## 1 Introduction  
The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized the way we interact with technology, creating a network of interconnected devices that communicate and share data to optimize various processes and services [1]. IoT applications span numerous sectors, including healthcare [2], agriculture [3], smart cities [4], industrial automation [5], home automation [6], etc., driving efficiency, innovation, and economic growth [7]. In healthcare, the IoT enables remote patient monitoring [8] and telemedicine [9], improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. In agriculture, the IoT facilitates precision farming through the use of sensors and data analytics, leading to higher crop yields and sustainable farming practices [10, 11]. Smart cities leverage the IoT to enhance urban management, from traffic control and waste management to energy consumption and public safety [12, 13, 14]. The potential of the IoT to revolutionize various sectors and industries has led to its adoption worldwide. While the IoT is present in everyday life in developed countries, its expansion and implementation in different regions of the world differ. In the African context, studies on IoT adoption have been carried out in West Africa, East Africa, and South Africa. For instance, [PERSON] [15] examined the challenges of IoT implementation in Nigeria, identifying key barriers such as cybersecurity threats, privacy concerns, and inadequate infrastructure. Similarly, [PERSON] et al. [16] highlighted the shortage of skilled labor and the lack of educational programs focused on the IoT as significant impediments to its adoption in Rwanda, while [PERSON] et al. [17] highlighted the cost, knowledge gap, perceived value, and risk as some of the factors influencing the adoption of the IoT in South Africa. These studies provide valuable insights but are often limited to specific regions or sectors, making it difficult to generalize their findings across the diverse landscapes of the African continent. The Central African sub-region [18], comprising countries such as Cameroon, Chad, the Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo, presents a unique context for IoT adoption. Despite its rich natural resources and strategic geographic location, the region faces numerous challenges, including political instability [19; 20], underdeveloped infrastructure [21], and limited access to advanced technologies [22]. In addition, while East and West Africa have attracted substantial investment and developed thriving tech ecosystems, the Central African region has struggled to establish itself in this rapidly evolving landscape. These factors may have hindered the widespread adoption of the IoT in the region. Finally, the limited amount of research focusing on this region and its distinct socio-economic and political conditions makes insights and recommendations from studies conducted in other African regions or countries not directly applicable to the region. Cameroon, the leading economy in the Central African sub-region, has the most advanced tech ecosystems in the sub-region, with the largest number of tech hubs and startups [23]. The country also leads the region in female representation in the tech sector, running approximately 75 to 80 female-focused programs [24]. The major technology ecosystems in Cameroon include Silicon Mountain, Silicon Wouri, and Silicon River and are concentrated in the cities of Buea, Douala, and Yaounde, respectively. Silicon Mountain [25], a sprouting technology ecosystem located in Buea, Fako division of the southwest region of Cameroon, is the most popular tech ecosystem in Cameroon and thus offers an ideal case study for investigating IoT adoption in tech ecosystems within the Central African region. The origin of Silicon Mountain can be traced back to 2006 when young web developers in Buea began exploring technology and building a community.