To combat tax fraud and secure its revenues, Cameroon is implementing a real-time taxation system. This reform aims to increase transparency, reduce tax evasion and improve the mobilisation of public resources in the long term.
To combat persistent tax fraud and better secure public revenues, Cameroon is implementing a real-time taxation system. This reform mandates that every taxable transaction be immediately recorded and taxed via electronic devices directly linked to the tax authorities. The move is designed to enhance transparency and boost the state’s budgetary performance, particularly as the country reportedly loses approximately 78 billion CFA francs annually to tax evasion, according to the NGO Tax Justice Network.
The introduction of real-time taxation is a welcome development, especially considering the widespread criticism of Cameroon’s current tax collection methods, which are often described as obsolete and susceptible to fraud.
NGOLLE III Lionel Rayland, Expert in International Trade and Economic Diplomacy
The financial stakes are considerable. Cameroon is forecasting an 11.3% increase in its tax and customs revenues for 2026, targeting 4,605.5 billion CFA francs, compared with 4,257.8 billion in 2025. The implementation of real-time taxation aims to secure these resources, intensify the mobilisation of internal revenue and combat tax evasion.
The successful implementation of this electronic system, especially for real-time taxation by the tax authorities, faces challenges regarding its deployment. Concerns are particularly acute in inland and rural areas where access to the Internet and new information and communication technologies is problematic, particularly in more remote locations. These are highly pertinent issues, and we anticipate that public authorities will ensure the comprehensive rollout of the system to allow the tax authorities to effectively implement real-time taxation.
NGOLLE III Lionel Rayland, Expert in International Trade and Economic Diplomacy
This decision comes at a time when collection procedures are still largely manual, cash circulation is high, and economic transactions are difficult to trace. To address these shortcomings, the authorities are focusing on digitising the tax system, integrating electronic payment platforms and automated transaction tracking tools. Real-time taxation will thus enable instant control of financial flows and reduce the scope for fraud.
