The Cameroon Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Crafts (CCIMA) for the North West Region has taken a significant step toward strengthening economic resilience and growth by organizing a one-day seminar on the 2026 Finance Law. Held at the MINEPAT Hall in Upstation, Bamenda, on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the event brought together economic operators, business owners, SMEs, tax experts, and public officials to decode the country’s new fiscal framework and its implications for business.
At the center of the initiative was Edison Fru Ndi, Regional Delegate of CCIMA North West and CEO of Dreamland Holdings, who underscored the importance of aligning business practices with state policy. According to him, the seminar reflects a broader transition from economic survival to growth in a region long challenged by instability.
“So far, so good; we are gradually moving from resilience to economic growth,” he stated. “The Finance Law is the economic roadmap of the nation, it tells us how government earns, how it spends, and how it intends to shape the economy for the year.”
He emphasized that taxation, often viewed as a burden, ultimately cycles back into the economy through public investment and development projects. For businesses, compliance is not only a legal obligation but also a pathway to benefiting from state-led opportunities. Edision Fru Ndi further highlighted the role of CCIMA as a bridge between the private sector and public authorities, creating platforms where concerns such as taxation, customs duties, and administrative challenges can be addressed collaboratively.
Customs Reforms Target Local Production
A key highlight of the seminar was the presentation by Epie Jerome, chief of sector for Northwest Customs, who detailed innovations within the 2026 Finance Law related to customs administration. His focus centered on promoting Cameroon’s import substitution policy, encouraging local production while reducing dependency on imports.
Edison Fru Ndi Flanked by Other Regional Authorities.He pointed to everyday goods, such as toothpicks and rice, as examples of products that could be produced locally but are still heavily imported. “We are importing items that we can easily produce here,” he noted, citing bamboo toothpicks from China and rice from India, despite local production in areas like Ndop.
Epie Jerome explained that the new law introduces incentives to support domestic industries, including tax exemptions for startups in manufacturing and reductions in customs duties for vocational training equipment. Additionally, he revealed that provisions have been made to support vulnerable groups, such as duty-free importation of mobility equipment for persons with disabilities. “These measures are designed to keep money within our economy, create jobs, and foster economic stability,” he added, urging business operators to seek guidance from customs offices to fully benefit from available incentives.
Tax Incentives for a Region in Recovery
From a taxation perspective, Akondi Eden, Inspector of Taxation at the North West Tax Centre, provided an overview of new fiscal measures tailored to economically disadvantaged zones like the North West Region. He encouraged business operators to leverage these incentives to invest and reinvest locally. “We are here to accompany business operators and respond to their concerns,” Akondi Eden said, emphasizing that the Finance Law includes targeted tax reliefs aimed at stimulating economic activity in the region.
Strengthening Taxpayer Rights and Legal Protections
Legal expert Barrister Sama Henry of Dignity Law Firm shed light on the evolving legal framework protecting taxpayers. He outlined key rights enshrined in the 2026 Finance Law, including the right to information, representation during tax audits, and structured dispute resolution mechanisms.
Significantly, taxpayers are now entitled to prior notice at least eight days before an on-the-spot audit, as well as extended timelines to provide necessary documentation. The law also introduces mechanisms such as amicable settlements, tax compromises with penalty reductions, and advance tax rulings to guide business decisions. “The objective is not merely to enforce tax collection but to ensure the continuity of businesses, especially in sensitive regions like the Northwest," Barrister Sama explained.
Cross Section of Participants.Linking Fiscal Policy to National Development
Other resource persons enriched the discussions with broader economic insights. Nganjo Thomas, representing MINEPAT, connected the Finance Law to the National Development Strategy 2030 (NDS30), highlighting how fiscal policy underpins national investment priorities. Meanwhile, Fortoh Charles Fongang, CEO of TALENTECH and Co. Ltd., stressed the critical role of economic operators in driving national development, and Mr. Abege provided practical guidance on accounting and tax compliance.
A Platform for Dialogue and Solutions
Beyond presentations, the seminar served as an interactive platform where participants raised concerns ranging from customs procedures to tax compliance challenges. Officials responded directly, offering clarity and practical solutions.
For CCIMA, the event aligns with its core mission, which is to foster a conducive business environment through dialogue and information sharing. As Edison Fru Ndi concluded, “We may not solve all problems, but we can provide the information that helps businesses navigate challenges and seize opportunities.”
In a region navigating both adversity and opportunity, the seminar signals a proactive effort to empower businesses with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive under Cameroon’s evolving fiscal landscape.
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