The Cameroonian government plans to expand its tax base to include the digital economy, targeting income earned by content creators and social media influencers.
Speaking on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, in Ngaoundere, Finance Minister Louis-Paul Motaze said the move would apply to revenues from online advertising, brand partnerships, and earnings on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
Motaze explained that the government aims to better track these income streams, which have grown significantly with the rise of the creator economy, particularly among young people.
While details of the tax structure remain unclear, local media reports indicate that authorities are still determining income thresholds and how reporting and enforcement will be managed. Some proposals have sparked debate, including the suggestion to use follower numbers as a criterion, despite follower counts not necessarily reflecting actual earnings.
The move is part of a broader strategy to modernize Cameroon’s tax system, boost public revenue, and formalize the digital economy. Several countries across Africa and beyond have launched similar reforms as governments adapt to digital transformation and the rise of online work.
