Cameroon Considers Taxing Coffee Producers

The future of coffee farming in Cameroon just got more complicated. At the 23rd meeting of the National Cocoa and Coffee Council (CICC) held in Yaoundé on March 12, it was revealed that the Cameroonian government intends to start collecting income tax from coffee and cocoa producers—a move that has stirred debate and resistance since its proposal in 2013.

Yes, the Cameroonian government is planning to tax coffee and cocoa producers directly. The effort has been in discussion since 2013 but has faced pushback, especially from exporters who have so far blocked attempts to collect the tax at the point of purchase on classified markets organized by producers.

What’s Behind the Tax Plan?

According to Cameroonian tax law, all known and traceable income is subject to income tax. The government now aims to apply this to coffee and cocoa producers. Originally, tax authorities intended to collect the tax through exporters during their purchases from producers—transactions typically occurring on classified producer markets.

Dikoumé, a leader within the CICC’s exporters’ branch, stated that authorities hoped to use exporters as intermediaries to collect the tax. But exporters have resisted the move, delaying implementation. However, he noted the pressure remains intense, and it’s unclear how long they can hold out. The policy to tax producers directly is expected to be formalized soon.

Increased Export Taxes Already in Place

In addition to the proposed income tax, the government has already raised export taxes on both commodities. At the start of the new planting season, export duties per kilogram were increased—from 54 Central African francs (CFA) to 150 CFA for cocoa beans and from 54 CFA to 100 CFA for coffee beans.

These additional revenues are intended to fund the 2015–2020 Cameroon Cocoa and Coffee Industry Revitalization Plan. That initiative requires an estimated investment of 6000 billion CFA and sets ambitious production targets: 600,000 tons of cocoa beans annually, along with 125,000 tons of Robusta coffee and 35,000 tons of Arabica coffee by 2020.

Production Reality vs. Targets

Meeting those goals is proving difficult. Recent data shows that Cameroon produced only 32,807 tons of coffee beans last year. Even the 2015 target of 40,000 tons has yet to be achieved. These figures highlight the gap between policy aspirations and on-the-ground agricultural output.

The combined impact of higher export levies and the pending income tax could significantly affect producer livelihoods and investment in coffee farming. Whether these fiscal measures will help drive the revitalization plan or add further strain to an already struggling sector remains to be seen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cameroonian government planning to tax?

The Cameroonian government plans to impose income tax on coffee and cocoa producers. This follows an increase in export taxes on both commodities, with cocoa now taxed at 150 CFA/kg and coffee at 100 CFA/kg.

Has this tax on producers been implemented yet?

No, the income tax on coffee and cocoa producers has not yet been implemented. It has been under discussion since 2013, but efforts to collect it via exporters have been resisted, delaying the policy.

How much are export taxes on coffee and cocoa in Cameroon?

As of the latest update, export taxes are 150 CFA per kilogram for cocoa beans and 100 CFA per kilogram for coffee beans. These rates were raised at the beginning of the new planting season.

What is the goal of Cameroon’s coffee and cocoa revitalization plan?

The 2015–2020 revitalization plan aims to reach 600,000 tons of cocoa, 125,000 tons of Robusta coffee, and 35,000 tons of Arabica coffee annually. The initiative requires 6000 billion CFA in funding.

Why are exporters resisting the tax collection?

Exporters have resisted acting as intermediaries to collect income tax from producers because they buy beans at classified markets organized by producers, and they don’t want the additional administrative and financial burden.

How much coffee did Cameroon produce last year?

Cameroon produced 32,807 tons of coffee beans in the most recent reported year, falling short of even its 2015 target of 40,000 tons.

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