Cameroon plans to roll out a vehicle scrappage incentive and further tighten import rules as part of a broader effort to modernize the national vehicle fleet in 2026, Transport Minister Jean Ernest Massena Ngalle Bibehe told lawmakers in late November.
Speaking before the National Assembly, the minister said his department is preparing a “national vehicle fleet rejuvenation program” built around two pillars: the introduction of a scrappage incentive and stricter age limits on imported vehicles.
The scrappage scheme is not new. In August 2022, the minister had already floated the idea of a program that would allow vehicle owners to replace old cars without heavy financial constraints, with discussions underway at the time with potential partners. The project did not materialize, but it has now resurfaced among the measures the ministry intends to implement in 2026, according to information provided to parliament.
On the second front, the 2026 finance law has already increased excise duties on imported vehicles. Two tax brackets now apply: a 12.5% duty for vehicles aged between more than 12 years and up to 20 years, and a 25% duty for vehicles older than 20 years. Previously, vehicles aged 0 to 15 years were taxed at a uniform rate of 12.5%, while those over 20 years old were subject to the 25% rate.
The government says the goal is to reduce the average age of the national vehicle fleet, which it estimates at around 18 years. In 2023, Cameroon had between 1.6 million and 2 million used vehicles on the road, more than 92% of which were over 15 years old.
Ludovic Amara
