The Office of the Public Independent Conciliator has initiated a campaign aimed at improving non-tax income generation and financial management in the North West Region of Cameroon. The campaign, themed "New sources, new strength: Growing council revenue beyond taxes," was launched on September 25, 2026, in Bamenda. This effort seeks to strengthen revenue mobilisation from non-tax sources while promoting probity, transparency, and accountability in regional and local authorities' financial management.
The urgency of non-tax income generation stems from a recent law that shifted the collection of municipal taxes and levies from local councils to the central tax administration. Consequently, councils can no longer rely on tax proceeds for development. However, the new law presents opportunities for regional and local authorities to explore non-tax income sources. Public Independent Conciliator Tamfu Simon Fai highlighted potential areas, including markets, parking lots, transport facilities, council properties, and public services such as equipment rentals.
During the campaign period, which spans from September to November 2026, the Office of the Public Independent Conciliator will encourage councils to identify and develop legitimate non-tax revenue opportunities. The office will promote transparent and regulation-compliant collection, as well as digital and traceable revenue systems. This initiative aims to empower councils to take charge of their financial management and explore new revenue streams.
The campaign targets Regional and Local Authorities in the North West Region, providing them with guidance and support to enhance their financial probity and accountability. By focusing on non-tax income generation, the Office of the Public Independent Conciliator seeks to contribute to the region's development. The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the region's financial management and revenue mobilisation.
According to Tamfu Simon Fai, some of the specific areas that can be leveraged for non-tax income generation include council properties, heavy-duty equipment, public spaces, and services such as canopy and chair rentals. The office will work with councils to identify and map these opportunities, ensuring that collection is transparent and compliant with applicable regulations.
The campaign also aims to promote a culture of transparency and accountability in the financial management of regional and local authorities. By encouraging councils to adopt digital and traceable revenue systems, the Office of the Public Independent Conciliator seeks to reduce the risk of corruption and ensure that revenue is collected and utilised efficiently.
The Office of the Public Independent Conciliator's initiative is a significant step towards enhancing financial management and revenue mobilisation in the North West Region. By exploring non-tax income sources and promoting transparency and accountability, the region can boost its development and improve the livelihoods of its citizens. The campaign's success will depend on the collaboration and commitment of regional and local authorities.
Key points
- The Office of the Public Independent Conciliator has launched a campaign to enhance non-tax revenue and financial probity in regional and local authorities in the North West Region of Cameroon.
- The campaign aims to promote transparency, accountability, and efficient financial management in regional and local authorities.
- The initiative seeks to contribute to the region's development by exploring new revenue streams and empowering councils to take charge of their financial management.
