- Cameroonians Express Outrage Over New Mobile Money Transaction Fees
- 2022 Tax: In January 2022, the Cameroonian government introduced a 0.2% tax on all mobile money transfers and withdrawals. This tax was part of the 2022 Finance Bill and applied to transactions carried out through traceable platforms, including mobile telephony and the Internet.
- 2025 Additional Fee: Starting January 1, 2025, an additional flat fee of 4 francs CFA per transaction was implemented. This change was driven by the 2025 Finance Law in Cameroon.
Current Charges:
- MTN Cameroon: Applies a 0.5% fee on transfers and a 2% fee on withdrawals. The new flat fee of 4 francs CFA is added to these existing charges.
- Orange Cameroon: Similar fee structure with the additional flat fee of 4 francs CFA per transaction.
Public Reaction:
- Frustration and Discontent: Users of MTN and Orange mobile money services have expressed significant frustration with these additional charges. Many feel that the cumulative effect of these taxes and fees is becoming unbearable.
- Economic Strain: Customers at mobile money kiosks have voiced their grievances, highlighting the economic strain these charges impose on everyday transactions.
Notable Reactions:
- Public Figures: Cameroonian singer and Afro-pop artist Kareyce Fotso publicly lamented the increase in withdrawal charges on social media.
- Social Media Outcry: There has been a significant online outcry from users of both MTN and Orange networks.
Impact on Mobile Money Usage:
- Increased Costs: The layering of charges has left many Cameroonians feeling trapped with limited alternatives as mobile money becomes increasingly costly for everyday transactions.
- Potential for Further Increases: Some agents have been known to impose additional unofficial fees, raising concerns about further increases in charges
