The amount shows a negative gap of 8.2 billion CFA francs compared to initial forecasts, set at 205.8 billion for the period in the Ministry of Finance's roadmap. Although the tax administration records a respectable execution rate of 96% of its quarterly forecasts, the result marks a physical decline of 2.9% compared to the 203.5 billion CFA francs collected during the same period of the previous fiscal year, indicating a slowdown in the local taxable base.

The decline in internal collection is fortunately offset by the dynamism of customs activity at the country's borders. The value-added tax collected on goods imports generated 119.1 billion CFA francs in revenue between January and March, showing a 5.8% increase compared to the 112.6 billion CFA francs recorded a year earlier. The consolidation of the two indirect tax compartments stabilizes the overall envelope at 316.8 billion CFA francs for the quarter, compared to 316.1 billion in the first quarter of last year. The evolution rules out the hypothesis of a overall decline in household consumption, instead leading analysts to consider payment shifts or the impact of targeted tax exemptions within the national territory.

The control of indirect tax, set at a general rate of 19.25% in Cameroon, remains crucial for the overall budget balance. The current finance law prescribes an annual global target of 1,282.1 billion CFA francs in domestic VAT revenue for the General Directorate of Taxes. Given the seasonality of corporate declarations and the general economic calendar, the initial deficit of 8.2 billion CFA francs appears manageable, but requires tightening customs controls and collection procedures to ensure the achievement of year-end targets.


Ndjomo Carlos

Tags: tva interieure dgi finances publiques impot indirect economie camerounaise recettes fiscales budget etat taxe sur la valeur ajoutee douanes