, cost savings, improved disaster recovery, strengthened data security, improved performance and reliability, and enhanced collaboration. However, obstacles including knowledge gaps, financial constraints, privacy and security concerns, poor internet access, and lack of adequate support remain significant. Recommendations are provided for SMEs, cloud providers, and policymakers to boost cloud integration into Cameroonian SMEs and to promote economic growth in developing countries, especially within Africa.