
Mobile Money: Cameroon increases transaction fees📲💰
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On January 1, 2025, a new increase in transaction fees for mobile money services came into effect in Cameroon. This revision mainly affects withdrawals and money transfers via mobile phones.
Increase in transaction fees 🚨
Since the beginning of 2025, users of mobile money services have been required to pay an additional 4 FCFA per withdrawal or transfer transaction. This increase was announced by mobile network operators and confirmed by a circular issued by the Minister of Finance, H.E. Louis Paul Motazé. The measure aims to generate additional revenue for the state through specific taxation of these operations.
This additional 4 FCFA is added to the electronic money transfer tax (TTA), introduced in 2022, which represents 0.2% of the total transaction amount. It is important to note that this new tax applies to all transactions carried out by mobile money users, whether performed through mobile network operators or financial institutions such as banks and microfinance establishments.
Additional tax on gambling 📊
In addition to the increased fees for standard withdrawals and transfers, the 2025 Finance Law also includes specific adjustments for gambling and entertainment-related transactions. Starting this year, these transactions will be subject to a 1% tax, up from the previous 0.2% rate.
Impacts of these taxes💡
The introduction of this new tax on mobile money has sparked debates, particularly concerning its potential effects on financial inclusion. Some experts, including those from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), have raised concerns about the measure’s impact on the most vulnerable populations.
This increase in costs is likely to disproportionately affect unbanked individuals, often from rural areas, who rely on mobile money for their daily transactions.
Furthermore, in 2022, the IMF warned of the fiscal inequality this tax could create, emphasizing that high fees might discourage poorer populations from using these services.
Outraged populations 😟
The revision of mobile money fees has been poorly received by a large segment of the Cameroonian population. Many see this increase as an additional burden in an already challenging economic context.
« This extra tax could make mobile money services even less accessible, especially for the poorest. For 50 FCFA, you spend more than double, » complained numerous users.
Some residents in rural areas, reached by phone, expressed frustration over the rising costs, arguing that the measure penalizes those who depend on mobile money for withdrawals and transfers.
“I use mobile money to send school money to my son. Now that the fees have increased, I don’t even know how I’ll ensure he gets the full amount,” said a concerned parent.
Additionally, critics have pointed to a lack of transparency in managing the funds generated by this taxation.
Strengthening tax revenue 📈
Despite the concerns raised by these new taxes, the Cameroonian government appears determined to capitalize on the growth of mobile money as a source of state revenue. By revising the taxation of this sector, authorities aim to maximize fiscal income.
Your opinion matters 💬
What do you think about the increased taxation on mobile money operations in Cameroon? Is this measure beneficial or does it penalize users?
Share your thoughts in the comments! ☺️
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