Cameroon is expanding tax incentives to support investment in renewable energy and access to clean water, as the government moves to lower the cost of critical equipment.
In a circular signed on February 12, 2026, Finance Minister Louis Paul Motazé approved a detailed list of equipment eligible for customs duty exemptions. The items, identified under Harmonized System (HS) codes, are used in the production of drinking water and renewable energy, including solar, wind, and biomass.
The list covers a wide range of technical inputs and materials. Eligible equipment includes photovoltaic panels, deep-cycle batteries, solar cables, pumps, inverters, hydroelectric turbines, monitoring and control instruments, as well as biogas purification systems and drilling units.
These imports will benefit from a full exemption from customs duties and taxes for a period of 12 months. The measure is designed to reduce the upfront cost of investing in alternative energy solutions and water supply systems.
The circular requires importers to pass on the tax savings to final consumers, in an effort to ensure that the incentive translates into more affordable equipment rather than higher margins for intermediaries.
Authorities have also included enforcement provisions. Companies that fail to comply risk penalties under the CEMAC Customs Code, which applies across Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, the Central African Republic, Chad, and Equatorial Guinea. The circular also states that any re-export of goods imported under the scheme will be subject to the payment of the initially suspended duties.
By removing import taxes on these products, the government aims to stimulate investment in energy and water infrastructure, with a particular focus on underserved areas. The policy is expected to support the rollout of alternative solutions, especially in rural regions where access to electricity and safe drinking water remains limited.
Frédéric Nonos
