Cameroon is widening tax incentives to encourage investment in renewable energy and improve access to clean water, as the government moves to reduce the cost of essential equipment.
In a circular signed on February 12, 2026, Finance Minister Louis Paul Motazé approved a detailed list of equipment that qualifies for customs duty exemptions.
The items, classified under Harmonized System (HS) codes, are used in producing drinking water and renewable energy, including solar, wind, and biomass, according to Business in Cameroon.
The list includes a broad range of technical equipment and materials such as photovoltaic panels, deep-cycle batteries, solar cables, pumps, inverters, hydroelectric turbines, monitoring and control instruments, as well as biogas purification systems and drilling units.
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These imports will receive a full exemption from customs duties and taxes for 12 months. The policy is intended to lower the initial cost of investing in alternative energy and water supply systems.
The circular also requires importers to pass on the tax savings to final consumers, ensuring that the benefits lead to more affordable equipment rather than increased profits for middlemen.
Authorities included strict enforcement measures. Companies that do not comply risk penalties under the CEMAC Customs Code, which applies across Cameroon, Gabon, Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, Chad, and Equatorial Guinea.
The circular also states that any re-export of goods brought in under this scheme will require payment of the duties that were originally waived.
By removing import taxes on these products, the government aims to boost investment in energy and water infrastructure, especially in underserved areas.
The policy is expected to support the expansion of alternative solutions, particularly in rural regions where access to electricity and safe drinking water is still limited.
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Image Credit: Carl Mbeng
