Users of MTN and Orange mobile money services in Cameroon have expressed frustration with the implementation of an additional flat fee of FCFA 4 per transaction.
This change, driven by the 2025 Finance Law in Cameroon, has stirred widespread discontent.
Taxes on mobile money transactions in Cameroon date to January 1, 2022, when the government introduced a 0.2 percent tax on all mobile money transfers and withdrawals.
The newly imposed flat fee adds to this existing tax.
Furthermore, these charges are separate from the service to which mobile money operators apply.
For example, MTN Cameroon applies a 0.5 percent fee on transfers and a 2 percent fee on withdrawals.
The cumulative effect of these additional charges has triggered significant online outcry from users of both MTN and Orange networks.
“I noticed today that withdrawal charges at Orange and MTN have increased. For example, for a withdrawal of 500,000 CFA francs, you now pay 4,000 instead of the usual 3,500,” lamented Cameroonian singer and Afro-pop artist Kareyce Fotso on her social media page.
“This is too much!” she added.
A follower responded to Fotso’s post, commenting, “These mobile phone operators are in collusion with the authorities. After draining state coffers, they target poor citizens. In any case, there is a time for everything in October; we will punish them in the nicest of ways.”
Mobile Money Tax, an Economic Strain on Citizens
At mobile money kiosks, customers also voiced their grievances.
“The increase in charges is unbearable. I was shocked when I was charged 54 CFA for a transaction of only 200 CFA. It feels like they are scamming us,” complained a customer.
Another Facebook user lamented the economic strain while expressing hopes for political change.
“We are still hoping for a new president, a new change, a new vision, and a fresh start. Meanwhile, Orange and MTN are raising fees on sending and withdrawing, and the League of Consumers remains silent as if they’re complicit. In the end, we, the citizens, are trapped,” he said.
The 2022 introduction of the 0.2 percent tax led some kiosk and callbox operators, who act as agents, to impose additional unofficial fees.
Many charged an extra FCFA 50 per withdrawal, paid directly to them in cash.
Some agents applied this fee on withdrawals as low as FCFA 1,000, while others increased fees proportionally with higher amounts.
“I remember paying an additional 500 CFA Francs to withdraw 100,000 CFA Francs from an Orange Money agent in Mballa 2 in 2023. I wonder if these agents will raise their charges again,” an Orange Money user in Yaounde told MMI.
This layering of charges has left many Cameroonians feeling trapped with limited alternatives as mobile money becomes increasingly costly for everyday transactions.
