North West Stakeholders Equipped on New Tax Reforms

Khan Teyim Pila, Yaounde Delegation Head of Mission Addressing Stakeholders.

 

The Directorate General of Taxation in Cameroon has introduced a new reform aimed at improving the collection of local tax revenues. It is for this reason that Khan Teyim Pila, Policy Analyst, headed a high level mission to the North West Region to explain the objectives of the reform. 

He disclosed some of the insignts of the visit to Bamenda during an interview with Laarry Times shortly after the Regional Administrative Coordination Meeting (CCA) chaired by the North West Governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique on May 27, 2025.

Khan Teyim Pila, Policy Analyst Legislation and International Relations Divisions at Directorate General of Taxation - Yaounde.

According to him, the reform seeks to align local tax revenue collection with the practices of the Directorate General of Taxation, making it more efficient and innovative. Pila stated that the new law abolishes past laws on local tax revenues and introduces a new system that allows taxpayers to file and pay taxes online, reducing administrative costs and compliance costs.

The meeting aimed to sensitize stakeholders on the changes contained in the 2024 law on local tax revenues. He emphasized that the reform tries to adapt local governance to local realities and ensures that taxes are collected in a more efficient and innovative way.

An Overview of Participants During the CCA Meeting.

He admitted that just like with any other reform, some challenges are expected. For instance, regarding issues of remittance of collected taxes. However, that their mission was to continue the process of stakeholder engagement, in order to allay their apprehensions and clarify any doubts they may have.

The head of mission acknowledged that insecurity in the North West and South West Regions may pose a challenge, particularly when it comes to collecting local taxes.

However, he noted that measures have been put in place to ease the collection and transfer of revenues, including the creation of post office accounts and a software interfacing system.

Adolphe Lele Lafrique, North West Governor Chairing the CCA Meeting.

The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Decentralization and Local Development are key stakeholders in the conception and implementation of the reform. Pila emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement and consultation in minimizing challenges and ensuring the success of the reform.

He explained that the reform aims to promote regional solidarity by ensuring that taxes are collected and remitted to the treasury, with some taxes subject to equalization. The treasury department, according to him will then remits earmarked revenue to the concerned stakeholders in the different regions.