Cameroon plans inspection missions across its tourism and leisure sector to strengthen oversight of financial flows and comply with regional anti-money laundering requirements.
The move was announced by the interim Minister of Tourism and Leisure, Gabriel Mbairobe, in a press release published on Monday, March 16. It follows a directive from the Central African Monetary Union (UMAC), requiring member states of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) to supervise designated non-financial businesses and professions.
The inspections will target hotels, restaurants, furnished apartments, tourism agencies, leisure complexes, and other establishments operating in the sector, in line with the regulatory framework set out in a ministry circular published on February 20.
According to a report by the national bilingual daily Cameroon Tribune, citing a source close to the ministry, the exercise will focus on tracing the origin of investments amid a rapid increase in hospitality and leisure establishments in urban centres. Authorities aim to verify whether the capital used complies with regulatory standards as part of efforts to strengthen financial transparency.
No inspection dates have been confirmed. The launch of operations requires coordination with the Ministry of Finance, particularly the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), the source said.
Cameroon has been on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list since June 2023 due to deficiencies in its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing framework. Authorities indicate that successful implementation of the programme could support efforts to improve the country’s standing.
The initiative falls under a CEMAC-wide obligation requiring sectoral ministries to contribute to the regional anti-money laundering framework. Minister Mbairobe has called on stakeholders across the tourism value chain to familiarise themselves with applicable regulations and cooperate with inspection teams.
Mercy Fosoh
