RESTRICTED  
  
WT/TPR/G/445  
16 August 2023 
(23-5546) Page: 1/155 
Trade Policy Review Body  Original:  French  
 
  
TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
REPORT BY THE COUNTRIES OF THE CENTRAL AFRICAN ECONOMIC  
AND MONETARY COMMUNITY  (CEMAC)  
Pursuant to the Agreement Establishing the Trade Policy Review Mechanism (Annex  3 of the 
Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization), the policy statement submitted 
by the countries of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community that are Members of the 
WTO is reproduced below.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: This report is subject to restricted circulation and press embargo until the end of the 
first session of the meeting of the Trade Policy Review Body on the WTO Members of the Economic 
and Monetary Community of Central Africa . WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  CONTENTS  
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 8 
1  BACKGROUND  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  8 
2  COMMON ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  ................................ ................................ ...........  8 
3  ACHIEVEMENTS AND RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN COMMERCIAL POLICY  .....................  8 
4  CONCLUSION  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  16 
REPORT BY CEMAC  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  18 
1  BACKGROUND  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  18 
2  COMMON ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  ................................ ................................ .........  19 
2.1  Main features  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  19 
2.2  Monetary and foreign exchange policy  ................................ ................................ ..........  19 
2.3  Recent Economic Developments  ................................ ................................ ..................  21 
3  CEMAC IN PRACTICE  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 24 
3.1  Free movement of persons in the CEMAC zone  ................................ ...............................  24 
3.2  Investment regime  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 24 
3.3  CEMAC trade policy instruments  ................................ ................................ ..................  25 
3.3.1  Customs and fiscal instruments of the Community trade policy  ................................ ...... 25 
3.3.1.1   Customs instruments  ................................ ................................ ............................  25 
3.3.1.2   Tax instruments  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 26 
3.3.2  Other trade -related measures  ................................ ................................ ...................  28 
3.3.2.1   Standards, technical regulations and accreditation  ................................ ....................  28 
3.3.2.2   Sanitary and phytosanitary measures  ................................ ................................ ..... 31 
3.3.3  Measures directly affecting exports  ................................ ................................ ............  33 
3.3.3.1   Export duties and taxes  ................................ ................................ ........................  33 
3.3.3.2   Prohibitions, quantitative restrictions and licences  ................................ .....................  33 
3.3.3.3   Free zone regime  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 34 
3.3.4  Measures affecting production and trade  ................................ ................................ .... 34 
3.3.4.1   Competition and pricing regime  ................................ ................................ ..............  34 
3.3.4.2   Government procu rement  ................................ ................................ .....................  35 
3.3.5  Relations with partners  ................................ ................................ ............................  35 
3.3.5.1   WTO ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  35 
3.3.5.2   African Union  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 35 
3.3.5.3   Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS)  ................................ ............  36 
3.3.5.4   European Union  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 36 
3.3.5.5   United States  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 37 
3.3.5.6   Other preferential relations  ................................ ................................ ....................  37 
3.4  CEMAC sectoral policies  ................................ ................................ ..............................  37 
3.4.1  Agriculture, livestock, forestry and fisheries – policies by sector  ................................ .... 37 
3.4.1.1   Cotton  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  37 
3.4.1.2   Sugar  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  38 WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  3.4.1.3   Forestry sector  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 39 
3.4.1.4   Livestock products  ................................ ................................ ...............................  39 
3.4.1.5   Fishery products  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 40 
3.4.2  Mining and energy  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 41 
3.4.3  Manufacturing sector  ................................ ................................ ...............................  43 
3.4.4  Services sector  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 43 
3.4.4.1   Telecommunications and broadcasting  ................................ ................................ .... 43 
3.4.4.2   Banking and insurance sector  ................................ ................................ ................  44 
3.4.4.3   The microfinance sector in the CEMAC zone  ................................ .............................  45 
3.4.4.4   Financial markets  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 45 
3.4.4.5   Insurance  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  45 
3.4.4.6   Professional services  ................................ ................................ ............................  46 
3.5  Challenges faced in implementing trade policy and sectoral instruments in CEMAC  ..............  46 
4  OUTLOOK  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  47 
4.1  Macroeconomic outlook  ................................ ................................ ..............................  47 
4.2  Outlook for the implementation of trade policy instruments  ................................ .............  48 
4.3  The Regional Economic Programme (PER)  ................................ ................................ ..... 49 
4.4  Master Plan for the Industrialization and Economic Diversification of Central Africa (PDIDE) .. 53 
4.5  The import substitution strategy for local products  ................................ .........................  54 
REPORT BY CAMEROON  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 55 
1  INTRODUCTION  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  55 
2  RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE CAMEROONIAN ECONOMY  ................................ ....... 56 
2.1  Real secto r ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  56 
2.2  Prices  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  57 
2.3  Public finance  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  57 
2.4  Balance of payments  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 58 
2.5  Monetary situation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 58 
2.6  Situation in the banking sector  ................................ ................................ ....................  59 
3  DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES  ................................ ................................ .......................  59 
3.1  Vision objectives  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 59 
3.2  Objectives of the National Development Strategy  ................................ ...........................  59 
4  GROWTH STRATEGY  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 59 
4.1  Infrastructure development  ................................ ................................ .........................  60 
4.2  Modernization of the production system  ................................ ................................ ........  64 
4.3  Human development  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 66 
4.4  Regional integration and trade diversification  ................................ ................................ . 67 
4.4.1  Trade facilitation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 68 
4.5  Financing of the economy  ................................ ................................ ...........................  68 
5  EMPLOYMENT STRATEGY  ................................ ................................ ............................  69 
5.1  Increasing the supply of jobs ................................ ................................ .......................  69 WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  6  GOVERNANCE AND STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT OF THE STATE  ................................ .... 70 
7  MACROECONOMIC AND BUDGETARY PLANNING  ................................ ........................  72 
8  MACROECONOMIC OUTLOOK  ................................ ................................ ......................  72 
9  COMMERCIAL POLICY  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 73 
9.1  Trade policy objectives and instruments  ................................ ................................ ........  73 
9.2  Tariff and customs policy, including rules of origin  ................................ ..........................  76 
9.2.1  Customs value  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 76 
9.2.2  Common External Tariff (CET)  ................................ ................................ ..................  76 
9.2.3  Community preferences, rules of origin  ................................ ................................ ...... 76 
9.2.4  VAT ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  77 
9.2.5  Excise tax  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  77 
9.3  Investment  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  78 
9.4  Competition and consumer protection  ................................ ................................ ...........  79 
9.5  Standardization, quality, sanitary and phytosanitary measures  ................................ .........  80 
9.6  Commercial defence  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 80 
9.7  Cooperation with the WTO  ................................ ................................ ..........................  81 
10  CONCLUSION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  81 
REPORT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO  ................................ ................................ .... 83 
1  INTRODUCTION OVERALL CONTEXT  ................................ ................................ ...........  83 
2  GENERAL ECONOMIC SITUATION  ................................ ................................ ...............  84 
2.1  National Strategy for the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area  ...........  86 
2.2  Business climate  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 86 
2.3  Foreign trade and investment  ................................ ................................ ......................  87 
3  SECTORAL ANALYSIS AND POLICIES  ................................ ................................ .........  88 
3.1  Agriculture, forestry and fisheries  ................................ ................................ ................  89 
3.1.1  Agriculture and livestock  ................................ ................................ ..........................  89 
3.1.2  Forestry and the timber industry  ................................ ................................ ...............  90 
3.1.3  Fishing  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  91 
3.2  Extractive industries  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 92 
3.2.1  Oil and gas  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  92 
3.2.2  Mining  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  92 
3.3  Industries  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  93 
3.4  Services  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  93 
3.4.1  Financial services  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 93 
3.4.2  Transport  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  94 
3.4.2.1   Maritime  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  94 
3.4.2.2   Inland waterways  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 95 
3.4.2.3   Road ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  95 
3.4.2.4   Rail ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  95 
3.4.2.5   Air ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  96 WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  3.4.3  Energy  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  96 
3.4.4  Telecommunications and new technologies  ................................ ................................ . 96 
3.4.5  Tourism  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  97 
4  TRADE POLICY  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  97 
4.1  Main trade agreements signed by the Republic of the Congo  ................................ ............  97 
4.2  Trade policy formulation in the Republic of the Congo  ................................ .....................  98 
4.3  Tariff and customs issues, including rules of origin  ................................ .........................  99 
4.4  Trade facilitation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 99 
4.5  Non-tariff barriers and sanitary and phytosanitary measures  ................................ ..........  100 
4.5.1  Non-tariff barriers  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 100 
4.5.2  Sanitary and phytosanitary (SP S) measures  ................................ .............................  100 
4.6  Services  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  101 
4.7  Competition and consumer protection  ................................ ................................ .........  102 
4.8  Investment  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  103 
4.9  Intellectual property  ................................ ................................ ................................  103 
4.10  Trade defence  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 104 
5  CONCLUSION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  104  
REPORT BY GABON  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 105  
1  INTRODUCTION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 105  
2  MACROECONOMIC ACHIEVEMENTS  ................................ ................................ ..........  105  
2.1  Real sector  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  105 
2.2  Price trends  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  107 
2.3  Public finances  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  107 
2.4  Balance of payments  ................................ ................................ ................................  108 
3  TRADE POLICY  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  108  
3.1  Trade policy objectives and instruments  ................................ ................................ ...... 108 
3.2  Gabon's participation in international trade negotiations  ................................ ................  109 
3.3  Tariff policy  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  110 
3.4  Renegotiation of WTO tariff concessions under Article XXVIII of the GATT  ........................  111 
3.5  Export taxes  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  111 
3.6  Trade facilitation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 112 
3.7  Updated trade regulations  ................................ ................................ .........................  112 
3.8  Investment  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  113 
4  BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT  ................................ ................................ ........................  113 
4.1  Streamlining the private sector support system ................................ ............................  113 
4.2  Updating of the legal and judicial framework  ................................ ...............................  114 
4.3  Improvement of public -private dialogue  ................................ ................................ ...... 114 
4.4  Tax reform  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  114 
4.5  An improved environment for standardization  ................................ ..............................  116 
4.6  Government procurement: greater transparency  ................................ ..........................  117 WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  4.7  Competitiveness, innovation, and promotion of national entrepreneurship  .......................  118 
5  NEW SECTOR DYNAMIC S TO DIVERSIFY THE ECONOMY  ................................ ...........  118  
5.1  Forestry and timber  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 118 
5.1.1  Objectives  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  119 
5.2  Mining, hydrocarbons and industry  ................................ ................................ .............  120 
5.2.1  Mining  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  120 
5.2.2  Hydrocarbons  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 120 
5.2.3  Industry  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  121 
5.3  Fishing, aquaculture, and the Blue Gabon Project  ................................ .........................  122 
5.4  An ambitious agriculture and livestock programme  ................................ .......................  123 
5.5  Sustainable development and the National Climate Plan  ................................ ................  127 
5.6  Tourism and ecotourism: A fast -growing industry  ................................ .........................  127 
5.6.1  Vision and objective for the sector  ................................ ................................ ...........  127 
5.7  Trade -related technical assistance needs  ................................ ................................ .... 127 
6  CONCLUSION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  128  
REPORT OF THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC  ................................ .............................  129  
1  INTRODUCTION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 129  
2  ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  ................................ ................................ .......................  129  
2.1  Real sector  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  129 
2.2  Price trends  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  131 
2.3  Public finance s ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  131 
2.4  Balance of payments  ................................ ................................ ................................  131 
2.5  Monetary situation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 132 
2.6  Situation in the banking sector  ................................ ................................ ..................  132 
3  TRADE POLICY  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  132  
3.1  Trade policy objectives and instruments  ................................ ................................ ...... 132 
3.2  Tariff and customs policy, including rules of origin  ................................ ........................  134 
3.3  Export taxes  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  136 
3.4  Standardization, quality, sanitary and phytosanitary measures  ................................ ....... 137 
3.5  Competition and consumer protection  ................................ ................................ .........  138 
3.6  Investment  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  139 
3.7  Services  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  139 
3.8  Government procurement  ................................ ................................ .........................  140 
3.9  Trade facilitation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 141 
3.10  Trade defence  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 141 
3.11  Other information  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 141 
4  CONCLUSION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  141  
REPORT OF CHAD  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  143  
1  INTRODUCTION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 143  
2  MACROECONOMIC POLICY  ................................ ................................ .......................  143  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  2.1  Economic situation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 143 
2.2  Public finances  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  145 
2.3  Price trends  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  146 
2.4  Monetary situation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 146 
2.5  External accounts  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 146 
2.6  Situation in the banking sector  ................................ ................................ ..................  146 
3  TRADE POLICY  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  147  
3.1  Trade policy implementation  ................................ ................................ .....................  147 
3.1.1  Trade policy objectives and instruments  ................................ ................................ ... 147 
3.2  Tariff and customs policy, including rules of origin  ................................ ........................  148 
3.2.1  CET and customs value  ................................ ................................ ..........................  149 
3.2.2  VAT and excise duty  ................................ ................................ ..............................  150 
3.3  Export taxes  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  151 
3.4  Standardization and quality, sanitary and phytosanitary measures  ................................ .. 151 
3.5  Competition and consumer protection  ................................ ................................ .........  153 
3.6  Investment  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  153 
3.7  Public procurement  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 153 
3.8  Trade defence  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  153 
3.9  Intellectual property  ................................ ................................ ................................  154 
3.10  Trade policy capacity -building prospects and projects  ................................ ..................  154 
4  CONCLUSION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  154  
 
 WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
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  EXECUTIVE SUMMARY  
1  BACKGROUND  
1.1.  The goal of CEMAC  is to create a genuine customs union and a strengthened common market, 
with the complete free movement of goods, services, people and capital, and the harmonization of 
sectoral policies, all of which will help to deepen regional integration and markets. T he Common 
Report relating to the group review of the trade policies of the CEMAC States Members of the WTO 
has been prepared within a particular subregional and international context, marked by a sharp 
downturn in the world economy in 2022 due to inflation ary pressures and the resurgence of the 
COVID -19 epidemic in China. The global economy continues to feel the effects of the shocks 
observed in 2022, which are hindering growth and could weigh on the short -term outlook. With the 
exception of Cameroon and th e Central African Republic (CAR), all the CEMAC countries saw greater 
economic growth in 2022 compared to 2021, with a stable outlook for 2023 . 
1.2.  This is the economic context within which this Common Report relating to the second group 
review of  the trade policies of CEMAC States Members of the WTO has been prepared . 
2  COMMON ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  
2.1.  CEMAC consists of six member countries (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Gabon, 
Equatorial Guinea1 and Chad), representing a market of 60.6  million inhabitants in 2022, spread 
over an area of more than 3  million km2. The CEMAC countries form a heterogeneous group, both 
in terms of level of development and economic structure, and are endowed with considerable natural 
resources (oil, gas, timber, minera ls, etc.). They pursue common monetary and exchange rate 
policies within the framework of the Central African Monetary Union (CAMU). The new foreign 
exchange regulations, which follow on from the previous ones, establish a more restrictive 
framework and in corporate modern elements . 
2.2.  As part of the reform of the region's economies, set out in the Programme of Economic and 
Financial Reforms of CEMAC (PREF -CEMAC), the Bank of Central African States (BEAC) has 
introduced new, stronger banking regulations, and ha s organized securities issues on the CEMAC 
capital market. BEAC forecasts that foreign exchange reserves will reach CFAF  6,464.7  billion by the 
end of 2022, up 37.2 % year-on-year. The level of reserves in months of imports of goods and 
services would rise to 3.92 in 2022 from 3.7 in 2021 . 
2.3.  The economic situation in CEMAC is marked by the continued implementation of exceptional 
budgetary and prudential measures, and the conclusion by four CEMAC countries (Cameroon, Gabon, 
Congo and Chad) of a second -generatio n programme with the IMF, to deal with the adverse 
consequences of the external shocks caused by the COVID -19 pandemic and the Russia -Ukrain e 
conflict . The subregion's average annual inflation rate has risen to 6.4 % in 2022, compared with 
1.6% in 2021 and 2.3% in 2020. Public finances are improving with the uptick in oil prices and the 
increase in non -oil revenues following the resumption of economic activity. This improvement has 
resulted in a surplus in the headline budget balance, including grants, of +2 .5% of GDP in 2022, 
after a deficit of 1.3 % of GDP in 2021 . 
2.4.  External trade is characterized by a decline in the external current account balance, despite a 
marked improvement in the trade balance as a result of significantly better terms of trade. This 
decline is explained by the deterioration in the balance of services and the income balance. The 
monetary situation saw an upturn in lending to the economy, an increase in net claims on 
governments and a rise in net external assets . 
3  ACHIEVEMENTS AND RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN COMMERCIAL POLICY  
Imports  
 
3.1.  Any operator wishing to undertake an import or export operation must first hold the status of 
importer/exporter and/or a professional trader's card, in all CEMAC member States. Initiating an 
import declarat ion, the composition of which differs from country to country, triggers the import 
 
1 To date, Equatorial Guinea is not yet a member of the WTO (its WTO accession process is ongoing).  WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
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  procedure. Some member States (Cameroon, CAR, Congo and Chad) use private companies to carry 
out pre -shipment or destination inspections. With the exception of Equatorial Gu inea, all CEMAC 
member States now require that goods imported by sea be accompanied by a cargo inspection or 
tracking note, which is not governed by Community regulations. The  fees for issuing this document 
vary from one country to another and can give ris e to discriminatory treatment depending on the 
imported goods' point of loading.  
3.2.  In principle, the transaction value is the primary basis for determining the goods' customs 
value. The CEMAC Customs Code prohibits the use of minimum, arbitrary or fictitious  values. 
However, no CEMAC country applies the transaction value is in full or systematically. In case of 
doubt, reference or market values are used. The CEMAC countries apply a common external tariff 
(CET)2 to imports from third countries, updated in acc ordance with the 2022 version of the 
Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS). However, for many years now, the 
uniform application of the CET has been hampered by the many unilateral derogations introduced 
by individual countries.  
3.3.  Each memb er State applies the CET with its own specific exceptions, without seeking prior 
authorization from the competent CEMAC bodies. These exceptions generally result from measures 
to combat the high cost of living, or the implementation of establishment agreem ents, and/or free 
trade agreements such as the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Cameroon and the 
EU, and the EPA between Cameroon and the United Kingdom. Related unilateral tariff downgrades 
consist of applying rates that are lower (or higher) than the official CET rates. When the rates applied 
are lower than the CET rate, this results in shortfalls, therefore unilateral exemptions from customs 
duties are having an increasingly significant and worrying impact on member States' public finances.  
3.4.  Establishment agreements resulting from countries' investment incentive policies, 
public -private partnership (PPP) contracts and even special economic zones, generally provide for 
specific tax and customs advantages during the design, implementation and ope ration phases of 
partnership contracts. These unilateral privileges differ from duty and tax exemptions, which are 
governed by Article 332 of the CEMAC Customs Code, which sets out the list of goods to be admitted 
free of duty and tax. All the CEMAC countr ies have two types of exemption (regulatory and 
exceptional), and use suspensive customs procedures (inward and outward processing, surety bond, 
temporary admission, warehousing), particularly in the oil and mining exploration and exploitation 
sector. With  regard to the temporary admission procedure, the list of eligible products and equipment 
is drawn up at the Community level. There is a list of this kind for equipment used for hydrocarbon 
exploration and exploitation.  
3.5.  Since 1998, the date of entry into f orce of the CEMAC directive on the application of the 
zero-rate generalized preferential tariff (GPT) on products originating in CEMAC, there has been free 
movement of goods within the Community. Community origin is systematically granted to local 
products  and traditional craft products. The ECCAS GPT3 came into force in 2018. A process of 
rationalization between CEMAC and ECCAS is underway, and should lead to the establishment of a 
single Community.  
3.6.  For industrial products, Community origin is granted if the products are recognized as having 
been manufactured on the territory of CEMAC and if one of the following conditions is met:  
(i) the product is wholly obtained from raw materials of Community origin;  
(ii) Community raw materials account for at least 40 % of the value of the raw materials used; or  
(iii) the local value added is equal to at least 30 % of the ex -factory value.  
 
3.7.  Community origin is certified by means of a movement certificate issued by the customs 
authorities.  
3.8.  To obtain approval, the operator  must submit an application dossier to the Ministry responsible 
for industry or trade, based on a model defined by the CEMAC Commission. A national approval 
committee determines the Community origin of the products in question. Approval is granted at the 
 
2 Common external tariff.  
3 The six member States of CEMAC are members of ECCAS.  WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
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  Community level. To date, only four member States have set up a national accreditation committee: 
Cameroon, CAR, Congo and Gabon.  
3.9.  To date, 960 products have been approved for the CEMAC generalized preferential tariff and 
are circulating freely within the Co mmunity. These products, which have already been approved at 
the Community level, constitute a pool of goods that can circulate freely in ECCAS and in the States 
Parties to the AfCFTA4 agreement.  
3.10.  As part of the accelerated implementation of the AfCFTA pro visions on the free movement of 
products in the States Parties, and in the framework of the reforms to be carried out in the CEMAC 
member States and at the subregional level, it is important to inter alia : 
• further strengthen the capacities of national origin committees, including the competent 
national body responsible for issuing certificates of origin for products eligible for the 
preferential tariff under the AfCFTA;  
• revise Community texts on rules of ori gin and the approval procedure for 
CEMAC -originating products to bring them into line with the provisions of the AfCFTA;  
• strengthen support for the private sector when preparing applications for approval to use 
the preferential tariff.  
3.11.  Furthermore, with a view to tackling the many non -tariff barriers that remain along the 
transport corridors linking the CEMAC member States, on 10  November  2022, the CAEU5 Council of 
Ministers  adopted a regulation laying down the procedures for setting up "juxtaposed" custom s 
offices at the borders of the CEMAC States . The purpose of this regulation is to draw the attention 
of member States to their obligation to set up "juxtaposed" customs offices, in accordance with the 
provisions of the revised CEMAC Customs Code. The aim of this text is to strengthen intra -CEMAC 
trade by promoting cooperation between the agencies present at borders and responsible for joint 
controls on the importation, exportation and transit of goods.  
3.12.  This text is a prerequisite for all other actions to be considered in the context of strengthening 
intra-CEMAC trade. At the same time, the CAEU Council of Ministers also adopted a regulation on 
the creation, organization and operation of the CEMAC joint customs task force  of member States 
operati ng along the inter -State corridors.  
3.13.  The joint task force  is responsible for applying current CEMAC legislation on the free 
movement of people and goods within the CEMAC zone.  
3.14.  Each national branch of the CEMAC joint task force  is responsible for: facilitati ng the free 
movement of people and goods within the CEMAC zone, in particular raw materials and goods 
approved under the CEMAC preferential tariff, as well as nationals of CEMAC countries along the 
corridors linking the six member States; monitoring the ma in inter -state corridors; ensuring the 
protection of border posts and equipment as part of the CEMAC -INTERPOL border security project; 
and controlling migratory flows.  
3.15.  In terms of domestic taxation, a number of harmonized instruments have been adopted sinc e 
the institution of CEMAC, including value added tax (VAT), applicable to locally produced and 
imported goods and services. Each country is free to choose the rate of VAT from an initial range of 
between 15 % and 18 %, increased to 19 % by the revision of 20 11. A zero rate is applicable to 
exports, their accessories and international transport. The VAT directive establishes a list of goods 
and services eligible for exemption. These include raw produce, imports of duty -free goods (as 
provided for in the Custom s Code), certain goods and services considered to be essential, and certain 
pharmaceutical products and medical equipment. The directive prohibits any relief or  exemption 
measure not on this list, including in the form of an incentive to start up a  busines s or to invest. It 
allows countries to introduce a reduced rate of VAT (between 5 % and 10 %) on a limited list of 
essential products.  
3.16.  In practice, individual countries continue to diverge from the CEMAC list. The application of 
VAT is still not uniform acro ss member States, despite the new 2011 directive . The same applies to 
 
4 African Continental Free T rade Area.  
5 Central African Economic Union.  WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
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  the new Directive on Excise Duty, which seeks to harmonize member States' legislation on this topic. 
The revised Directive focuses on three types of products subject to excise duty: toba cco, alcoholic 
beverages and passenger vehicles.  
3.17.  CEMAC has also put in place a framework of harmonized legislation for direct taxation with 
the aim of limiting distortions likely to affect the location of activities and labour among member 
countries, or to  hinder the development of activities within this regional integration zone. Direct 
domestic taxation in the CEMAC region is made up, on the one hand, of corporation tax (IS) and, on 
the other, personal income tax (IRPP). The CEMAC also has a new tax treat y to prevent double 
taxation on income tax adopted by the CAEU Council of Ministers by Regulation 
No.°07/19 -UEAC -010-A-CM-33 of 8  April 2019, revising Act No.°5/66 -UDEAC -49 of 
13 December  1966 on the treaty to prevent double taxation on income tax.6 
3.18.  The n ew treaty: (i) provides taxpayers with greater certainty as to the tax they may be liable 
for another member country; (ii) allocates taxing rights between CEMAC countries so that taxpayers 
are not subject to double taxation; (iii) reduces the risk of exces sive taxation due to high withholding 
taxes; and (iv) ensures that taxpayers will not be subject to discriminatory taxation. It puts in place 
provisions to prevent abuse of the treaty and authorizes the exchange of tax information between 
competent authori ties to prevent tax avoidance and evasion. Lastly, it establishes a mechanism for 
resolving tax disputes between member States.  
3.19.  A customs union is characterized by the removal of barriers to the free movement of goods 
within the customs territory, with the  introduction of a GPT for local products and a CET applicable 
to third -party goods. This gives rise to the concepts of originating products and nationalized products 
having the status of Community goods, eligible for free circulation within the Union and for re -export. 
However, customs regulations in the subregion do not often make provision for re -exportation or 
free circulation. As a result, double taxation continues to occur and the free movement of Community 
goods is sometimes prohibited. Not all membe r States practise free trade, justifying this by the 
absence of a clearing mechanism at the CEMAC level.  
3.20.  Cameroon, CAR and Chad no longer require import licences. However, for reasons of morality, 
health, safety, hygiene, environmental protection and cultu ral heritage, certain imports are subject 
to prior authorization by the competent authorities in all member States. Gabon, Congo and 
Equatorial Guinea continue to require import licences for import operations.  
Exports  
 
3.21.  The export procedure generally begins  once an export declaration has been obtained. 
Depending on the nature of the goods, a health or phytosanitary certificate, an authorization or a 
permit may be required. Then comes the pre -shipment inspection, where appropriate, and the 
collection of expor t receipts. The Community Customs Code allows each member State to set export 
duties and taxes. The duty rates and covered products vary from country to country. Under the new 
CEMAC foreign exchange regulations, all export transactions must be accompanied by a foreign 
exchange commitment document stamped by a domiciliary bank.  
3.22.  The CEMAC Customs Code grants member States the right to establish industrial or 
commercial free zones that exist outside the customs regime. Goods admitted to these zones shall 
be al lowed to undergo operations necessary for their preservation, improve their packaging or 
marketable quality, or to prepare them for shipment. When goods from free zones are brought into 
the CEMAC countries, they benefit from either suspensive arrangements or clearance for home use, 
subject to payment of import duties and taxes. Once again, the situation varies from country to 
country. CAR and Gabon exempt products for export from VAT, while Equatorial Guinea does not. 
In Chad, on the other hand, exports are  generally exempt from VAT, with the exception of petroleum 
products and livestock. Lastly, in Cameroon, a large list of industrial products are exempt, as are 
operations carried out by companies approved for the Industrial Free Zone scheme.  
3.23.  With the excep tion of Equatorial Guinea, which subsidizes agricultural inputs to support cocoa 
producers, no CEMAC country provides export subsidies. However, the various forms of support 
 
6 Personal income tax.  WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
- 12 - 
  available to exporting companies based in special economic zones (such as that of Nkok in Gabon) 
can rightly be considered as indirect subsidies.  
3.24.  To conclude on this point, it should be noted that the CEMAC countries apply the various 
international conventions on the protection of the environment and certain protected species, such 
as young bulls and heifers, ivory tusks, sea turtles, primates and species listed in Appendix 1 of 
CITES (Gabon). Gabon bans the export of rough wood to encourage local processing, while 
Cameroon and Congo ban the export of scrap metal, ferrous and non -ferrous  metal waste for local 
processing.  
3.25.  Only Cameroon and Congo have an export surtax. In Cameroon, the surtax rate is between 
CFAF 500 and CFAF  4,000 per m3, and applies to three varieties of timber, including ayous. In Congo, 
a surtax of 30 % is applied to ope rators who export more than 15 % of their production. This measure 
is designed to discourage the export of rough wood and encourage investment in primary and 
secondary wood processing.  
3.26.  With regard to the export of rough wood by CEMAC countries, only Gabon h as adopted and 
strictly applied a measure banning the export of rough wood, a measure that has been in place for 
many years. This has had the effect of boosting the primary wood processing sector, with the 
installation of numerous units for producing rotar y cuts of timber, mainly in the Nkok special 
economic zone, which have created numerous jobs and industrial added value. The CEMAC 
Commission has made the sustainable industrialization of the timber sector in the Congo Basin a top 
priority in order to effe ctively support its member States in their economic diversification process, 
and to promote their integration into the global economy, while noting a number of major paradoxes 
and challenges. In order to industrialize this sector while respecting ecosystem s, the Commission 
has carried out far -reaching reforms, including production -related forest tax incentives, 
export -related forest tax incentives for processed wood products, and sustainable forest 
management, including support measures. This meant that a r egional rough wood export ban had 
to be introduced. To this end, the Council of Ministers of the Central African Economic Union (CAEU) 
adopted Decision No.  05/21/ -CEMAC -UEAC -CM-36, which established a ban on the export of rough 
tropical timber from 1  Janua ry 2023. This decision was taken in order to extend Gabon's positive 
experience to all CEMAC countries. However, in view of the financial effects and risks within our 
member States, the Council, at its 38th session held on 28  October  2022 in Yaoundé, suspe nded the 
entry into force of this decision and instructed the CEMAC Commission to consult the ministers of 
the Regional Committee for the Industrialization of the Timber Sector (CRIB) in order to re -examine 
the decision, and to propose an update of the roa d map for the implementation of the strategy for 
the Sustainable Industrialization of the Timber Sector in the Congo Basin. With a view to 
re-examining this decision, the CEMAC Commission, with the support of its technical and financial 
partners, notably t he African Development Bank (AfDB), decided it would be useful to carry out a 
regional study, with country -by-country breakdowns, to highlight the potential effects on and risks 
for the economies of the Congo Basin States, in particular on forest taxes and  regional economic 
performance.  
3.27.  The provisional and preliminary results of this study were validated during a workshop held 
on 21  March  2023 by videoconference. The results show that for all the countries covered by the 
study (Cameroon, Congo, Equatorial G uinea, Democratic Republic of the Congo and CAR), and if 
extended to the other CEMAC countries, strict application of the measure would have a greater 
negative impact on the economy than a gradual ban phased in over three years, with export quotas 
of 20% in the first year, 10 % in the second and 5 % in the third.  
3.28.  An upcoming meeting of CRIB ministers is expected to adopt, among other things, the impact 
studies and the new decision providing for a gradual ban, in addition to validating the updated road 
map. A meeting of CRIB ministers is scheduled to be held in the next few day to adopt, among other 
things, the impact studies and the new decision providing for a gradual three -year ban on the export 
of rough tropical timber, with export quotas of 20 % in the first year, 10 % in the second year and 
5% in the third, from 1  January  2024, in addition to validating the updated road map for the 
implementation of the Strategy for the Sustainable Industrialization of the Timber Sector in the 
Congo Basin, all of  which will then be submitted to the CAEU Council of Ministers for adoption  WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
- 13 - 
  Production and trade  
 
3.29.  International trade and standards are indissociable. However, the culture of standardi zation 
and quality is not yet sufficiently grounded in the subregion, wh ich has very limited capacity in 
phytosanitary matters and food safety, in relation to the SPS Agreement7, particularly on the 
principle of risk analysis in accordance with international standards. There are still many deficiencies 
in phytosanitary contro l, both for imported products and those intended for export, due to a lack of 
inspectors to ensure quality control. Moreover, laboratory infrastructure is still underdeveloped in all 
countries, except in Cameroon.  
3.30.  Under -equipped testing and analysis labora tories are not up to international standards. The 
analyses carried out by these laboratories are limited to basic tests. Coupled with the inadequate 
regional metrology infrastructure, this situation explains the low number of ISO certified CEMAC 
companies (ISO 9001 and ISO  14001). It also undermines the competitiveness of companies that 
have to pay for the expertise of international laboratories to ensure that their products meet the 
requirements of the international market. Lastly, it undermines industry, which is penali zed by 
imports that are not subject to appropriate technical controls and by the fact that their products do 
not meet the requirements of organi zed international markets. There are still major inequalities 
within the Community between countr ies such as Cameroon and Gabon, which have made more 
progress on certain aspects (development of standards, national standards institutions, laboratories, 
etc.), and others.  
3.31.  In principle, the prices of products and services result from the meeting of suppl y and demand 
in a liberali zed economy. In CEMAC, prices are set based on the law of the market in all countries, 
with the exception of certain products and services for which prices are administered, approved or 
even capped. This practice is therefore comm on, but does not apply to the same range of products 
everywhere else. Gabon has the largest basket of approved prices, with 166 products, followed by 
Equatorial Guinea (68), CAR (30), Cameroon (22), Congo (16) and Chad (7).  
3.32.  As far as investment is concerned, the CEMAC Investment Charter, adopted in 1999, reaffirms 
the commitment of the States to create a business -friendly environment by implementing 
competition regulations, protecting intellectual property and developing serv ices to support the 
strengthening of productivity and competitiveness . It reaffirms the commitment by the States to 
create a business -friendly environment by implementing competition regulations, protecting 
intellectual property and developing support serv ices to improve productivity and competitiveness. 
In the Charter, States undertook to grant foreign investment the same treatment as domestic 
investment. They recall their commitment to the OHADA  Treaty, undertake to adapt their national 
law and judicial p olicy to its rules and provisions, and guarantee the application of the procedures 
and rulings issued by its judicial bodies. As a result, national investment charters have been drawn 
up in all Member States, in particular Cameroon (2002), CAR (2018), Cong o (2003), Chad (2008) 
and Gabon (1998).  
3.33.  The same is true of the sectoral investment codes that all the Member States have adopted 
to promote the judicious exploitation of these sectors, for which they have more or less abundant 
resources. These include the  mining, oil, gas, forestry, hydrocarbons, environment, fisheries and 
aquaculture, and water codes.  
3.34.  The Community Charter is currently being revised to bring it into line with regional 
developments.  
3.35.  The conditions for doing business differ significantly fr om one CEMAC country to another. They 
appear to be more numerous in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea than in CAR, Cameroon and Congo. 
However, all countries have a single window and/or a centre for business formalities, where most of 
the government departments from which the required documents are obtained are concentrated, 
which ultimately helps to shorten the time it takes to set up a business.  
3.36.  It should be noted that a directive of the CAEU  Council of Ministers adopted on 
28 December  2021 harmoni zes the condi tions for doing business in CEMAC.  
 
7 Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement.  WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
- 14 - 
  3.37.  As a result of this Community directive, doing business is free within CEMAC. However, any 
natural or legal person from outside CEMAC wishing to do business must be authori zed or approved 
by the competent national authori ty of the Member State concerned.  
3.38.  The authori zation or approval dossier must include the essential document or formality, which 
is registration in the Commercial and Personal Property Credit Register in accordance with the laws 
and regulations in force in the Member State concerned.  
3.39.  The challenge is to ensure that all Member States comply with the provisions of this directive 
by effectively incorporating it into their domestic legal systems and guaranteeing compliance.  
3.40.  In all CEMAC countries, the law govern ing commercial activity provides for prohibitions and 
incompatibilities with the exercise of such activities in accordance with the provisions of OHADA law. 
This law provides for a list of prohibited or banned goods in accordance with the CEMAC Customs 
Code, but the list of prohibited products differs from country to country.  
3.41.  Foreign trade covers both goods and services. According to the WTO General Agreement on 
Trade in Services (GATS), the nomenclature of activities8 comprises 12 service sectors and 164 
subsectors, few of which are regulated by CEMAC Member States. However, some countries 
(Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, CAR) have a wider range of laws and regulations than others. In view of 
the increasingly important role played by services in the Community's ec onomic activity, standards 
and policy harmoni zation measures have been adopted in recent years in specific and promising 
service sectors. The main sectors are finance and insurance, transport, trade, education, investment 
and the liberal professions.  
3.42.  This harmoni zation effort has continued in order to create a common market for services in 
CEMAC, with the adoption in December  2021 of a Directive establishing the general provisions 
enabling freedom of establishment of service providers and the free movement of services while 
guaranteeing a high level of quality for services. This in addition to the adoption by the CEAU  Council 
of Ministers on 28  December  2021 of 8 sectoral texts on the following services related to:  
• freedom of movement and establishment of to urist agencies and the organi zation of travel 
by a national of a Member State established in the territory of another CEMAC Member 
State;  
• freedom of movement and establishment of lawyers who are nationals of 
CEMAC  countries;  
• freedom of movement and establi shment of private nurseries, primary, secondary, higher 
or vocational education establishments by a national of a Member State established on the 
territory of another CEMAC Member State;  
• freedom of movement and establishment of pharmacists from CEMAC count ries; 
• freedom of movement and establishment of midwives and reproductive health nurses who 
are nationals of CEMAC countries;  
• freedom of movement and establishment of private health training delivery by a national 
of a Member State established on the territ ory of another CEMAC Member State;  
• freedom of movement and establishment of architects who are nationals of 
CEMAC  countries;  
• freedom of movement and establishment of dentists who are nationals of 
CEMAC  countries.  
3.43.  Equatorial Guinea (2008), Cameroon (2010), Gabon (2021) and CAR (2022) all have 
e-commerce legislation. Similar legislation is in the process of being adopted in the Congo. The same 
applies to consumer protection laws, which exist in Cameroon (2011), Chad (2015) and CAR (2016), 
and are in the proce ss of being approved in the Congo and drafted in Gabon.  
3.44.  With regard to competition, the relevant national regulations are based on the regional 
regulations that were revised in 2019. National competition laws define the conditions under which 
competition c an be exerci zed on the domestic market. They provide a framework for anti -competitive 
practices, infringements and penalties, procedures for detecting and prosecuting infringements, and 
 
8 Nomenclature MTN.GNS/W/120.  WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
- 15 - 
  establish the National Competition Commissions. The law exists in Came roon (1998), Gabon (1998), 
Chad (2014) and CAR (2016). It is currently being passed in Congo and drafted in Equatorial Guinea.  
3.45.  It is important to pursue the efforts undertaken at the Community and Member State level 
for the implementation of Community regu lations and national laws on competition, including the 
strengthening of the capacities of Community and national competition authorities with a view to 
the effective application of Community regulations and the AfCFTA Protocol on Competition.  
3.46.  In addition,  the national government procurement codes are based on the regional regulations 
adopted in 1999 and revised in 2019. All CEMAC countries have a government procurement code, 
like Chad (2003), which is currently being revised, Cameroon (2004), CAR  (2008), C ongo (2023), 
Gabon (2018) and Equatorial Guinea (a 2007 decree creating the autonomous public entity for 
Equatorial Guinea projects, GE -PROYETOS).  
3.47.  The same trend can be observed for production subsidies in general and the agro -pastoral 
sector in particular . All Member States provide direct or indirect production subsidies, except Chad. 
Gabon supports its agricultural sector through the Graine programme, while Guinea subsidi zes 
fertilizers for cocoa producers and grants subsidi zed interest rates to SMEs. In the Congo, support 
measures are granted through the Agricultural Support Fund. The CAR provides support for cotton 
and coffee producers. Finally, in Cameroon, the government has undertaken to reform the policy of 
support for the agricultural secto r by Order No.  068/PM of 28  August  2019 approving and 
implementing the manual of procedures for granting subsidies for agricultural inputs and equipment 
in Cameroon. The new policy is based on six guiding principles for granting agricultural subsidies: 
(i) fairness; (ii) transparency; (iii) involvement and accountability of beneficiaries; (iv) neutrality 
and impartiality; (v) traceability; (vi) strengthening the private sector and civil society. It puts an 
end to the free support that characteri zed the old policy, by introducing a system of electronic 
vouchers representing a partial subsidy to producers for the purchase of inputs, equipment and 
pesticides. In addition, the government has decided to reduce customs duties on imported 
agricultural equipment, fe rtilisers and pesticides.  
3.48.  On another level, the transit of goods through customs is one of the cornerstones of regional 
integration, both for landlocked countries and for serving regions located far from port or airport 
centres. But it remains complex and costly in terms of time and money. The consequences of this 
situation are numerous for carriers (multiple complications, increased transit time, higher transport 
costs), for administrations (reduced competitiveness of economies, deterioration in terms of t rade, 
customs fraud, lower customs revenue) and for the population (higher prices, worsening poverty). 
Goods in transit must be declared and must be covered by a bond valid in all the States. Where 
non-prohibited goods are concerned, instead of a bond it i s possible to deposit the duties and taxes, 
which are refunded upon presentation of a certificate of release, issued by the consular authorities 
of the Member States or by the customs authorities in the country of destination.  
3.49.  Lastly, since 2017, only Came roon has put in place a trade defence mechanism through an 
Anti-Dumping and Subsidies Committee responsible for conducting investigations with a view to 
imposing anti -dumping measures, countervailing measures in the event of harmful subsidies and 
safeguard  measures to deal with sudden surges in imports that might threaten local production. The 
Committee in question will continue its work in 2023, in particular by drawing up various guides and 
procedural manuals, as well as raising awareness in the private s ector of the existence and 
importance of this important trade defence tool.  
3.50.  The other Member States have no specific trade defence measures, and all apply the WTO's 
multilateral legislation. They can refer to Article 22 of the CEAU  Convention, which states  that in the 
event of a sudden economic crisis affecting in particular the balance of payments, a Member State 
may "as a precaution, take  the safeguard measures that are indispensable ". However, the measures 
must have only a minimal distorting effect on t he operation of the common market, not last for more 
than six months (possibly renewable), and be endorsed by the Council of Ministers. The latter may 
also decide to amend, suspend or abolish them.  
3.51.  However, it is common practice for CEMAC Member States not to respect this deadline and to 
maintain waivers from Community rules for a longer period. It is therefore important to ensure that 
Member States are reminded of the imperative need to respect the deadlines laid down in the 
decisions authorising waivers of Community provisions.  WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
- 16 - 
  3.52.  Finally, it is important to note that at the CEMAC level, on 10  November  2022, the CEAU  
Council of Ministers adopted a directive that sets out the terms and conditions for th e publication of 
import, export, transit and appeal procedures on the websites of the customs administrations of the 
Member States, in accordance with the provisions of Article 71 of the CEMAC Customs Code. 
However, other public notification methods provid ed for by the national laws of the Member States 
remain in force. Member States shall take the necessary steps to ensure that the procedures 
provided for in this Directive are published by 31  December  2023 at the latest.  
3.53.  It is desirable that Member States take the appropriate measures within the above -mentioned 
time frame, with a view to complying with this Community directive, which will contribute to a better 
understanding by the private sector, and indeed by all users, of the procedures relating to impor t, 
export, transit and appeals. This directive will undoubtedly help to facilitate intra -Community, 
continental and international trade.  
4  CONCLUSION  
4.1.  In the doctrinal approach to economic integration, the common market  is a crucial stage. It 
establishes the elimination of tariff and non -tariff barriers to trade between States, the unification 
of the regional customs territory and trade policy with third countries, and the free movement of 
people and capital (the 4 freedoms). Regional trade integration should generate both static effects 
(creation and diversion of trade, intensification of intra -zone trade, lower prices for originating 
products, changes in the structure of tax revenues) and dynamic effects (economies of scale, 
competition, changes in the terms of trade, better input endowment, etc.).  
4.2.  CEMAC has been a free trade area since 1998, with the application of a generali zed preferential 
tariff (GPT) to trade in originating products. But the CEMAC customs union is imperfect, due to the 
absence of free cir culation. Added to this are various inefficiencies caused by (i) rate distortions for 
many everyday consumer products, and (ii) the multiplication of duty exemptions granted by certain 
States, in application of national codes governing oil, mining and fore stry activities. The challenges 
faced by CEMAC in achieving its customs union hamper the vital task of bringing the region into line 
with other regional integration areas on the continent, and to positioning Central Africa in the 
convergence strategy defin ed by the African Union.  
4.3.  Some progress has been made in recent years towards trade integration within CEMAC. The 
most significant improvements concern Community  rules of origin , with the definition and 
implementation of a new mechanism for evaluating origi n and an oversight body; competition , with 
the definition and operationali zation of a regional institutional mechanism to combat anti -competitive 
practices; and port taxation , with the revision of the Customs Code in line with the Harmoni zed 
Commodity Codi ng System (HS) of 2022.  
4.4.  Significant progress has also been made in the area of domestic taxation, with the revision of 
the VAT Directive (2011), the Excise Duty Directive (2019), and the harmonisation of the Statistical 
and Fiscal Declaration (DSF ) with th e OHADA accounting law. The adoption of a Central  African 
quality action plan and a new transit procedure  are also significant steps towards strengthening the 
common market. Like the gradual implementation of the common market in services  through the 
adopt ion of a basic text and 8 sectoral texts, there has also been a consolidation of the gains made 
in terms of the movement of capital, with the implementation of the SYGMA and SYSTAC modules 
of the project to modernise payment systems, the gradual introducti on of electronic payments by 
approved banks, and significant progress in terms of the free movement of persons, which has been 
fully integrated since 2017.  
4.5.  With regard to the customs component, despite considerable progress, the persistence of 
double taxat ion (absence of free circulation), non -compliance by Member States with the CET 
resulting in uneven application, and the difficulty of applying the transaction value were noted. And 
this although CEMAC has a solid legislative framework. The Community Custo ms Code, which was 
revised in 2019, provides Member States with all the tools they need to operate in a free trade area.  
4.6.  The macroeconomic outlook for CEMAC in 2023 is broadly stable. It is based on the continued 
buoyancy of activity in the non -oil sector,  despite the virtual stagnation of activity in the oil and gas 
sector.  WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
- 17 - 
  4.7.  Despite the challenges that remain in implementing Community texts on trade policy, it is clear 
that a number of advancements have been made in recent years in the area of trade integra tion 
within CEMAC. However, this progress should be consolidated in a regional strategy backed up by 
an action plan comprising different priority -based phases, as well as a substantial funding plan. This 
strategy should take into account the challenges and  measures identified above, as well as the 
various priority components described in the national development strategies and be considered in 
the national and Community strategies for implementing the AfCFTA.  
4.8.  Significant progress has also been made in imple menting the 2017 -22 operational plan for 
CEMAC's Regional Economic Programme (PER), with the launch of the Centres of Excellence 
programme to strengthen training in CEMAC, and having secured the remaining funding for 8 of the 
11 priority infrastructure pro jects, following the success of a donors' round table held in Paris in 
November  2023. Work has indeed started. The second cycle of this CEMAC  2023-28 programme of 
priority integrated projects comprises 12 projects relating to transport, electricity and 
telecommunications infrastructure. As part of its financing strategy, and building on its previous 
success, CEMAC plans to organise a round table of donors in Paris in November  2023.  WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
- 18 - 
  REPORT BY CEMAC  
1  BACKGROUND  
1.1.  The Common Report for the second group review of the trade policies of CEMAC  States that 
are Members of the WTO has been prepared within a particular subregional and international context.  
1.2.  At the international level , the global economy slowed sharply in 2022, due to rising 
inflationary pressures and the resurgence of the COVID -19 epidemic in China, as well as 
uncertainties linked to geopolitical factors, in particular the war in Ukraine . Real GDP growth is 
estimated at 3.4 % in 2022, compared with +6.1 % in 2021 and -3.1% in 2020, according to 
IMF forecasts . By geographical zone, the growth rate in the advanced economies is expected to be 
2.7% in 2022, compared with +5.2 % and -4.5% in 2021 and 2020 respectively . In emerging and 
developing countries, real GDP growth should be +3.9 % in 2022, following a spike of 6. 8% in 2021 
and a recession of -2% in 2020 . In sub -Saharan Africa, real GDP growth is expected to rise to 3.8 % 
in 2022, after increasing to 4.6 % in 2021 and contracting by 1.7 % in 2020.  
1.3.  The global economy continues to feel the effects of the shocks observed  during 2022, which 
are slowing growth and could weigh in on the short -term outlook . The Russia -Ukraine conflict 
continues to disrupt the energy and food commodities markets . Energy prices remained volatile . In 
the major advanced economies, rate hikes by t he Central Banks to counter inflation, together with 
the war in Ukraine, are likely to contribute to a slowdown in economic activity during 2023.  
1.4.  The IMF expects global growth to slow to 2.9 % in 2023, followed by an upturn to 3.1 % in 2024.  
1.5.  At the subregion al level , the economy recovered significantly in 2022, more than in 2021, 
following a recession in 2020 . Real GDP growth rose to +2.9 % in 2022, compared with +1.7 % in 
2021 and -1.7% in 2020, according to the BEAC1, driven mainly by a rebound in the oil se ctor, 
despite a slowdown in non -oil sector growth . The 2020 recession, linked to COVID -19, marks an end 
to the upturn in economic growth that began in 2017 (+0.7 %) and continued in 2018 (+1.8 %) and 
2019 (2 %). The outlook for economic activity in 2022 is mixed . Sluggish domestic demand due to 
inflationary pressures, the ongoing impact of the Russia -Ukraine conflict , and disruptions to global 
supply chains are likely to have a negative impact on activity in the CEMAC region . Conversely , 
forestry, mining and  gas activities should continue to provide solid support for growth in the 
subregion.  
1.6.  For 2023, the BEAC forecasts a real GDP growth rate of +2.7 %, driven mainly by the dynamic 
non-oil sector (+3.3 % in 2023 compared with 3.4 % in 2022), an acceleration in i nflationary 
pressures to +6.4 % in 2023, compared with 5.6 % in 2022 and +1.6 % in 2021, a deterioration in 
public finances with a fall in the overall budget balance surplus, including grants, from +2.5 % of 
GDP in 2022 to +1.9 % in 2023.  
1.7.  With the exception of Cameroon and CAR, economic growth has improved in all CEMAC 
countries in 2022 compared to 2021, with good prospects in 2023, except for Equatorial Guinea . In 
Cameroon, growth is estimated at +3.4 % in 2022, compared with +3.6 % in 2021 and +0.5 % in 
2020, and  is projected at +3.3 % in 2023 . In the Central African Republic, real GDP growth is 
estimated at +0.6 % in 2022, compared with +1.1 % in 2021 and 0.6 % in 2020 . The CAR and 
Cameroon are the only two countries in the subregion not to have experienced a recessi on in 2020.  
1.8.  By contrast, Congo was in recession in 2020 ( -6.1%) and in 2021 ( -1.5%). Growth is estimated 
at +2.2 % in 2022 and projected at +2.7 % in 2023 . Chad was also in recession in 2020 ( -2.2%) and 
2021 ( -0.5%). Growth is estimated at 2.5 % in 2022 and p rojected at 5 % in 2023 . The outlook for 
growth in 2023 is therefore more favourable in Chad, Cameroon, Congo and Gabon than in the other 
countries, particularly Equatorial Guinea ( -2.2%), which is likely to be in recession . The table below 
summari zes the situation.  
 
1 Bank of Central African States.  WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
- 19 - 
  Table 1 : Real GDP growth rate  
(%) 
Country  2020  2021  2022  
(estimate ) 2023  
(forecast)  
Cameroon  0.5 3.6 3.4 3.3 
CAR 0.6 1.1 0.6 1.4 
Congo  -6.1 -1.5 2.2 2.7 
Gabon  -1.8 1.6 2.7 2.7 
Equatorial Guinea  -4.6 0.9 3.0 -2.2 
Chad  -2.2 -0.5 2.5 5.0 
CEMAC  -1.7 1.7 329 2.7 
Source:  BEAC.  
1.9.  This is the context in which this Common Report, as part of the second group review of  the 
trade policies of CEMAC  States that are Members of the WTO has been prepared . This report takes 
stock of the common economic environment and CEMAC's  achievements with respect to trade and 
sectoral policies, while describing the challenges still to be faced in these areas . It also provides an 
overview of the macroeconomic, trade and industrial outlooks and the implementation of the 
Regional Economic Pr ogramme (REP) adopted by CEMAC's decision -making bodies, including the 
REP's components, agenda and implementation strategy.  
2  COMMON ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  
2.1  Main features  
2.1.  CEMAC represents a market of 60.6  million  people in 2022 (including Equatorial Guinea, wh ich 
is not yet a Member of the WTO) spread over an area of more than 3  million  km2. Nearly half of  this 
market (45.8 %) is located in Cameroon, which is also responsible for a substantial proportion of 
regional GDP (42.9 %). 
Table 2 : Population and nominal G DP of CEMAC countries  
Country  Population in 2022 
(estimate)  Nominal GDP in 2022 
(estimate in  billion s 
of CFAF)  Nominal GDP in 2023 
(forecast in  billion s of 
CFAF)  
Cameroon  27,800,000  28,122  30,004  
Central African Republic  6,100,000  1,467  1,630  
Congo  5,610,000  10,553  10,119  
Gabon  2,200,000  12,275  11,986  
Equatorial Guinea  1,635,466  8,561  7,887  
Chad  17,274,363  7,807  8,209  
CEMAC  60,619,829  68,788  69,835  
Source:  BEAC for nominal GDP.  
2.2.  The CEMAC  countries form a heterogeneous group, in terms of both level of development and  
economic structure . The Central African Republic and Chad, landlocked countries of the subregion, 
belong to the "least developed countries" (LDCs) group and are also classifie d as "low-income 
countries" on the basis of the gross national income per capita . Cameroon, the Republic of the Congo, 
Equatorial Guinea and Gabon are all middle -income countries (with Gabon in the top bracket) . More 
than half the population of CEMAC countries live in rural areas . The economies are generally highly 
dependent on the oil sector, with the exception of the Central African Republic and Cameroon.  
2.2  Monetary and foreign exchange policy  
2.3.  The new foreign exchange regulations2 follow on from existing regulations, which were not 
sufficiently applied by all member countries of the Community . With these new regulations, CEMAC, 
which previously adopted a rather lenient approach, is putting in place a m ore restrictive framework 
and incorporating modern elements . The new regulations are part of an intermediate approach, as 
they are set to evolve over the coming years . This transitional nature poses some difficulty for 
 
2 Regulation No. 02/18/UMAC/CM of 21 December 2018 on foreign exchange regulations a nd Instruction 
No. 014/GR/2019 of 10 June 2019 on the rules and procedures for establishing breaches of foreign exchange 
regulations and the implementation of related penalties.  WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
- 20 - 
  companies wishing to apply it . The pr imary objective of this tax review is to adapt the rules to 
changes in the economic and financial environment, such as new means of payment, money transfer 
agencies, the fight against money laundering, etc. T he second objective is to clarify the role of th e 
various bodies involved in monitoring and controlling operations (BEAC, COBAC, etc.).  
2.4.  Finally, the new regulations aim to strengthen the role of approved intermediaries.  
2.5.  The principle of prohibition applies to the opening of foreign currency accounts by legal entities 
resident inside or outside CEMAC, unless they have authori zation from the Bank of Central African 
States (BEAC) . On the other hand, legal entities not resident within CEMAC may open foreign 
currency accounts, subject to subsequent notificati on to the BEAC . Legal entities resident in CEMAC 
are free to obtain loans outside the zone . However, this freedom is subject to restrictions, as there 
are obligations to make declarations before or after the  loan is granted or repaid depending on the 
case. 
2.6.  Loans from non -residents by entities (subsidiaries or branches) resident within CEMAC must 
be declared 30 days before they are disbursed by the borrower to the Minister of Finance and the 
Central Bank . It should be noted that issuance of securities outsid e CEMAC by resident entities are 
treated as loans . They are therefore subject to the same administrative obligations . Conversely, 
loans granted to non -residents by residents of the CEMAC zone are subject to prior authori zation by 
the BEAC.  
2.7.  Finally, with re gard to direct investments, the new foreign exchange regulations provide for the 
application of reporting obligations in the case of direct investment, corresponding to a holding in 
the capital of a company exceeding 10 %. Foreign direct investment in CEMAC  must be declared 
30 days before it takes place . Similarly, investments corresponding to a capital increase resulting 
from the reinvestment of retained profits must be declared within 30 days of the transaction.  
On foreign trade transactions, import and ex port of goods.  
 
2.8.  All transactions relating to the export of goods are to be declared to the relevant administrative 
authorities . Transactions relating to exports with a value of C FAF 5 million  or more must be domiciled 
with a CEMAC credit institution . All exports of goods are subject to an export declaration to the 
customs administration, the authori zed entity or the competent authority, and to a firm foreign 
exchange commitment, which obliges the exporter to repatriate and transfer the related revenues 
within the applicable regulatory deadlines . The exporter has a maximum of 150 days from the 
effective date of export to collect and repatriate export proceeds resulting from firm sales . Revenues 
from the goods are collected and repatriated by the exporter thr ough his/her domiciliary bank via 
the central bank.  
2.9.  Imports of goods into the CEMAC area are free, with the exception of gold and other goods 
subject to specific regulations for reasons of public morality, public order, public safety, the 
protection of hum an or animal life or health, the preservation of plants, the protection of cultural, 
historical or archaeological heritage, and the protection of intellectual property . All imports of goods 
must be declared to the customs authorities or their equivalent . Imports of goods for an amount 
equal to or greater than C FAF 5 million  must be domiciled with a credit institution in the country of 
final destination.  
2.10.  Residents are free to hold, buy or sell gold and precious stones in any form within the 
CEMAC  area, subje ct to compliance with the regulations in force . The import and export of gold and 
precious stones are subject to prior authori zation by the competent technical authorities.  
2.11.  As part of the reform of the region's economies, contained in the PREF -CEMAC3, the BEAC 
has introduced new regulations by strengthening regulation, and has organi zed the issuance of 
securities on the CEMAC capital market . For example, if the value of the securities issued is less than 
CFAF 50 million , those involved in the transaction a re now required to declare it fifteen (15) days 
before it starts.  
 
3 CEMAC economic and financial reform programme.  WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
- 21 - 
  2.12.  Prior authori zation from the BEAC is required for transactions in excess of C FAF 50 million. 
The transfer of funds collected by issuers of securities not incorporated in the CEMAC zone is al so 
subject to authori zation. For the transaction itself, the deadline is thirty (30) days, plus ten (10)  days 
for authori zation of the transfer of funds.  
2.13.  The tightening of regulations is in addition to the prior approval procedure, which must be 
carried ou t by the Financial Markets Supervisory Commission . The tightening of the regulatory 
framework can be understood as a willingness to protect the zone's foreign exchange reserves.  
2.14.  According to the BEAC, foreign exchange reserves will reach C FAF 6,464.7  billion by the end 
of 2022, up by 37.2 % year-on-year. The level of reserves in months of imports of goods and services 
are set to increase to 3.92 in 2022, up from 3.7 in 2021 . This was mainly due to a smaller increase 
in imports of goods and services (+29.5 %) than in foreign exchange reserves (+37.2 %). 
2.3  Recent Economic Developments  
2.15.  The economic situation is marked by the continued implementation of exceptional budgetary 
and prudential measures taken to deal with the crisis caused by the COVID -19 pandemic, and th e 
conclusion by four CEMAC countries (Cameroon, Congo, Gabon and Chad) of a second -generation 
programme with the IMF . All this against a backdrop of continuing security measures in the 
Lake Chad Basin and the Central African Republic, as well as the security crisis in the North -West 
and South -West regions of Cameroon, resulting in increased security spending and an influx of 
refugees and displaced persons.  
2.16.  The average annual inflation rate in the subregion jumped to 5.6 % in 2022, from 1.7 % in 
2021, at tributable to both external and internal factors . Externally, imported food inflation has risen, 
linked to persistent global tensions in the wake of the Russia -Ukraine conflict, which have contributed 
to higher prices of cereals, oilseeds and sea freight . Rising prices of raw materials and agricultural 
inputs, including fertili zers, energy and building materials, have accentuated this trend . On the 
domestic front, inflation was mainly due to climatic shocks, which had a negative impact on domestic 
food supp ly, while the unavailability of fertili zers, due to their high cost, had a negative impact on 
crop yields in the subregion . Price controls, tighter monetary conditions and sluggish demand were 
factors that certainly helped temper inflationary pressures.  
2.17.  The management of public finances was also marked by the continued implementation of 
exceptional measures taken to deal with the crisis caused by the COVID -19 pandemic . However, 
thanks to the recovery in oil prices and the increase in non -oil revenues follow ing the upturn in 
economic activity, the overall budget balance, including grants, was in surplus by +2.5 % of GDP in 
2022, compared with a deficit of 1.3 % of GDP in 2021 and 2 % in 2020.  
2.18.  With regard to external trade, the situation is characteri zed by a cle ar improvement in the 
external current account, with a surplus of +7.4 % of GDP in 2022, compared with a deficit of -0.6% 
of GDP in 2021, benefiting from a strong improvement in the trade balance and a consequent 
improvement in terms of trade . In fact, the surplus on the balance of trade jumped by 57.6 % to 
CFAF 11,146 billion  in 2022 compared with 2021, while the deficit on the balance of services was 
only C FAF 3,871 billion  in 2022, and the capital account was in credit by C FAF 201 billion  in 2022.  
2.19.  The mone tary situation at the end of December  2022 was marked by : (i) a strong 
consolidation of the monetary system's net external assets, which doubled to C FAF 2,864 billion; 
(ii) an increase in foreign exchange reserves, which reached C FAF 6,854 billion  compared  with 
CFAF 4,711 billion  in 2021, and represented around 4.68 months of imports of goods and services ; 
(iii) a deceleration in the monetary system's net claims on CEMAC States ; and (iv) an increase in 
loans to the economy, which rose from C FAF 9,199.5  billion to CFAF 9,912.3  billion . 
2.20.  The macroeconomic outlook for CEMAC in 2023 is stable overall . This is based on continued 
buoyant activity in the non -oil sector . Growth is therefore expected to fall from 2.9 % in 2022 to 
2.7% in 2023, driven mainly by : (i) non -oil sector growth (3.3 % in 2023 compared with 3.4 % in 
2022), (ii) an acceleration in inflationary pressures to +6.4 % in 2023 compared with 5.6 % a year 
earlier, (iii) a surplus in the overall budget balance, including gra nts, down slightly from +2.5 % of 
GDP in 2022 to +1.9 % of GDP in 2023, and (iv) a deterioration in the current account balance, which 
is expected to contract to +0.9 % of GDP in 2023 from +7.4 % in 2022.  WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
- 22 - 
  2.21.  On the monetary front, money supply is forecast to grow  by 9.9 %, while net foreign assets 
are set to jump by 25 %. Foreign exchange reserves are expected to rise by 11.5 % to 
CFAF 7,992 billion  by the end of 2023, giving a currency cover rate of 77 %, compared with 73.1 % 
in December  2022. In terms of months of im ports of goods and services, reserves are expected to 
rise to 4.9 in 2023 from 3.9 in 2022.  
2.22.  To support the subregion's economic and monetary policy and diagnose in greater detail the  
economic and financial development of the Community, CEMAC has establishe d a multilateral 
surveillance mechanism based on the following indicators : the primary fiscal balance ; the external 
coverage ratio for the currency ; the tax burden ; the comparative variation of the public wage bill 
and government revenue ; and the current a ccount deficit . In addition, in order to ensure that 
national budgetary policies are consistent with the common monetary policy, a number of 
macroeconomic variables are assessed at least twice a year to determine the state of economic 
convergence in the Co mmunity . These four macroeconomic variables are known as convergence 
criteria . They were renewed in 2016 as part of the reform of the multilateral surveillance system in 
the CEMAC zone . The new surveillance mechanism, which came into force on  1 January 2017, is 
designed to encourage Member States to implement counter -cyclical fiscal policies.  
2.23.  In 2020 and 2021, the community as a whole observed the same convergence criteria, those 
relating to debt and inflation . All countries except Gabon met two out of four  convergence criteria 
in 2020 . Cameroon and CAR met the debt and inflation criteria, while Congo met the budget balance 
and inflation criteria . Gabon, for its part, observed a single convergence criterion, that of inflation.  
2.24.  In 2021, Equatorial Guinea met three of the four convergence criteria, with the exception of 
the one relating to the absence of payment arrears . Cameroon and Chad met two criteria, relating 
to inflation and indebtedness . Finally, Gabon and CAR each observed a single convergen ce criterion, 
debt for CAR and inflation for Gabon.  
2.25.  In 2017 and 2018, CEMAC produced two trade situation reports, with a retrospective analysis 
of 2014, 2015 and 2016 . The main results of these notes are summari zed in the tables below.  
Table 3 : CEMAC  trade in goods balance , 2014 -18 
(CFAF  million ) 
 2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  
Exports  
- Cameroon  
- Gabon  
- Congo  
- EG 
- CAR 
- Chad   
2,558,391  
4,364,519  
2,373,012  
6,418,968  
11,080  
1,484,900   
2,399,752  
3,144,935  
2,012,098  
3,916,105  
59,450  
1,288,510   
1,959,676  
2,203,616  
1,498,497  
2,737,139  
77,010  
975,360   
1,881,935  
2,539,760  
2,434,070  
3,095,259  
40,730  
1,123,020   
2,112,338  
3,043,219  
5,358,387  
3,659,558  
59,149  
1,762,100  
Total CEMAC  17,210,870  12,820,850  9,451,298  11,114,774  15,994,751  
Imports  
- Cameroon  
- Gabon  
- Congo  
- EG 
- CAR 
- Chad   
3,747,909  
1,919,066  
1,858,419  
1,236,710  
154,780  
2,236,990   
3,572,386  
1,746,246  
2,547,995  
987,668  
306,230  
1,717,450   
3,087,355  
1,463,717  
3,017,307  
663,158  
281,370  
1,462,170   
3,007,426  
1,339,148  
1,395,215  
503,503  
238,340  
1,121,490   
3,405,170  
1,254,318  
1,221,868  
555,082  
264,895  
1,168,200  
Total CEMAC  11,153,874  10,877,975  9,975,077  7,605,122  7,869,533  
Balance of trade  +5,958,952  +1,942,876  -523,779  +3,515,652  +8,125,218  
- Cameroon  
- Gabon  
- Congo  
- EG 
- CAR 
- Chad  -1,189,518  
+2,445,452  
+514,593  
+5,182,258  
-143,109  
-198,332  -1,172,634  
+1,398,689  
-535,896  
+2,928,437  
-246,780  
-428,940  -1,127,679  
+739,899  
-1,518,810  
+2,073,981  
-204,360  
-486,810  -1,125,491  
+1,200,612  
+1,038,855  
+2,591,756  
-197,610  
+1,530  -1,292,832  
+1,788,901  
+4,136,518  
+3,104,476  
-205,746  
+593,900  
Coverage rate  153 118 95 146 203.2  
- Cameroon  
- Gabon  
- Congo  
- EG 
- CAR 
- Chad  68.2 
227.4  
127.7  
519.0  
07.1 
66.4 67.2 
180.1  
78.9 
396.5  
19.4 
75.0 63.5 
150.5  
49.6 
412.7  
27.3 
66.7 62.5 
189.6  
174.4  
614.7  
 17.1 
100.1   62.0 
242.6  
438.5  
659.2  
 22.3 
150.8  
Source:  DMC/CEMAC survey of Customs Directorates -General and NSIs in the six Member States.  WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
- 23 - 
  Table 4 : CEMAC trade in services balance , 2014 -18 
(CFAF  million ) 
 2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  
Exports  
- Cameroon  
- Gabon  
- Congo  
- EG 
- CAR 
- Chad   
895.6  
63.2 
317.3  
82.9 
107.4  
132.6   
615 
152.5  
236.6  
163.9  
120.4  
157.5   
774.8  
259.6  
142.7  
45 
126.9  
243.3   
898.9  
275.2  
29.5 
45 
106.6  
207.1   
1,169.7  
183.2  
201.3  
45.0 
145.7  
207.0  
Total CEMAC  1,599  1,445.9  1,592.3  1,562.3  1,951.9  
Imports  
- Cameroon  
- Gabon  
- Congo  
- EG 
- CAR 
- Chad   
1,139  
1,142.8  
1,846.9  
1,757.2  
121.3  
1,757.2   
1,093  
1,083.4  
2,198.4  
1,366.1  
122.8  
1,372.8   
1,006.6  
1132 
1,313.5  
1,033.4  
132 
862.7   
1,130.4  
1,145.4  
953.9  
1,007.8  
134.9  
793.8   
1,456.4  
1,569.5  
1,252.4  
1,008.0  
241.8  
1,135.3  
Total CEMAC  7,650.9  7,236.5  5,480.2  5,166.2  6,663.4  
Balance of trade  -6,051.9  -5,790.6  -3,887.9  -3,603.9  -4,711.5  
- Cameroon  
- Gabon  
- Congo  
- EG 
- CAR 
- Chad  -243.4  
-1,079.6  
-1,529.6  
-1,674.3  
-13.9 
-1,511.1  -478 
-930.9  
-1,961.8  
-1,202.2  
-2.4 
-1,215.3  -231.8  
-872.4  
-1,170.8  
-988.4  
-5.1 
-619.4  -231.5  
-870.2  
-924.4  
-962.8  
-28.3 
-586.7  -286.8  
-1,386.3  
-1,051.1  
-963.0  
-96.1 
-928.3  
Coverage rate  20.9%  20.0%  29.1%  30.2%  29.3%  
Source:  DMC/CEMAC survey of BEAC's national directorates in the six Member States and Cameroon's 
Ministry of Finance.  
2.26.  This shows that over the period 2014 -18, the CEMAC trade balance in goods is structurally in 
surplus, while the trade balance in services is struc turally in deficit . The trade surplus peaked in 
2018 at C FAF 8,125.2  billion , thanks to the good performance of Congo (C FAF +4,136.5  billion ), 
Equatorial Guinea (C FAF +3,125.2  billion ) and Gabon (C FAF +1,768.9  billion ). Cameroon and CAR 
have structural trade deficits.  
2.27.  The subregion's trade balance deteriorated significantly in 2020 to CFAF + 2,868.3  billion , 
followed by a marked improvement in 2021 ( CFAF + 5,251.1  billion ), as a result of economic recovery 
and the improvement in CEMAC's terms of  trade. In 2022, the trade in goods balance is expected to 
peak at CFAF +12,046.5  billion . 
Table 5 : CEMAC trade balance  trends  
(CFAF  billion ) 
Country  2020  2021  2022  2023  
(PREV)  
Cameroon  -391.3  -272.2   369.5  -472.6  
CAR -213.9  -192.5   -219.7  -222.8  
Congo  1,248.2  2,307.8   3,730.8  2,646.0  
Gabon  963.5  1,860.2   2,810.5  2,126.3  
Equatorial Guinea  837.3  1,092.5   2,125.0  1,189.1  
Chad 239.9  678.6   1,853.1  1,333.3  
CEMAC  2,828.3  5,351.1   1.1146.3  6,704.9  
Source:  National authorities and BEAC.  
2.28.  The decline in the positive balance of trade in 2023 is justified in the Macroeconomic Outlook 
section below.  WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
- 24 - 
  3  CEMAC IN PRACTICE  
3.1  Free movement of persons in the CEMAC zone  
3.1.  Pursuant to Additional Act No. 01/13 -CEMAC -070 U -CCE-SE, of 2 5 June 2013, all CEMAC  
Member States materiali zed in October  2017, through a circular note, the free movement of goods, 
services, capital and people.  
3.2  Investment regime  
3.2.  The Community Investment Charter adopted in 1999 by Regulation 
No. N17/99/CEMAC -20-CM-03 of 1 7 December  1999 i s currently being revised . It reaffirms the 
commitment on the part of the States to create a favourable environment for  business development 
by implementing competition regulations, protecting intellectual property and developing support 
services to improv e productivity and competitiveness.  
3.3.  The Member States have the possibility, through national regulations, to specify and complete 
the provisions of the Charter without contradicting it.  
3.4.  The CEMAC countries, signatories to the Treaty establishing the Inter -African Conference on  
Social Security (CIPRES), guarantee the fair and transparent application of labour and social security 
law. 
3.5.  The CEMAC member States are signatories to the Treaty establishing OHADA and apply the  
relevant Uniform Acts.  
3.6.  The CEMAC States  Members of the WTO have joined the principal international investment 
guarantee institutions (MIGA, ICSID).  
3.7.  The customs regimes and procedures applicable at Community level  are set out in the 
CEMAC Customs Code, which was last revised in 2019 .4 The Code is aimed at harmonizing the 
national provisions concerning the organizational framework of the customs service and customs 
regimes and procedures . In the Member States, any operator wishing to carry out an import or 
export operation must first hold importe r/exporter status and/or a professional trader's card .5 
Registration in the Trade and Personal Property Credit Register is generally done at the local court, 
and the merchant card is issued by the foreign trade office or chamber of commerce of the country 
concerned . However, the card is not valid across States . The import procedure is triggered by an 
itemized declaration assigning a customs procedure to the imported goods.  (Intention to import or 
prior import declaration, depending on the case) . Depending on the country, this is issued by the 
National Directorate of Commerce or the pre -shipment inspection company.  
3.8.  All exports must be declared in detail in accordance with the provisions of the CEMAC Customs 
Code and national regulations . As in the cas e of imports, only economic operators with 
importer/exporter status are authorized to engage in an export activity . For statistical purposes, a 
detailed declaration is required for any export operation . The customs procedures applicable are : 
export (EX1), re-export (EX2) and re -export following a suspensive procedure (EX3).  
3.9.  The export procedure generally begins with the completion of an export declaration . Depending 
on the nature of the goods, a sanitary or phytosanitary certificate, an authorization or a p ermit may 
be required . Then comes pre -shipment inspection, where appropriate, and the collection of the 
export revenue . Exports to destinations outside the franc zone must be domiciled with an approved 
intermediary if they are valued at more than C FAF 5 million, in order to ensure the repatriation of 
export earnings.  
 
4 Regulation No. 05/19 -UEAC -010 A-CM-330 of 8 April 2019 revising the CEMAC Customs Code.  
5 The status of trader in the OHADA member countries is governed by the Uniform Act on general 
commercial law (AUDCG), in force since 1998 and revised in 2010.  WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
- 25 - 
  3.3  CEMAC trade policy instruments  
3.3.1   Customs and fiscal instruments of the Community trade policy  
3.3.1.1   Customs instruments  
3.3.1.1.1   Community Customs Code  
3.10.  The revised CEMAC Customs Code was adopted by Regulation No. 05/19 -UEAC -010-A-CM-33 
of 8 April 2019. It is supplemented by implementing regulations . The main innovations of the new 
Code are grouped around the following three objectives : (i) facilitating trade : this objective includes 
strengthening traders' rights , including the right of appeal against customs decisions ; making online 
procedures and electronic declarations standard ; and introducing a range of simplified procedures, 
the concept of coordinated border management and an Authori zed Economic Operator (AE O) 
programme ; (ii) mobili zing revenue and combating fraud : this objective requires the following 
corrective actions : strengthening of legal powers of control ; the right of access to business premises ; 
the introduction of a legal basis for risk management and post -clearance control ; the facilitation of 
collaboration between tax and customs administrations ; the delegation of specific powers to combat 
trafficking in illicit products in the CEMAC zone ; and (iii) strengthening regional integration . The 
following innovations have been introduced : clarification of the taxable base ; introduction of the new 
Community transit procedure.  
3.11.  The new CEMAC Customs Code is therefore geared towards a more proactive and ambitious 
approach, incorporating all the mod ern provisions, the ultimate aim of which is not only to equip the 
customs administrations of the Member States, but also to support them in meeting the challenges 
of the next decade : better organi zation of the Community transit system ; improvement of 
intellectual property rights in international trade by strengthening customs authorities in the fight 
against fraud and counterfeit goods ; increased IT tools and digitali zed procedures with the possibility 
of making electronic declarations where possible . The revised Customs Code is a key tool for 
economic development for businesses and administrative regulation in the CEMAC.  
3.12.  In the revised CEMAC Customs Code, new provisions and innovative regimes provide a 
framework for all suspensive and economic regimes . These include duty and tax suspension for 
goods originating in Member States and moving through foreign customs territory, Community and 
international transit, transhipment and cabotage.  
3.13.  It is planned to revise Act No. 2/92-UDEAC -556-CD-SE1 revising Act No. 13/65-UDEAC -35 of 
14 December  1965. This revision should make it possible to extend the benefit of the exemption to 
donations to NGOs and sports federations.  
3.14.  The revised Customs Code includes a new provision on end -use exemption, which is used to 
release go ods for consumption with total or partial exemption from duties and taxes . This provision 
is reinforced by a regulation adopted in 2019 that sets out the categori zation of measures for total 
or partial exemption from import duties and taxes and specifies t he procedures for checking 
declarations of release for consumption with total or partial exemption from duties and taxes.  
3.15.  The benefit of the exemption is conditional on compliance, after release of the goods, with the 
legal and regulatory conditions, wheth er general or specific, governing their use . Failure to comply 
with these conditions will result in immediate payment of duties and taxes, without prejudice to any 
penalties incurred.  
3.3.1.1.2   The Community Customs Tariff  
3.16.  The CEAU  Council of Ministers adopted the customs tariff according to the 2017 version of the 
Harmoni zed System (HS) at the Ndjamena summit in November  2017, according to Regulation 
No. 10/17 -UEAC -CM-010 A -30-SE of 1 3 November  2017. The 2017 version of the HS of the CEMAC 
customs tariff transposed, tariff line by tariff line, all the amendments resulting from the various 
recommendations of the WCO Council relating to the updating of the structured nomenclature . The 
customs tariff was t hen transposed according to the 2022 version of the HS and adopted in 
December  2021 by the CEAU  CM. WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
- 26 - 
  3.17.  The question of the possible double application of customs duty  is difficult to resolve . Article 5 
of the Customs Code stipulates that goods entering the CE MAC customs territory are subject to 
import duties listed in the customs tariff . Customs duty is paid when the product is released for 
consumption . Transit and suspensive arrangements allow duty to be paid in the country of "final 
consumption" . The single payment in this case is in line with the principle of a customs union in 
which the common external tariff duty is payable only once . In addition, when goods are released 
for consumption in the country of consumption, the duty is paid to that country, which  is essential 
from the perspective of public revenue (customs duties are not pooled or distributed) . However, this 
system does not solve the problem of intra -Community trade in third -party goods that have already 
been released for consumption . In this case , the countries receiving the goods logically apply 
customs duty to them a second time.  
3.18.  Among the options that are theoretically possible, but difficult to implement, is where the 
declarant could request reimbursement from the country of departure on prese ntation of supporting 
documents . For this option to be feasible, the customs authorities in the country of departure would 
need to be notified in advance of the operation and be able to trace the origin and actual payment 
of duties, which could be achieved  by issuing a certificate on request . As such a mechanism would 
require in -depth examination, no proposal has been made at this stage to amend the code.  
3.19.  Consideration will be given to the "double taxation phenomenon", which appears to be one of 
the major o bstacles to the effective implementation of the trade liberali zation programme within the 
Community, as part of the rationali zation of the CEMAC/ECCAS free trade area.  
3.3.1.2   Tax instruments  
3.20.  In terms of domestic taxation, a number of harmoni zed instruments have b een adopted since 
the launch of CEMAC, including Value Added Tax (VAT), applicable to locally produced and imported 
goods and services . Each country was free to choose the rate of VAT from an initial range of 15 % to 
18%, extended to 19 % through the revisio n of 2011 . However, with the revision introduced in 2022 
(Directive No. 11/22 -CEMAC -UEAC -010A-CM-38 of 1 0 November  2022), the VAT rate was reduced 
to 15%. A zero rate is applicable to exports, their accessories and international transport.  
3.21.  The main contributions of this Directive are:  
• a strict framework for exemptions to avoid tax competition between Member States : the 
list of exemptions in Article 7 is exhau stive and restrictive;  
• management of goods and services eligible for a reduced rate;  
• revising the rules on territoriality, in particular to allow digital transactions to be taxed;  
• limiting the exceptions to the right to deduction in order to maintain the n eutrality of VAT 
for economic operators;  
• managing the practice of withholding tax on public contracts, in order to avoid VAT credit 
situations that could penalise Community operators vis-à-vis foreign competition;  
• a reminder of the right to refund of VAT c redits, which is essential to ensure that VAT does 
not become a burden for certain taxable persons, while requiring exporters to repatriate 
export earnings in order to benefit from these refunds;  
• the introduction of the possibility of self -liquidation of V AT on capital goods in order to 
facilitate investment.  
3.22.  With regard to excise duties, a separate Directive from the VAT one was adopted in 2019 
(Directive No. 03/19 -UEAC -010A-CM-33 of 8 April 2019 on the harmoni zation of the laws of the 
Member States relati ng to excise duties).  
3.23.  This directive, developed with customs and tax representatives, separates excise duties from 
VAT in order to provide a more accurate framework for taxing certain specific products.  
3.24.  The revised Directive focuses on three types of produ cts subject to excise duty : tobacco, 
alcoholic beverages and passenger vehicles . The consumption of these goods leads to undeniable 
negative externalities and raises a number of public health issues . These three goods also account 
for the bulk of excise du ty revenues and can give rise to tax competition between Member States, 
thus justifying regional coordination . Member States may apply excise duties to other goods, in 
accordance with the rules of the Directive.  WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
- 27 - 
  3.25.  Apart from inputs, Member States may no long er grant exemptions from excise duty . In 
particular, there can be no exemption based on the origin of the product, which would in reality be 
tantamount to discrimination between local and imported products.  
3.26.  In order to avoid tax competition between Member States, the Directive provides for a floor 
rate applicable to ad valorem duties only, and leaves it to Member States to decide whether or not 
to adopt specific duties.  
3.27.  CEMAC has also put in place a framework of harmoni zed legislation for direct taxation wi th 
the aim of limiting distortions likely to affect the location of activities and labour between member 
countries, or to hinder activities within this regional integration area.  
3.28.  Taxation of profits is currently governed by Directive No. 02/01/UEAC -050-CM-06 of 
3 August  2001 revising Act No. 3/72 -153-UDEAC of 2 2 December  1972 instituting corporation tax . 
Income taxation is based on Directive No. 01/04 -UEAC -177 of 3 0 July 2004 on personal income tax 
(IRPP).  
3.29.  This separation between legal entities on the one hand and individuals and non -residents on 
the other is no longer justified insofar as IRPP is increasingly collected by means of withholding tax, 
applicable to income paid to individuals and to non -resident legal entities, and even, in certain cases, 
to resident legal entities . In addition, the concepts used in the two directives are related, 
necessitating harmoni zation of terminology and taxation methods : the determination of company 
profits (corporation tax) is similar to that of sole proprietorships (BIC-BNC) and the deductibility of 
certain charges in corporation tax is similar to the taxation of distributed income and salaries and 
wages (e.g. benefits in kind).  
3.30.  If the structure of corporation tax remains unchanged, the overall approach to personal 
income tax will be replaced by a specific approach for each type of income . In practice, the global 
nature of the tax had already been altered by the numerous national reforms leading to the 
introduction of flat -rate deductions . The overall approach was dri ven by the fairness and 
redistributive capacity of the tax, but personal income tax is proving difficult to administer in the 
CEMAC region, relying as it does on spontaneous declarations by taxpayers . The size of the informal 
sector in the CEMAC increases tax management costs . A global approach to personal income tax 
requires a major effort on the part of tax authorities to collect and cross reference information, with 
little return.  
3.31.  Schedular taxes are easier to administer, also helping to improve the busi ness climate by 
reducing the discriminatory nature of a global income tax that cannot be properly applied . A second 
element of simplification is dispensing with the concept of the tax household, which provides tax 
reductions for family responsibilities : in fact, four countries had already removed these benefits.  
3.32.  Corporation tax is now a universal tax : its moderni zation was made necessary by the 
moderni zation of business practices (see in particular the OECD's work on transfer pricing and the 
deductibility o f financial interest) . The adopted text clarifies a number of points and makes 
adjustments to the limit on the deductibility of technical assistance costs and royalties, the rules 
against under -capitali zation of companies and tax losses carried forward . There is a minimum rate 
of tax on profits (20 %) and a maximum rate of taxation (2 %). Exemptions have been replaced with 
an investment tax credit.  
3.33.  In terms of income tax, the IRPP, as a global tax, has been replaced by four separate taxes 
that now apply to th e individual rather than the tax household, which simplifies tax management 
and promotes equal treatment for men and women:  
• Tax on business profits (IBA – formerly BIC -BNC): this follows the rules for corporation 
tax, but with rates that may be higher, the  aim being to encourage economic operators to 
structure their activities in the form of companies, which are less prone to fraud . 
• The tax on income from movable capital assets (IRCM) applies a proportional rate to 
income from transferable securities and de bt income . Two important additions have been 
made by the Directive : clarification of the system for taxing capital gains (sales of company 
shares) and the setting of a range of rates for the CMIT in order to avoid tax competition 
between States . WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
- 28 - 
  • Property income tax (IRF) also includes the taxation of capital gains (the sale of property) . 
The system of withholding tax on rental income is specified, as are the rate ranges . 
• Lastly, the tax on salaries and wages (ITS) is based on the IRPP tax system, with a 
progressive scale left to the discretion of the Member States . The abolition of the notion 
of tax residence and family responsibilities should clarify the methods used to ca lculate 
this complex tax.  
3.34.  The draft Directive harmoni zing the taxation of income and profits in the CEMAC member 
States is awaiting adoption by the CEAU  Council of Ministers.  
3.35.  CEMAC also has a new tax convention on the avoidance of double taxation on income  tax 
adopted by the Council of Ministers of the UEAC by virtue of Regulation 
No. 07/19 -UEAC -010-A-CM-33 of 8 April 2019, revising Act No. 5/66-UDEAC -49 of 
13 December  1966 relating to the Convention on the avoidance of double taxation on income tax.6 
3.36.  The new tax treaty replaces the oldest Community text still in force : the 1966 UDEAC tax 
treaty . Based on the most recent OECD and UN developments on the elimination of double taxation, 
the convention facilitates exchanges between Community operators while pro tecting Member States 
against the use of conventions for tax optimi zation.  
3.37.  Among the notable contributions, the new agreemen t defines precisely the concept of 
permanent establishment, takes into account the mining and oil economies of the Member States, 
provides a framework for capital gains, and sets minimum withholding tax rates for the main flows 
(dividends, interest, royalties, services).  
3.38.  In addition, the new Convention : (i) provides taxpayers with greater certainty as to the tax 
they may have to pay in  another member country ; (ii) allocates taxing rights between 
CEMAC  countries so that taxpayers are not subject to double taxation ; (iii) reduces the risk of 
excessive taxation due to high withholding taxes ; (iv) ensures that taxpayers are not subject to 
discriminatory taxation . It implements provisions to prevent abuse of the Convention and authori zes 
the exchange of tax information between competent authorities to prevent tax avoidance and 
evasion . Finally, it has a mechanism for resolving tax disputes be tween Member States . A 
Commission memo dated 1 2 July 2022 set out the conditions for the entry into force of the 
convention, which will have full and uniform effect from January  2023. 
3.39.  Finally, it should be noted that CEMAC will soon have a Directive harmon izing the process for 
identifying, evaluating and publishing tax expenditure in CEMAC Member States.  
3.40.  This draft directive, which will be finali zed on 1 3 December  2022, is a first for the CEMAC 
zone. The text requires Member States to publish an estimate of all their tax expenditure in their 
annual Finance Acts . This publication will ultimately enable Member States to better control both 
their public revenue and expenditure.  
3.41.  The draft directive defines what is to be considered as tax expenditure w ithin the Community : 
exemptions, rebates, reductions, reduced rates, tax credits, etc. A  benchmark tax system is given 
for each type of tax in relation to Community standards.  
3.3.2   Other trade -related measures  
3.3.2.1   Standards, technical regulations and accreditation  
3.42.  In December  2014, within the framework of the PACIE7, the Central African Economic and 
Monetary Community (CEMAC) and the European Union (EU) commissioned the United Nations 
Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to implement the Central African Qual ity 
Infrastructure Programme (PIQAC).  
 
6 Personal income tax.  
7 Programme of Support for Trade and Economic Integration financed under the 10th European 
Development Fund (EDF).  WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
- 29 - 
  3.43.  The PIQAC was part of component 2 of the PACIE entitled "Competitiveness and development 
towards the common market and supporting the EPA", the aim of which is to strengthen the 
competitiveness and diversification of p roductive sectors. The Programme was designed to achieve 
the outcome of business competitiveness and support for quality infrastructure, with a view to 
supporting CEMAC/ECCAS countries in the implementation of operational quality infrastructure in 
priority  sectors, in order to enhance the region's competitiveness.  
3.44.  The PIQAC was implemented over a four -year period in seven Central African countries: 
Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon 
and Sao Tome and Principe. Quality infrastructure, which is supposed to play a vital role in the 
socioeconomic development of countries in the region, is lagging behind in comparison with other 
regions of the world.  
3.45.  The aim of the PIQAC was to help to improve intra - and extra -regional trade and strengthen 
the region's economic integration through the development and networking of the quality 
infrastructure of the countries in the subregion. Quality infrastructure refers to a coherent set of 
initiatives, institutions and  organizations, activities and people ensuring the operation of a system 
based on quality. This system includes a National Quality Policy and institutions to implement it, a 
regulatory framework, quality -related service providers, the private sector and it s customers and 
consumers.  
3.46.  The components of quality infrastructure are:  
• standardization;  
• metrology;  
• conformity assessment (certification, accreditation, testing and inspection).  
3.47.  The specific objectives of the PIQAC were divided into three levels. The firs t objective was at 
the political level (quality), the second at the institutional level and the third at the business and 
consumer level. Thus:  
• Level 1: develop and adopt legislation at the regional and national levels to enable and 
promote intra -regional and national trade and to encourage intra -regional trade and 
exports;  
• Level 2: establish and strengthen quality infrastructure institutions providing efficient 
services to the private sector and consumers for priority regional products, leading to 
improved  intra-regional and international trade;  
• Level 3: encourage the private sector and consumers to apply quality principles and 
practices in their behaviour and operations/production.  
3.48.  To meet the challenges posed by these three levels, the PIQAC was designed around 
three  main technical components to guide the implementation of activities:  
• Component 1: development of a regional quality policy;  
• Component 2: strengthening of quality infras tructure institutions;  
• Component 3: raising private sector awareness of quality and consumer protection.  
3.49.  The Regional Quality Policy (PQR) provides a common framework for the technical regulations 
described below that is supported by appropriate structures  for cooperation on TBT (Technical 
Barriers to Trade). The implementation of the framework aims to promote:  
• the free movement of goods and services both within the Community and in international 
trade, in particular by progressively eliminating inappropria te or unnecessary barriers to 
trade;  
• mutual recognition of national regulations and standards within a Community framework 
and greater competitiveness of products and services on the market by creating an 
environment conducive to their free movement;  
• enjoyment of the rights of member States and compliance with their obligations under 
World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements and other cooperation agreements;  WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
- 30 - 
  • creativity and innovation, the development of trade in products and services covered by 
intellectual  property rights, the promotion of sustainable development and consumer 
protection;  
• capacity -building among member States in the preparation and application of texts 
relating to accreditation, certification, standardization and metrology in order to promot e 
quality;  
• the participation of CEMAC member States in the activities of international and regional 
standardization, accreditation and metrology organizations.  
3.50.  In the implementation of the PQR, the CEMAC Commission is responsible for:  
• developing and monito ring the Policy;  
• drawing up and monitoring Community quality regulations;  
• designing and monitoring the implementation of Community programmes to promote 
quality;  
• monitoring the activities of regional quality structures (cooperation structures);  
• settling qu ality disputes between member States in cooperation with regional quality 
structures.  
3.51.  In order to promote the objectives of the CEMAC/ECCAS trade protocol, the gradual 
elimination of technical barriers to trade among member States and between CEMAC/ECCAS a nd 
other regional and international trading blocs, the promotion of quality and the creation of quality 
infrastructure in member States, a formal framework is established for cooperation between 
regulatory authorities, stakeholders and national institution s responsible for standardization, 
conformity assessment, accreditation and metrology.  
3.52.  The following technical, scientific and management structures each have a role to play in 
implementing the Regional Quality Policy through the existing technical coordin ation structure known 
as the Regional Quality Council (CRQ). There are four cooperation structures:  
• the cooperation structure for standardization (CEMAC -NORM);  
• the cooperation structure for metrology (CEMAC -MET);  
• the cooperation structure for technical reg ulations (CEMAC -RT); 
• the cooperation structure for accreditation (CEMAC -AC). 
3.53.  The main results of the PIQAC are summarized in the table below.  
Table 6 : Main results of the PIQAC  
Component 1  Component 2  
Establishment of a regional 
quality policy 100%  Strengthening of quality infrastructure institutions  
100%  
Outcome 1.1  Outcome 2.1  Outcome 2.2  Outcome 2.3  
Development of a regional quality 
policy  Setting up of a regional 
mechanism to coordinate 
the activities of 
standardization and 
quality promotion 
institutions 
(CEMAC -NORM)  Strengthening of food 
safety certification 
capabilities  Support for testing 
and analysis 
laboratories  
Preparation and adoption of the 
PQR document  Preparation and adoption 
of the strategy for the 
harmonization of 
standa rds in the Central 
African subregion 
(CEMAC -NORM)  Selection of 3 companies 
per country  Establishment of 
47 pre-diagnoses in 
47 laboratories across 
the seven countries  
Preparation and adoption of the 
implementing regulations for the 
PQR Establishment and 
adoption of the 
memorandum of 
understanding for the 
subregional organization 
for the harmonization of 
standards  Granting of assistance to 
18 companies in 
implementing the 
ISO 22000  with a view 
to certification (or Good 
Hygiene Practices)  Pre-selection of 
2 laboratories per 
country  WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
- 31 - 
  Component 1  Component 2  
Preparation and adoption of the 
guide for the implementation of 
the PQR at national level  Establishment and 
adoption of the 
implementation schedule 
for the strategy to 
harmonize 
standardization  Training of 960 people in 
companies  Provision of 
accreditation support 
to 8 laboratories  
Provision of functional 
support to 
6 laboratories (staff 
training, purchase of 
equipment, etc.)  
Preparation and  adoption of the 
action plan to implement the PQR  Preparation and adoption 
of the CEMAC -NORM 
rules of procedure  Certification of 10 
companies to ISO  22000  
with technical support 
from PIQAC  Donation of more than 
241 pieces of 
equipment to 
laboratories  
 Preparation of 2 draft 
laws on standardization 
for CAR and DRC  Selection of 21 national 
consultants for training 
in food safety 
(ISO 22000/HACCP)  Training of 267 people 
in laboratories  
Adoption of a text by the CEAU  Council of Ministers at its 
meeting of 14 -15 February  2017.  
Regulation No.  22/17 -UEAC -101-CM-31 of 18  December  2019 
on Quality Policy in Central Africa  Training of 139 people 
as IRCA ISO  22000 
third-party auditors 
(figure to be verified in 
the PIQAC repor t) Certification of 
11 IRCA ISO  22000 
auditors  
Source:  PIQAC/UNIDO.  
Component 3  
Growing awareness of the importance of quality  
Outcome 3.1  
Growing awareness of the importance of quality and consumer protection at the national and regional levels  
Training and awareness -raising of 
more than 4,000 people under 
Component 3 of the PIQAC (original 
target: 2,000)  Preparation and adoption of 
Regional Quality Award standards  Preparation and adoption of rules 
governing the creation, organization 
and operati on of the Regional 
Quality Award jury  
Provision of 70 days of training  Preparation and adoption of a guide 
to understanding the Regional 
Quality Award standards  Preparation and adoption of general 
regulations for the Regional Quality 
Award  
Mobilization o f 1,370 days of 
expertise in total to organize all the 
training courses  Preparation and adoption of a guide 
to applying for the Regional Quality 
Award  Preparation and adoption of the 
rules of procedure of the Regional 
Quality Award jury  
 Preparation and adoption of the 
Additional Act establishing the 
Regional Quality Award  Development of the human 
resources plan, the marketing and 
publicity strategy for the Award, and 
the timetable for its organization  
Adoption of texts by the CEAU  Econom ic Council at its meeting of 14 -15 February  2017 
Regulation No.  21/17 -UEAC -101-CM-31 of 18  December  2019 on the Creation, Organization and Operation of the 
Jury for the CEMAC Regional Quality Award  
Source:  PIQAC/UNIDO.  
3.3.2.2   Sanitary and phytosanitary measures  
3.54.  In April  2019, the Pesticides Committee of Central Africa (CPAC) adopted decisions banning 
the import, distribution and storage of 54 active substances8; regulating the import, distribution, 
use and storage of three other substances (alachlor, tributylti n compounds and monocrotophos)9; 
and establishing fees for examining applications for the regionalization of pesticide registrations.10 
3.55.  In the CEMAC  member States, national structures have been set up to monitor sanitary and 
phytosanitary issues.  
3.56.  In Chad, the Food Quality Control Centre (CECOQDA) is tasked with contributing to the 
drafting of  national standards on the hygienic and nutritional quality of food products and with 
serving as an  advisory bureau for producers and consumers on related issues. Since January  2020, 
CECOQDA has been able to certify food nationally, subregionally and internationally.  
3.57.  In the Central African Republic, Law No.  19.354 sets out the legal framework for the 
organization of standardization and the promotion of quality, in accordance with the 
 
8 Decision No. 013/CEMAC/CPAC/DG/DS.  
9 Decision No. 014/19/CEMAC/CPAC/DG/DS.  
10 Decision No. 002/CEMAC/CPAC/DG/2019.  WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
- 32 - 
  CEMAC  regulation on quality policy in Central Africa. The draft law establishing the National 
Standardization Agency is currently befo re the National Assembly for adoption.  
3.58.  Since its last trade policy review in 2013, the Central African Republic has notified the 
WTO SPS Committee of three measures: two ordinary and one emergency. However, an SPS enquiry 
point, a notification authority an d a national SPS Committee have been set up by Interministerial 
Order No.  005 of  13 March  2012. The lack of an operational SPS system and the inadequate 
infrastructure are two of the main constraints on the development of trade and the quality of local 
products. Another notification to the WTO relates to a ban on the import of certain products 
containing mercury.  
3.59.  In Gabon, Law No.  040/2018 of 28  December  2018 provides for the rational management and 
use of plant protection products and lays down a related l egal framework. AGASA grants 
administrative authorizations to producers, sellers and distributors of plant protection products in 
the country. It is also responsible for drawing up the national list of approved plant protection 
products, carrying out risk assessments and publishing guides to good practice in agricultural 
production. Meanwhile, the pesticides and hazardous chemicals listed in Annex III to the Rotterdam 
Convention, together with most of the persistent organic pollutants in Annex A to the Stoc kholm 
Convention, remain banned from import for agricultural purposes.  
3.60.  In addition to the above, Gabon is encouraged to complete the Gabon Conformity Assessment 
Programme (PROGEC) and set up the National SPS/TBT Committee.  
3.61.  In Congo, two important laws were  adopted and enacted in 2015: Law No.  20-2015 of 
29 October  2015 regulating the national standardization and quality management system, and Law 
No. 19-2015 of 29  October  2015 creating the Congolese Standardization and Quality Agency 
(ACONOQ). Other regulat ions have been issued, in particular Decree No.  2018-170 of 24  April 2018 
approving the statutes of ACONOQ and Order No.  21345 of 15  July 2021 establishing the 
"Standardization -Metrology -Quality Promotion Project".  
3.62.  ACONOQ is responsible for standardization , metrology, certification and quality promotion in 
all sectors of socioeconomic activity. From 2016 to 2018, a number of standardization and quality 
management activities were carried out, focusing mainly on the following areas, among others: 
raising awar eness, disseminating information, training stakeholders, drafting standards (Congolese 
cement standard NCGO  0004-1: 2017; a standard on bottled water is under preparation) and 
support and guidance from various organizations.  
3.63.  In addition, two strategic comm ittees were set up:  
• the National Electrotechnical Committee, set up in 2016 to define policies and strategies 
in the field of electrotechnology, with Energie Électrique du Congo as Chair and the Posts 
and Electronic Communications Regulatory Agency (ARPCE) as Vice -Chair;  
• the National Codex Alimentarius Committee, set up in 2018 to handle food standards 
issues in cooperation with the WHO/FAO Codex Alimentarius Commission.  
3.64.  Two public laboratories are being supported, equipped and trained: the LCDE ("La  Congolaise 
des Eaux", in th e water sector) and the Research and Initiation Centre for Technology Products 
(CRIPT). CRIPT will analyse, check and certify the quality of Congolese and imported agri -food 
products before they are sold on the market.  
3.65.  Congo believes that setting up a nati onal framework for standardization and a quality control 
system should improve access to regional and international markets for its exports.  
3.66.  In Cameroon, the regulatory and legislative framework for SPS matters is governed by 
international conventions and agreements, in particular the WTO SPS Agreement, the International 
Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the Codex 
Alimentarius Commission (CAC). The relevant national laws are as follows:  
• Law No.  2018/020 o f 11 December  2018 on the Framework Law on Food Safety;  
• Law No.  2003/003 of 21  April 2003 on phytosanitary protection;  WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
- 33 - 
  • Decree No.  2005/772/PM of 6  April 2005 on requirements for approval and control of 
phytosanitary products;  
• Decree No.  2005/771/PM of 6  April 2005 determining the rules for imposing plant 
quarantine;  
• Decision No.  0976/D/MINADER of 20  July 2018 determining the procedures for the 
production and certification of fresh fruit and vegetables for export.  
3.67.  In operational terms, the following national  institutions are involved:  
• The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MINADER), through the Directorate 
for Regulation and Quality Control of Agricultural Inputs and Products (DRCQ), which is 
the IPPC focal point; the Agricultural Development Auth ority (DDA), which is responsible 
for plant health protection. It oversees the National Phytosanitary Council, which is a 
consultative body on plant protection policy in Cameroon.  
• The Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries (MINEPIA), throug h the 
Directorate of Veterinary Services and Quality (DSV, OIE focal point), which is responsible 
for the sanitary control of animals, animal products and foodstuffs of animal origin, 
whether imported, exported or consumed locally.  
• The Ministry of Mines, I ndustry and Technological Development (MINIMIDT), which houses 
the Codex Alimentarius focal point and is responsible for the technical supervision of the 
Agency of Standards and Quality (ANOR), the national body tasked with drawing up and 
approving standar ds, ensuring certification and compliance with standards, monitoring 
cooperation with specialized committees and international bodies in the field of standards 
and quality, and implementing any mission entrusted to it by the Government. The Agency 
was esta blished in 2009.  
3.68.  Animal products must undergo a veterinary or health inspection before being released for 
consumption. Live animals must be accompanied by an international or national vaccination card. 
The Law on Standardization governs the national standa rdization system and the national quality 
mark, certification of conformity; approval of testing laboratories, quality control bodies, and 
standardization organizations or offices; and quality control.  
3.69.  Cameroon also has several analysis and testing laborat ories in the following areas: 
BTP (Labogénie), drugs (Lanacome), agri -food (IRAD), biochemistry (Centre Pasteur), hydrocarbons 
(Hydrac), Véritas, and the National Reference Laboratory for Legal Metrology (MINCOMMERCE). 
MINADER11 monitors compliance with st andards and quality control for agricultural inputs and has a 
laboratory for this purpose, namely the National Laboratory for Diagnostic Analysis of Agricultural 
Products and Inputs. The same is true for MINEPIA12 in its sector of activity.  
3.70.  Around seven sectoral ministries are involved in quality control.  
3.3.3   Measures directly affecting exports  
3.3.3.1   Export duties and taxes  
3.71.  The Community Customs Code allows each member State to set export duties and taxes. The 
duty rates and  the products covered vary from country to country.  
3.3.3.2   Prohibitions, quantitative restrictions and licences  
3.72.  With a view to the establishment of the common market, there are plans to eliminate 
quantitative restrictions and taxes and measures with equivalent ef fect that could affect 
intra-Community trade. Countries undertake not to introduce new restrictions, taxes or measures 
with equivalent effect other than "for reasons of public morality, public order, public safety, 
protection of human or animal life or hea lth, plant conservation, protection of the cultural, historical 
or archaeological heritage, and protection of intellectual property" (Articles 13 and 16 of the 
CEAU  Convention).  
 
11 Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.  
12 Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries.  WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
- 34 - 
  3.3.3.3   Free zone regime  
3.73.  The CEMAC Customs Code grants member States the right to esta blish industrial or 
commercial free zones outside the customs regime. Goods admitted to commercial free zones shall 
be allowed to undergo operations necessary for their preservation, to improve their packaging or 
marketability, or to prepare them for trans port. On the other hand, the processing operations 
applicable to goods in industrial free zones are covered by  national  legislation.  
3.74.  On leaving the free zone, goods destined for abroad may transit under customs escort or 
under the general Community transit  conditions.  
3.75.  Act No.  2/96-UDEAC -1297-57 of 1  July 1996 adopting the regulations on the operation of the 
free zone reinforces the provisions of the Customs Code.  
3.76.  Cameroon, Gabon and Congo have supplemented these regulations with national legislation.  
3.3.4   Measur es affecting production and trade  
3.3.4.1   Competition and pricing regime  
3.77.  Two main texts have been adopted on the Community competition regime: Regulation 
No. 06/19 -UEAC -639-CM-33 of 8  April 2019 on competition and its subsequent texts, and Directive 
No. 01/19 -UEAC -639-CM-33 of 8  April 2019 on institutional organization in CEMAC member States 
for the application of Community competition rules. With regard to consumer protection, Directive 
No. 02/19 -UEAC -639-CM-33 of 8  April 2019 harmonizing consumer protection withi n CEMAC was 
adopted. The Community Competition Council (CCC) is the body responsible for ensuring that the 
rules in this area are applied.  
3.78.  In the area of competition and prices, a Community Regulation and Directive govern the 
Community competition regime, in particular the behaviour of companies engaged in any production, 
distribution or service activity throughout the CEMAC zone and any import or export activity. These 
two texts prohibit anti -competitive commercial practices such as agreements, association s and 
concerted practices with the object or effect of restricting or distorting competition, the abuse of 
dominant position and mergers with a Community dimension that have an appreciable effect on 
competition.  
3.79.  These regulations also cover government prac tices, in particular public aid likely to distort 
competition by favouring certain companies or products. They also cover legal monopolies, exclusive 
rights and public procurement.  
3.80.  Community competition law is enforced by the Community Competition Council,  a technical 
body of the CEMAC Commission, the Community Court of Justice and national competition control 
bodies. The existence of Community legislation does not preclude the simultaneous existence of 
national competition laws.  
3.81.  Community competition law p rovides for the close articulation of these two  tiers of legislation, 
which complement each other, and each of which has its own clearly defined jurisdiction.  
3.82.  The principle of free pricing is enshrined in all the national legislations. However, price contr ol 
and monitoring regimes exist at the level of each CEMAC country to contain inflationary pressures 
when the circumstances so require. To date, of the six CEMAC member countries, only four have a 
competition law: Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Ch ad and Gabon.  
3.83.  In the area of consumer protection, a Community Directive sets out the general framework 
for consumer protection in the member States, as contained in Resolution No.  70/186 of 
22 December  2015, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, on the Guidelines for 
Consumer Protection. This Directive applies to all transactions between a consumer and an economic 
operator in the supply, distribution, sale, exchange or use of goods or services.  
3.84.  Community regulations on consumer protection set out the main priority measures to be 
adopted by the CEMAC member States with a view to the effective application of this Directive. To WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
- 35 - 
  date, of the six CEMAC member countries, only two have a specific consumer protection law: 
Cameroon and Chad.  
3.85.  Two Community r egulations govern product quality. These regulations set out the principles 
of standards and conformity assessment procedures for products circulating on the common market, 
with a view to safeguarding human and animal health by ensuring that products are s afe. 
3.3.4.2   Government procurement  
3.86.  Government procurement is governed by the Regulations on State practices affecting trade 
between member States, adopted in 1999 and revised in 2019.  
3.3.5   Relations with partners  
3.3.5.1   WTO  
3.87.  All the CEMAC countries are original Members of the  WTO, with the exception of Equatorial 
Guinea, which is in the process of acceding to the Organization. CEMAC has observer status within 
the Committee on Trade and Development.  
3.88.  The strong cooperation of one of the CEMAC  member States, Cameroon, in the WTO has led 
to it being selected by the General Council to host the Fourteenth WTO Ministerial Conference.  
3.3.5.2   African Union  
3.89.  The implementation of the AfCFTA is supported by an action plan to boost intra -African 
trade.13 The ac tion plan contains seven thematic groups whose programmes and activities are 
designed to overcome the main constraints and challenges in intra -African trade. The groups cover: 
(1) trade policy; (2) trade facilitation; (3) productive capacity; (4) trade -related infrastructure; 
(5) trade finance; (6) trade information; and (7) market integration. Under each of these thematic 
groups, the action plan offers, in general terms, an indicative list of programmes and activities to be 
implemented in the short and lon g term at the national, regional and continental levels.  
3.90.  In September  2019, as part of the accelerated implementation of the AfCFTA, and as a 
customs union, CEMAC and its member States drew up and adopted a common list of tariff 
concessions for goods compr ising a total of 5,837 tariff lines divided into three groups, as follows:  
• a main group of products (Group A) to be liberalized over a 10 -year period: 5,254 tariff 
lines (90.01 %); 
• a list of sensitive products (Group B) to be liberalized over a 13 -year peri od, including a 
5-year moratorium: 408 tariff lines (6.99 %); 
• a list of products excluded from liberalization (Group C): 175 tariff lines (2.998 %), with 
an anti -concentration clause covering 9.97 % of African imports.  
3.91.  It should be recalled that the common li st of tariff concessions of the CEMAC member States 
had been approved at the AfCFTA level. The same applies to the common list of specific commitments 
for the five priority sectors of trade in services. In this respect, this list of tariff concessions must  be 
transposed into the respective internal legal orders of the CEMAC member States, in particular in 
the appropriate internal customs services tools.  
3.92.  The content of the common list of tariff concessions and the common list of specific 
commitments on the f ive priority sectors of trade in services also needs to be communicated to the 
various national stakeholders, including the private sector.  
3.93.  Below is the list of CEMAC countries that have signed, ratified and notified the AfCFTA.  
 
13 African Union (2012).  WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
- 36 - 
  Table 7 : CEMAC countries th at have signed and ratified the Agreement Establishing the 
African Continental Free Trade Area.  
No. Country  Date of signature  Date of ratification  Date of filing  
1 Cameroon  21 March  2018 31 October  2019 1 December  2020 
2 Central African Republic  21 March  2018 9 April 2020 22 September  2020 
3 Congo  21 March  2018 7 February  2019 10 February  2019 
4 Gabon  21 March  2018 2 July 2019 7 July 2019 
5 Equatorial Guinea  21 March  2018 27 February  2019 8 April 2019 
6 Chad 21 March  2018 29 June 2019 2 July 2019 
Source:  AUC, AfCFTA, Addis Ababa, 8  October  2019.  
3.3.5.3   Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS)  
3.94.  Like CEMAC, ECCAS has a preferential tariff regime, a transit regime, and its own rules of 
origin. This superposition of not ne cessarily identical trade regimes is not conducive to  the facilitation 
of trade in the region. In 2007, the ECCAS Heads of State and Government recognized that this 
overlapping was likely to lead to inconsistencies and duplication of effort, particularly i n financial 
terms. Accordingly, in 2010, a Steering Committee was set up to harmonize policies, programmes 
and instruments with a view to achieving a single REC14 in Central Africa.  
3.95.  The process of streamlining the Regional Economic Communities of Central A frica means that 
we can now glimpse the profile of the Community expected in 2023. Launched in 2009, the process 
was physically set in motion in 2016.  
3.96.  Prospects for this merger eventually include a customs union aimed at boosting intra -regional 
trade with a view to Central Africa's effective participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area. 
The Steering Committee is assisted in its work by a team of experts and a technical secretariat. The 
Committee has an action plan, drawn up in 2010 and revised i n 2018, to help it to fulfil its missions. 
Some of the results already achieved are: (i) the unification of the free trade areas of ECCAS and 
CEMAC, for which the relevant texts have been ratified by the CEMAC and ECCAS Council of 
Ministers; (ii) the prepa ration of the draft Customs Code, the Common External Tariff and the 
ECCAS/CEMAC common trade policy (technical negotiations for the adoption of these texts are under 
way); the preliminary draft texts for the creation of an economic community bringing toge ther 
CEMAC and ECCAS were drawn up and sent to the States in July  2020.  
3.97.  The draft Treaty establishing the new Regional Economic Community to replace ECCAS and 
CEMAC was examined and approved on 11 and 12  August  2022 in Yaoundé by the Council of 
Ministers o f the Steering Committee for the Rationalization of Regional Economic Communities in 
Central Africa. This draft, which is in line with the architecture desired by the AUC15, establishes a 
more modern framework for the Community. It is the most important do cument in the normative 
framework of the new REC, in that it lays the foundations of the envisaged Community, specifying, 
among other things, its organizational and institutional structures, its areas of activity and values, 
and its identity. The Council o f Ministers also took note of a report by the team of experts on the 
state of implementation of the rationalization process. It also validated a report on the state of 
progress in bringing together the institutional frameworks of the RECs in Central Africa . In addition, 
the Council adopted two proposals for the name of the new REC.  
3.3.5.4   European Union  
3.98.  Apart from the GSP16, the CEMAC LDCs17 (Central African Republic and Chad) are eligible for 
the European Union's "Everything But Arms" initiative, which allows them to export everything other 
than arms to the EU duty free and ex -quota.  
3.99.  Moreover, the CEMAC countries are participating in the neg otiation of the Economic 
Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the Central African region and the European Union, to replace 
 
14 Regional Economic Community.  
15 African Union Commission.  
16 Generalized System of Preferences.  
17 Least Developed Countries.  WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
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  the Cotonou Agreement, whose trade chapter expired at the end of 2007. As distinct from previous 
agreements, the EPAs must be compati ble with WTO rules.  
3.100.   A regional EPA, a vehicle for integration, has been negotiated with eight Central African 
countries: Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, the Democratic Republic of the 
Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Sao Tome and Pr incipe. Unresolved differences between 
Central Africa and the EU18 over, among other matters, the rate of liberalization and compensation 
for the net fiscal impact, have prevented the negotiations from being finalized. Only Cameroon has 
negotiated, signed,  ratified and implemented an interim EPA.  
3.101.   Three CEMAC countries (Cameroon, CAR, Congo) have finalized Voluntary Partnership 
Agreements (VPAs) within the framework of the European FLEGT (Forest Law Enforcement, 
Governance and Trade) initiative. In the case of Gabon, the process is in its final stage. Indeed, on 
23 September  2010, Gabon officially opened negotiations with the EU. These negotiations were 
suspended in July  2012 and relaunched in 2019 but did not result in the finalization of the 
FLEGT  Agreement. Economic operators have therefore focused on certifying the legal origin of timber 
(legality certification) and sustainable forest management (sustainability certification). This has 
enabled them to penetrate not only the European market but als o other international markets.  
3.3.5.5   United States  
3.102.   Proclaimed in October  2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is a 
United  States Government initiative aimed at further opening up the United States market to 
products from a number of countries in sub-Saharan Africa. All the CEMAC States, with the exception 
of Equatorial Guinea, are eligible for AGOA. Gabon has had a national AGOA strategy since 2022. 
Chad is currently developing its national AGOA strategy under the supervision of a technical 
committ ee set up by the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Cameroon was excluded from AGOA in 
2020. The reasons given by the US Government related to human rights violations in the crackdown 
on separatists in the south -west and north -west regions. Cameroon and the U S Government are 
negotiating to reintegrate Cameroon into this initiative.  
3.3.5.6   Other preferential relations  
3.103.   In general, the CEMAC countries are eligible for the Generalized System of  Preferences  (GSP) 
regimes of the developed countries and some developing coun tries. On the other hand, only 
Cameroon participates in the Global System of Trade Preferences among Developing 
Countries  (GSTP).  
3.4  CEMAC sectoral policies  
3.4.1   Agriculture, livestock, forestry and fisheries – policies by sector  
3.4.1.1   Cotton  
3.104.   The Cotton Development Comp any (SODECOTON) in Cameroon ranks among the world's top 
rain-fed cotton growers in terms of yield; this trend has been confirmed in recent years and should 
continue thanks to the constant renewal of ever more efficient varieties, and to technical procedure s 
that have been mastered and, above all, are correctly applied. However, growth in production has 
so far been limited by the ageing and declining capacity of ginneries. This problem is in the process 
of being resolved as part of an investment programme pl anned for 2025, through the construction 
of two additional ginneries. Production has continued to rise, despite fluctuations in international 
market prices that are undermining the company's financial equilibrium, and the target of 
400,000  tonnes of seed c otton by the end of the year looks realistic . However, there is much less 
visibility beyond that, and achieving the 600,000 tonnes of seed cotton by 2025 set by Cameroon's 
Industrialization Master Plan (i.e. a 50 % increase in the space of just five years) is a challenge that 
will not be easy to meet.  
3.105.   For various reasons, the Société cotonnière du Tchad (COTONTCHAD) experienced 
organizational problems that seriously affected its performance. Despite relatively high producer 
 
18 European Uni on. WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
- 38 - 
  prices, average yields remained ve ry low. This situation was reportedly caused by COTONTCHAD not 
having full control over the provision of support to producers  and, above all, by considerable 
delays in making inputs available, combined with an unsuitable funding mechanism. This 
management model resulted in high unit costs of production, which, together with the logistical costs 
of delivery to the port of Douala, led to operating losses on the world fibre market. Production 
plummeted by 67.5 % in 2019 as a result of the withdrawal, in respons e to the Government's 
accumulated arrears of payment, of the pool of banks financing the cotton seasons.  
3.106.   However, there has been a clear upturn in the sector since OLAM International acquired a 
60% stake in COTONTCHAD Société Nouvelle. Production rose shar ply in 2021 (123,000 tonnes) 
and 2022 (146,500 tonnes), with a target of 300,000 tonnes by 2024, up from 15,500 tonnes in 
2019.  
3.107.   The Central African Republic, which remains in a post -conflict situation, is a special case 
because the national priority is cle arly food security, and discussions on the construction of a national 
cotton -textile sector are not on the agenda. The partnership with GEOCOTON, resumed in mid -2017, 
is leading to the reintegration of the country's production into the global cotton fibre market and is 
therefore the best, and in fact only, possible alternative.  
3.108.   Against the backdrop of a highly competitive world market, marked by hard -to-predict price 
fluctuations and a downward trend, market contraction due to growing competition from synth etic 
fibres, attempts to set up a national cotton -textile sector are nothing new, following the creation of 
CICAM in Cameroon and the SNTT in Chad. However, these attempts have so far ended in failure 
(Chad) or semi -failure (Cameroon). Nevertheless, the co mpletion of the current investment plans, 
which seems close to succeeding in both cases, gives considerable cause for optimism that the 
situation will change.  
3.4.1.2   Sugar  
3.109.   The sugar industry in the CEMAC zone is characterized by local production amounting to 
about 334,000 tonnes in 2017, sold exclusively on local markets.  
3.110.   The industry is steadily increasing its production capacity so that it can continue to meet the 
majority of the country's needs.  
3.111.   A platform for technical cooperation between the producers and CEM AC was set up  in 
January  2003. This framework envisages, in particular, the launching of new production projects and 
the creation of an environment capable of ensuring the continuity of the subsector's activities. Thus, 
in March  2006, a Common Sugar Market  Organization (OCM -Sucre -CEMAC) was  brought into being.  
3.112.   OCM-Sucre -CEMAC has the following objectives: (i) to achieve self -sufficiency in sugar for  
the subregion through the increased production of local sugar and/or imports and to establish 
a mechanism for  monitoring the markets and managing sugar deficits; (ii) to establish a common 
strategy to make the subregional sugar industries competitive; (iii) to contribute to the campaign 
against fraud, smuggling and counterfeiting; and (iv) to provide a stable fra mework for  the 
operations of the sector's professionals.  
Table 8 : CEMAC agricultural export production  
(Thousands of tonnes)  
Product  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  2022  
Cocoa  311.3  288.5  302.7  304.4  306.2  244.2  303.7  325.8  
Coffee  38.9 70.0 69.4 48.7 45.9 26.2 23.2 17.5 
Seed cotton  339.6  359.8  429.2  355.7  365.0  237.4  471.1  504.3  
Rubber  79.7 57.2 56.6 54.8 42.6 47.7 46.5 55 
Sugar  0 0 3.0 7.5 5.5 5.7 5.8  
Tobacco  90.0 102.8  117.4  134.0  153.0  174.7  199.5   
Gum Arabic  47 47.9 48.9 49.9 50.9 50.8 52.9 54.1 
Source:  Bank of Central African States (BEAC).  WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
- 39 - 
  3.4.1.3   Forestry sector  
3.113.   With the exception of Chad, all the CEMAC countries have more or less substantial forest 
resources and export wood products. According to statistics compiled by the Central Afri can Forests 
Observatory (OFAC) for 2010, the forested area is estimated at 18.6  million hectares for Cameroon; 
17.1 million for Congo; 22.3  million for Gabon; 6.9  million for the Central African Republic; and 
2.2 million for Equatorial Guinea.19 Pending th e approval of Community regulations by the 
Community's decision -making bodies20, all the national legislations reflect a desire to promote local 
wood processing.  
3.114.   Gabon, as a CEMAC member State, has strictly enforced a ban on the export of rough wood  
for ma ny years, while Congo has done so since January  2023.  
3.115.   This measure has had the effect of boosting the primary wood processing sector, with the 
installation of units for producing rotary cuts of timber , mainly in the Nkok Special Economic Zone 
in Gabon, whi ch has created numerous jobs and industrial value -added. Decision 
No. 05/21 -CEMAC -UEAC -CM-36, providing for a ban on the export of rough tropical wood  from 
1 January  2023, was adopted to extend the positive experience of Gabon to all the CEMAC countries. 
Its effective implementation required a regional impact study to be carried out, with 
country -by-country breakdowns, to highlight the potential effects on and risks for the economies of 
the Congo Basin States, in particular on forestry taxes and regional ec onomic vitality.  
3.116.   The provisional and preliminary results of this study were validated during a workshop held 
in March  2023. The results show that, for all the countries in the study (Cameroon, CAR, Congo, the 
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Gu inea), strict application of the measure would have 
a greater negative impact on the economy than a ban imposed gradually over three years, with 
export quotas of 20 % in the first  year, 10 % in the second and 5 % in the third.  
3.117.   The next step is to submit the c onclusions of this study to the sectoral ministers concerned 
with a view to the adoption of a Community text advocating a three -year phase -out of the export of 
rough wood , taking account of the recommended export quotas.  
3.118.   COMIFAC21, established in 2005 with in the ECCAS framework, is the body responsible for 
formulating, harmonizing and monitoring forestry and environmental policies in Central Africa. 
Within this framework, several measures have been adopted, in particular: a convergence plan 
defining the pri ority measures to be taken with a view to harmonizing national forestry and fiscal 
policies; a subregional convention on forest control and the repression of illicit activities; and a 
system for collecting, processing and sharing forestry information.  
Table 9 : CEMAC tropical timber production and exports  
(Thousands of m3) 
Headings  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  2022  
Production    
Rough wood  6,668.8  6,899  7,292.5  7,616.3  7,259.4  7,136.5  11,007.7  11,730  
Sawn timber  1,176.1  1,227.7  1,264.5  1,487.0  1,659.5  1,619.8    
Exports    
Rough wood  2,134.6  2,309  2,844.4  2,949.9  2,258.1  1,936.8  4,455.6  4,747.1  
Sawn timber  999.2  879.9  924.9  1,070.6  1,194.2  1,257.2    
Source:  BEAC and our calculations.  
3.4.1.4   Livestock products  
3.119.   Grazing land covers one third of the region's area. Chad, Cameroon and the Central  African 
Republic are the main livestock producers in the subregion, accounting for 95 % of total herd 
numbers. Consequently, livestock farming is one of the pillars underpinning  the Community 's efforts 
to accelerate  economic growth and achieve the objectives it has set itself in its Regional 
 
19 Of the 2.2 million hectares of forest, 400,000 are being exploited, 500,000 have been exploited, 
600,000 are unexploited and 700,000 are being preserved as forest reserves.  
20 Decision No 05/21 -CEMAC -UEAC -CM-36 providing for a ban on the export of tro pical timber in the 
form of rough wood  from 1 January 2023.  
21 Central African Forest Commission.  WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
- 40 - 
  Economic  Programme. The Economic Commission for Cattle, Meat and Fishery Resources 
(CEBEVIRHA), active  since 1991, is CEMAC's implementing agency for livestock, fishing and 
aquaculture. Thus,  in 1995, it introduced a passport for livestock and an international transhumance 
certificate.  
3.120.   Chad is a  leading  farming country, with an estimated 147  million head of livestock  and 
36 million head of poultry (2022 estimate). "Livestock" account for 80 % of total herd numbers. The 
group is mainly made up of ruminants such as goats (31.6 %), sheep (30.7 %), cattle  (24.3 %) and 
camels (6.8 %). Poultry is dominated by chicken farming, with 26.6  million head, or 77 % of the to tal. 
Other poultry includes ducks, geese, guinea fowl and pigeons.  
3.121.   According to the Statistical Yearbook of Cameroon 2017, the national herd of Cameroon 
amounted to 114,525,665 head of livestock in 2016, broken down as follows: 
Poultry:  93,929,640  head, in cluding broiler chickens, accounting for 82.01 % of total livestock during 
the period, followed by cattle at 6.5% (7,456,123 head), goats  at 5.6% (6,365,528 head), pigs 
at 3.1% (3,491,280 head), and sheep at 2.9 % (3,283,086 head). Behind this increase in pr oduction, 
despite the demands  of Boko Haram which  began in Cameroon's far north in 2013, damaging the 
livestock sector, is a series of projects and programmes launched by the Government to promote 
and stimulate livestock activities in the country. These initiatives have resulted in an average annual 
increase of 8 % in cattle numbers over the period under review, a  14% rise in sheep numbers, and 
an average annual increase of 1.1 % in goat numbers, compared with average annual increases of 
4.6% and 4.7 % respectively for pig and poultry populations.  
3.122.   There has been no formal livestock census in the Central African Republic for over 30  years. 
However, the authorities estimate that, in 2012, there were around 4  million head of cattle, 
5 million  small ruminan ts, including 750,000 goats, plus 1.6  million pigs and 6  million poultry. But 
the sector was one of the most devastated in the early days of the crisis, suffering a 55 % fall in 
2013. According to forecasts by the Central African Institute of Statistics and  Economic and Social 
Studies, the sector has been recovering since 2014, with growth rates of 3 % and 6.5 % in 2015 and 
2016 respectively.  
Table 1 0: CEMAC livestock production  
('000 head)  
Type  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Cattle  35,726  37,963  40,062  42,288  45,566  47,247  49,677  
Sheep  30,049  32,046  34,182  36,448  38,832  40,392  42,036  
Goats  42,320  44,690  47,228  49,923  53,812  55,794  58,986  
Camels  6,414  6,837  7,288  7,769  8,276  8,632  9,202  
Horses  1,073  1,100  1,127  1,154  1,268  1,323  1,355  
Asses  2,804  2,873  2,943  3,015  3,621  3,777  3,869  
Pigs 6,463  6,816  7,239  7,686  8,444  8,658  9,077  
Poultry  129,387  133,528  138,836  145,308  154,308  159,396  164,712  
Source:  BEAC.  
3.4.1.5   Fishery products  
3.123.   The Community countries have some 553,863 km2 of exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and 
1,752 km of shoreline. Potential annual fish production is estimated at 800,000 tonnes, but this has 
not been fully exploited.  
3.124.   The second meeting of the Steering Committee of the CEMAC Inland Fishing and Aquaculture 
Promotion Project (PPCA -CEMAC) was held on 1  February  2019 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. 
Organized by CEBEVIRHA, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the 
United  Nations, the event aimed to mobilize resources for the implementation o f the Project.  
3.125.   The initiative aims to improve fisheries production and increase aquaculture production with 
a view to contributing to nutritional food security and reducing poverty within the community, which 
has a population of 60.6  million spread over an  area of 3  million km2. The fisheries and aquaculture 
subsector plays a very important socioeconomic role in the economies of the CEMAC countries 
through its significant contribution to nutritional food security, job creation and the fight against 
poverty.  WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
- 41 - 
  3.126.   CEMAC countries are highly dependent on food imports in general. This is reflected in fish 
and shellfish imports, which totalled around CFAF  215 billion in 2018, up 20 % on 2017. Cameroon 
alone accounts for 70 % of fish imports in the subregion. The questio n that has been asked for many 
years is why fisheries production is so low in relation to demand, when the subregion has abundant 
resources for marine and inland fishing and for aquaculture.  
3.127.   The fisheries sector is faced with inadequate and unsuitable equi pment and boats, inefficient 
organization of the professions involved and market access problems. Artisanal fisheries lack sheds 
for setting and cleaning nets and buildings for preserving and storing fish, repairing outboard motors 
and building pirogues. T he inadequacy of market infrastructures, particularly in rural areas, 
especially for storage and preservation, remains a major obstacle to the collection, 
storage/preservation and ventilation of product supply. The result is higher marketing costs, which 
have a significant impact on the cost price and limit the accessibility of products.  
3.128.   The productive resources of inland fisheries within CEMAC significantly outstrip those of 
maritime fisheries; naturally, all fisheries in landlocked countries (Central Afri can Republic, Chad) 
are inland. There is a clear preponderance of inland fisheries in Cameroon, and even in Congo; only 
Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, whose continental fishing potential is relatively modest, are exceptions 
to this rule. According to FAO sta tistics, the region's recorded production of freshwater fish was 
around 450,000 tonnes in 2015, compared to around 130,000 tonnes of marine origin. It is therefore 
justified that the inland fisheries sector should receive at least equal, if not greater, at tention than 
the maritime fisheries sector.  
3.129.   Against this backdrop, cumulative imports amount to a considerable volume of almost 
350,000 tonnes, including 200,000 tonnes to Cameroon alone. These imports are of low -priced 
pelagic marine  fish (sardines, jack and horse mackerel, etc.) that satisfy basic demand, mainly from 
the poorest urban populations. Most of these imports now come from other African countries 
(Mauritania, Senegal and Namibia). Consumption of freshwater fish, on the other hand, is essentially  
covered by local production in all the CEMAC countries. In general, there is relatively little 
cross-border trade in freshwater fish.  
3.130.   The aquaculture/fish farming sector, meanwhile, remains marginal, despite the many efforts 
that have been devoted to it f or at least two decades, and despite the emergence of a few commercial 
enterprises. Although the precise level of production is particularly difficult to estimate in each case, 
it can be said that overall cumulative production barely exceeds 10 to 15,000 t onnes. Even then, 
most of this production is artisanal and semi -commercial.  
3.4.2   Mining and energy  
3.131.   The CEMAC zone's energy strategy revolves around the implementation of the region's 
energy policy. The Central African Power Pool (CAPP) is responsible for implem enting an important 
part of this policy, in particular the generation and transmission of electricity. Through the CAPP, the 
CEMAC countries comply with a legal framework that includes the Code for the Central African 
Regional Electricity Market and the Co de for the Operation of Interconnected Electricity Networks.  
Oil and natural gas  
3.132.   In 2021, activity in the oil sector continued the decline that began in 2020, following two 
consecutive years of growth of 2.3 % and 1.2 % in 2019 and 2018. It has been greatly affected by 
the lack of investment in the development and drilling of oil wells recorded in 2020, together with 
the barrier measures and travel restrictions put in place to deal with the COVID -19 pandemic. In 
Chad, oil production fell by 4.6 %, mainly as a result of production difficulties encountered by US 
operator Exxon Mobil, which suspended its operations at the Doba field in 2021.  
3.133.   In Gabon, oil production fell by 7.0 % in 2021 as a result of constraints related to compliance 
with OPEC+ production quotas and operational failures (damage to electrical cables supplying the 
Anguille and Torpille oilfields and low equipment availability at Total Gabon and Assala  Gabon).  
3.134.   In Equatorial Guinea, the oil sector remained in recession, driven by a 17.3 % drop in 
produ ction in 2021 and having been in continuous decline since 2013, despite the completion of a WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
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  major gas project that had enabled gas activities to grow by 11.8 % in 2021 after three consecutive 
years of decline.  
3.135.   According to the BEAC, oil production in the CEMAC was estimated at 39.2  million  tonnes in 
2021, down 11 % on 2020. Congo confirms its leadership in this sector, accounting for almost 35 % 
of subregional production, ahead of Gabon (25 %), Equatorial Guinea (15.6 %), Chad  (15.5 %) and 
Cameroon (8.7 %). Only  three countries produce gas: Cameroon, Congo and Equatorial Guinea.  
3.136.   CEMAC production was estimated at 6,280,900 tonnes in 2021, up 9 % on 2020, driven by 
production growth in Equatorial Guinea (+11.8 %) and Cameroon (+4.2 %). According to the BEAC, 
the outlo ok for gas production in 2022 is favourable at the subregional level (+20.6 % compared 
with 2021), while it is stable for crude oil.  
Table 11 : CEMAC oil and mining production  
Headings  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  2022  
Crude oil  
(in millions of tonnes)  48 44.2 42.1 44.3 45.9 44.1 40 39.7 
Natural gas  
(in thousands of tonnes)  5,963.8  6,410.5  6,805.4  6,747.1  6,350.5  5,798.7  6,240.9  7,273.2  
Aluminium  
(in thousands of tonnes)  79.7 69.4 80.6 65.9 53.2 47.5 36.4  
Diamond  
(in thousands of carats)  0 12.6 59.8 80.3 25.3 50.4 103.6  115.3  
Gold (in kg)  150 151.4  343.9  224.6  465.9  511.1  1,824.2  2,874.3  
Manganese  
(in millions of tonnes)  4.2 3.4 4.9 5.4 7.3 8.5 9.5 10.6 
Source : BEAC.  
3.137.   In conclusion, the primary sector was the main contributor to growth in 2020 and 2021, 
mainly owing to the decline in activity in the oil sector. The latter's contribution to growth was 
negative by around 1.1 points in 2021 on account of the sharp 9.4 % fall in oil production, despite a 
9.1% rise in gas production. By contrast, the agriculture, livestock, hunting and fishing branch and 
the forestry branch have helped to mitigate the recession recorded in 2021 in the primary sector, 
with respective contributi ons to growth of around 0.3 points and 0.1 points. These sectors have 
benefited from the good performance of industrial and export agriculture in all the CEMAC countries, 
and of timber production, which is catching up after the decline seen in 2020 as a re sult of the fall 
in external demand caused by the COVID -19 pandemic. Of particular note was the continued rise in 
palm oil production in Gabon, driven by an increase in cultivated areas and yields, and the positive 
performance in cotton production in Chad.  
3.138.   The dynamism of activity in the agriculture, livestock and hunting branch is the result of the 
continued acceleration of the implementation of numerous agricultural development projects in the 
Community, such as the agropoles in Cameroon, the "Gabonaise d es Réalisations Agricoles et des 
Initiatives des Nationaux Engagés (GRAINE)"  project in Gabon and the agricultural development 
projects set up in Bouenza, Niari and other localities in Congo.  
Table 12 : CEMAC food crop production  
(Thousands of tonnes)  
Crop 2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Millet and sorghum  2,670.8  3,008  2,611.7  2,502.5  3,383.3  3,444.6  3,342.1  
Maize  2,553.0  2,736.5  2,844.2  3,064.1  3,036.2  3,099.3  3,065.1  
Rice/paddy  477.6  544.5  523.7  626.5  691.6  690.3  638.4  
Potato  224.6  231.8  240 258.2  241.8  247.8  254.2  
Cassava  7,020.2  7,475  7,110.8  6,928.6  7,471.4  7,661.0  8,053.6  
Macabo/taro/ yam 1,697.2  1,757.2  2,099.2  1,810.3  1,973.1  2,022.5  2,075  
Plantain  4,022.1  4,109.1  3,994.7  4,246.1  4,595.2  4,708.2  4,813.8  
Groundnuts  909.7  1,065.7  1,067.1  1,094.7  1,069.4  1,045.9  979.0  
Berbere  431.1  453.7  448.5  578.6  528.4  538.2  494.4  
Sugarcane  1,136.6  960 1,209.0  1,264.7  1,218.1  1,256.0  1,289.5  
Sesame  191.9  193.9  200 214.8  262.3  249.2  245.3  
Palm oil  211.1  227.8  290 312 335.8  344.1  353.1  
Squash  29.5 30.3 31 31.8 33.6 35.4 26.2 
Wheat  1 1.7 1.9 1.8 1.6 1.8 1.5 WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
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  Crop 2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Cow peas  138.1  144.1  152 151.9  152.9  154.6  151.7  
Pearl millet  592.1  725.7  660.2  756.6  717.6  686.6  621.4  
Mango  66.3 68.1 68.7 68.9 52.9 53.6 57 
Total  22,372.8  23,736  23,552.6  23,912.2  25,765  26,238.5  26,461.4  
Source:  BEAC, annual report.  
3.4.3   Manufacturing sector  
3.139.   In 2021, the manufacturing industries  branch continued the upward trend that began in 
2016. It contributed 0.4 points to growth in 2021, compared with 0.1 points and 0.3 points in 2020 
and 2019, respectively, and was driven by: (i) the continued increase in energy supply, with the 
injection into the southern interconnected grid of 65 MW of power generated by the Menve'ele 
hydroelectric dam in Camero on, and with the installation in Gabon of the Grand Poubara dam, most 
of whose output is used by the mining company COMILOG; (ii) an increase in installed productive 
capacity through the entry into operation of new units, such as Neo Industry at Kekem 
(32,000 tonnes) and Atlantic Cocoa at Kribi (38,000 tonnes) in Cameroon, bringing installed 
cocoa -grinding capacity to 120,000 tonnes, in addition to CIMENCAM's new cement plant in Yaoundé, 
with an installed capacity of 500,000 tonnes, and the Awala and Mouila  palm oil processing plants 
in Gabon; and (iii) the ramp -up of new cement plants in Cameroon, Congo and Gabon.  
3.140.   Real GDP growth in the CEMAC manufacturing sector was +3.8 % in 2021, compared with 
0.5% in 2020 and 2.8 % in 2019. Therefore, the CEMAC manufactur ing sector did not enter a 
recession in 2020, unlike the building and public works subsector ( -1.8% in 2020).  
3.141.   In 2021, as in 2019, building and public works made a positive contribution to growth 
(0.2 points). This recovery of activity in the building and public works sector is attributable mainly 
to public capital expenditure in all the CEMAC countries apart from Equatorial Guinea and Chad, 
following: (i) a net increase in oil revenues, boosted by the robust performance of oil prices; and 
(ii) the gradual return of confidence from development partners thanks to the impetus provided by 
the conclusion of second -generation programmes with the IMF, which has improved the 
disbursement of grants and foreign loans.  
3.4.4   Services sector  
3.142.   The services sector has been making a positive and relatively more significant contribution 
to regional economic growth for many years. This contribution amounted to 1.2 growth points in 
2022 (following 1.7 points in 2021), far higher than in the primary s ector (0.5 points in 2022 
and -1.2 points in 2021) and the secondary sector (0.3 points in 2022 compared with 0.8  points 
in 2021).  
3.4.4.1   Telecommunications and broadcasting  
3.143.   Upon the proposal of the CEMAC Commission, Community Regulation 
No. 04/20 -UEAC -CM-35 on r oaming on mobile electronic communications networks open to the 
public within CEMAC member States was adopted on 8  September  2020. This Regulation applies to 
all operators and providers of mobile electronic communications services established in a CEMAC 
member State. It also applies to all mobile electronic communications services originating and/or 
terminating in a member State of the Community.  
3.144.   The current state of the CEMAC roaming dossier is mixed, as it is influenced by numerous 
factors that have the p otential to limit its implementation. These include the lack of ownership of 
the project by some of the subregion's telecommunications regulatory authorities, the lack of 
involvement of the Ministries in charge of the dossier and, above all, the unwillingn ess of telephone 
operators to play fair. These bottlenecks have resulted in a significant delay in the implementation 
of Regulation No.  04/20 -UEAC -CM-35 with regard to the initial timetable.  
3.145.   Mobile telephone operators, while providing the connectivity that  makes this implementation 
possible, must consult with regulators, within the framework of the national technical committees 
set up for this purpose, to define all the pricing and technical arrangements for implementing free 
roaming. However, free roaming is now in effect between Gabon and Congo, and significant progress WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
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  has been made in exchanges between operators and regulators in Chad and Gabon on the one hand, 
and Congo and Chad on the other.  
3.146.   The minutes of the meeting of the national technical committe es of Equatorial Guinea and 
Gabon have also been signed, thereby setting the date of entry into force of free roaming at 
31 January  2023. In this connection, on 27  October  2022, Cameroon and Gabon also signed the 
minutes sanctioning the work of the nationa l technical committees of both countries. The effective 
and total completion of the free roaming project in 2023 is a sine qua non -condition for CEMAC's 
evolution towards a single telephone network.  
3.4.4.2   Banking and insurance sector  
3.147.   According to the Bank of Cen tral African States (BEAC), by the end of 2022 the CEMAC zone 
had 53 banks, distributed across the States as follows: Cameroon: 16 banks, Congo: 11 banks, 
Chad: nine banks, Gabon: eight banks, Equatorial Guinea: five banks, and Central African Republic: 
four banks.  
3.148.   Of these banks, 19 are CEMAC -owned. Of the nine largest CEMAC banks, i.e. those classed 
as systemic by the Central African Banking Commission (COBAC), four are banks with predominantly 
local capital (Afriland First Bank Cameroon, BGFI Bank Group,  CCEI Bank Equatorial Guinea and 
Commercial Bank Chad), three are subsidiaries of pan -African groups (Société Commerciale de 
Banque Cameroun and BICEC with majority Moroccan capital, and Ecobank Transnational the 
headquarters of which are in Togo) and two are subsidiaries of non -African foreign banks (Société 
Générale Cameroun and Standard Chartered).  
3.149.   According to BEAC, the quality of the banking system's portfolio has improved: overdue debt 
stood at CFAF  1,976  billion, or 19.2 % of gross loans, at 31  July 2022, compared with 21.4 % a year 
earlier. In addition, the rate of coverage of past -due loans by provisions stood at 63.5 %, compared 
with 59.4 % in July  2021. At 31  July 2022, the prudential situation of CEMAC's 53 reporting banks 
was as follows:  
• 16 banks ar e in breach of minimum capital representation provisions;  
• 12 banks have a core capital ratio below the 8 % minimum;  
• 12 banks have a net capital -to-risk weighted assets ratio below the minimum of 10 %; 
• six banks are in breach of the overall limit of eight tim es net equity for the sum of weighted 
risks exceeding 15 % of net equity;  
• 20 banks failed to comply with the individual limit on weighted risks incurred on a single 
beneficiary for a maximum amount of 40 % of their net capital, compared with 18 banks 
one year earlier;  
• 17 banks had a ratio of coverage of fixed assets by permanent resources below the 
required minimum of 100 %, compared with 12 banks one year earlier;  
• nine banks had a liquidity ratio below the regulatory minimum of 100 %, compared with 
six banks a year earlier;  
• 12 banks are unable to finance at least 50 % (regulatory threshold) of their uses with a 
residual maturity of more than five years with permanent resources, compared with 
13 banks in 2021;  
• Lastly, 10 banks are in breach of the overall limit on commitments to their shareholders, 
directors and managers, and to their staff, set at 15 % of net capital.  
3.150.   In total, 19 banks had sufficient capital to comply with all the prudential ratios based on thi s 
aggregate at 31  July 2022. The prudential ratios with which the greatest number of banks are in 
conformity are those relating to equity capital, the reserve ratio and the overall limit of the risk 
division standard. The prudential ratios least complied w ith are the individual risk limit, the minimum 
capital representation, the fixed asset coverage ratio, the core capital ratio and the conversion 
coefficient.  
3.151.   In reality, very few banks fail to comply with prudential standards. COBAC effectively ensures 
that all authorized banks comply with all prudential standards, by imposing sanctions on the 
non-compliant banks concerned.  WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
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  3.4.4.3   The microfinance sector in the CEMAC zone  
3.152.   According to BEAC, at 31  December  2019, the microfinance sector in the CEMAC zone 
comprised 5 01 licensed and operating microfinance institutions (MFIs) (compared with 619 in 2018), 
384 of which were in Cameroon (412 in 2018), 16 in the Central African Republic (11 in 2018), 47  in 
Congo (57 in 2018), 15 in Gabon (14 in 2018), two in Equatorial Guin ea (three in 2018), and 37 in 
Chad (122 in 2018).  
3.153.   The balance sheet total for CEMAC MFIs rose from CFAF  1,197  billion in 2015 to 
CFAF 1,514  billion in 2019, an increase of 26 % over the period. However, deposits fell by 12 %, from 
CFAF 944 billion to CFAF  828 billion. Gross loans fell from CFAF  531 billion to CFAF  496 billion 
between 2015 and 2019, a drop of 3 %. 
3.154.   Past-due loans rose by 32 % from CFAF  72 billion to CFAF  95 billion between 2015 and 2019, 
representing 18 % of gross loans in 2019. Lastly, the aggreg ate net profit of reporting MFIs stood at 
CFAF 4,840  million on 31  December  2019, an increase of CFAF  2,487  million compared to 2018.  
3.4.4.4   Financial markets  
3.155.   The Central African Financial Market Supervisory Commission (COSUMAF) is the authority 
set up to oversee , regulate and monitor the regional financial market. It is responsible 
for the protection of savings invested in financial assets, investor information and the smooth 
functioning of the market.  
3.156.   The BVMAC22 was established in July  2019 following the merger of the former Douala 
Stock -Exchanges (DSX) and the former BVMAC created in Libreville (Gabon). This merger should 
serve as an impetus to broaden and deepen CEMAC's financial markets and ensure better acces s to 
liquidity for listed entities. This is a decisive step forward for the region, which is more than ever 
engaged in an unprecedented process of economic and financial integration.  
3.157.   In October  2017, at a summit held in N'Djamena, the Heads of State of the  subregion decided 
to merge the two stock exchanges in the CEMAC zone. This decision was confirmed at a subsequent 
summit on 24  March  2018. A compromise was reached: the single stock exchange would be based 
in Douala and the regulator in Libreville. The tw o markets have been brought closer together, 
starting with the regulator. The CMF23 and COSUMAF merged in April  2019, while the subregion's 
stock markets merged at the end of June  2019.  
3.158.   According to BEAC, subregional stock market activities have increased,  notably with the rise 
in market capitalization and the strengthening of activities on the equity and bond markets. Between 
August  2021 and August  2022, the market capitalization of all listed securities rose by 23.6 % to 
CFAF 1,064.5  billion. This was main ly due to the listing of new securities.  
3.4.4.5   Insurance  
3.159.   The insurance sector accounts for a relatively large share of GDP in the CEMAC countries. In 
2017, life and non -life insurance premiums written represented 15.8 % of GDP in Cameroon, 7.9 % 
in Gabon and 4.7 % in Congo. Cameroon and Gabon are the most dynamic markets in the subregion.  
3.160.   Despite the gloomy economic climate, business in the insurance sector remains buoyant, 
with a steady rise in production (CFAF  411.8  billion in 2020, up 1 % on 2019 and 6.5 % on 2018) . 
The non -life branch accounts for 76.7 % of this production, compared with 23.3 % for the life branch.  
 
22 Central African Stock Exchange.  
23 Financial Markets Commission.  WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
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  Table 13 : Insurance sector output in CEMAC by type of premiums written  
(CFAF  billion)  
Type of premium  2018  2019  2020  
Non-life 297.3  313.6  313.9  
Life and capitalization  89.3 94.0 97.9 
Together  386.6  407.6  411.8  
Source:  CIMA Annual Report 2020.24 
3.161.   The insurance market in the CEMAC  countries comprises 47 insurance companies, broken 
down as follows: 24 in Cameroon; nine in Gabon; seven in Congo; three in Chad; two in the RCA; 
and two in Equatorial Guinea.  
3.4.4.6   Professional services  
3.162.   In 2021, CEMAC adopted a series of texts aimed at harmoni zing existing regulations in the 
various member States, with a view to creating a common market for services. Ten community texts 
on trade in services, including one on the mutual recognition of professional qualifications, have thus 
been adopted. The text s are as follows:  
• a community directive on services, which sets out a general framework and establishes 
general provisions to facilitate the freedom of establishment of service providers and the 
free movement of services. The directive specifies the areas and sectors not covered, such 
as services already covered by community regulations (banking services, transport 
services, telecommunications, professional services – accountancy, tax advice, etc.);  
• four directives on professional services relating to the f ree movement and establishment 
of architects, midwives, surgeons and pharmacists;  
• a regulation on the legal profession;  
• a directive on the education sector concerning freedom of movement and establishment 
for the creation of a private education establishme nt by a national of a CEMAC member 
State established in the territory of another member State;  
• a directive on freedom of movement and establishment, for the opening of a travel agency 
and tourist organization by a national of a CEMAC member State establish ed in the 
territory of another member State, in the tourism sector;  
• a directive on freedom of movement and establishment for the setting up and opening of 
private health facilities by nationals of a CEMAC member State established in the territory 
of anothe r member State, in the hospital services sector;  
• a community regulation adopting the framework agreement on the mutual recognition of 
professional qualifications.  
3.163.   Generally speaking, the services sector has made a positive contribution to economic growth 
since 2010, with the exception of 2020, when it made a negative contribution. Its contribution of 
1.6 points to growth in 2021 stemmed from the good performance of tradable services owing to: 
(i) in Cameroon, the continued dynamism of vehicle repair and tra de activities, and the effects of 
work relating to the commissioning of major first -generation structural projects and the development 
of infrastructure with a view to the organization of the CHAN  2021 and the CAN  2022, (ii) in the 
Central African Republic , the revival of trade activity marked by remarkable performances achieved 
in the sale of refined petroleum products and vehicles, (iii) in Gabon, a good level of activity in the 
transport sub -branch in conjunction with a sustained level of activity in the  mining and timber 
industries, coupled with the commissioning of new port infrastructure (Port Général Cargo and GSEZ 
Port Minéralier) and, (iv) in Equatorial Guinea, the combined effects of a good level of activity in the 
trade, catering and hotel sectors , as well as in financial services.  
3.5  Challenges faced in implementing trade policy and sectoral instruments in  CEMAC  
3.164.   Although CEMAC has indeed harmonized several trade policy and sectoral instruments that 
are being effectively implemented in its member Stat es, it must also be acknowledged that a number 
of distortions still exist. In particular:  
 
24 Inter-African Conference on Insurance Markets.  WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
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  • disparities and distortions in the implementation of the Common External Tariff, since 
States sometimes apply reduced rates and exemptions unilaterally;  
• non-applicati on of the community provisions on compensation for loss of revenue due to 
implementation of the Generalized Preferential Tariff at the zero rate. Hence the need to 
harmonize and improve the collection and processing of foreign trade statistics in CEMAC 
member States in order to guard against challenges linked to contradictory statistical data 
serving as the basis for calculating compensation;  
• non-compliant/non -uniform application by member States of the list of products subject 
to the reduced VAT rate;  
• the practice of double taxation involving the imposition of a second tax on a product which 
has been released for consumption and taxed in a first country. Thus, when the  product 
is transferred to another community country, it is taxed again. This means that there is 
no free circulation in the CEMAC subregion: to offset the effects of this distortion, a study 
has been initiated with a view to adopting an appropriate compens ation mechanism;  
• the existence of non -tariff barriers along transit corridors and at borders;  
• the lack of computerization of the customs administrations of the member States, and of 
interconnection between the computer systems of the customs administration s of the 
various member States, impedes the functioning of the community transit regime, as do 
the ineffectiveness of the means used to track cargo along the corridors, and various forms 
of harassment.  
4  OUTLOOK  
4.1  Macroeconomic outlook  
4.1.  The macroeconomic outloo k is broadly stable for 2023. Economic growth is expected to reach 
2.7% in 2023, after reaching 2.9 % in 2022.  
4.2.  On the supply side , growth is expected to be driven by both the oil and non -oil sectors. The 
oil sector experienced positive growth in 2022 after two consecutive years of recession. It grew by 
0.6% in 2022 and is forecast to grow by 0.4 % in 2023. This renewed dynamism in the oil sector in 
2022 was due to an increase in oil production in Gabon (up by 6.1 % in 2022 and 3.1 % in 2023), as 
well as the goo d performance of gas activities in Equatorial Guinea. Thanks to a substantial increase 
in gas production (19.5 %) following the start of full production under the backfill gas project, the oil 
sector resumed positive growth in 2022 (3.7 %) following a period  of recession.  
4.3.  In Cameroon, the oil sector remained in recession in 2022 and is expected to remain so in 
2023, despite the resumption of development and drilling investment in the sector following the 
good performance of crude oil prices. It declined by 0.8 % in 2022, before contracting sharply by 
4.5% in 2023, as a result of a drop in oil production owing to field maturity, and a slowdown in gas 
production after five years of consecutive increases since the offshore gas production platform cam e 
on stream in June  2018.  
4.4.  The non -oil sector, for its part, continued, in 2022, to build on the dynamism regained in 2021 
after the recession recorded in 2020, and this process is expected to continue in 2023. The sector 
grew by 3.1 % in 2022 and is expecte d to grow by 3.8 % in 2023. At the sectoral level, the primary, 
secondary and tertiary sectors all made and are expected to make a positive contribution to growth 
in 2022 and 2023 respectively. However, the tertiary sector remains the main engine of growth,  
contributing 1.3 points to growth in 2022. It is expected to contribute 1.6 points in 2023. Over this 
period, activity in the sector is expected to be driven by both tradable and non -tradable services.  
4.5.  On the demand side , as in 2021, growth in 2022 was dr iven by domestic demand. Domestic 
demand is set to benefit from the continued lifting of the restrictive measures put in place to contain 
the spread of the COVID -19 pandemic, and from the improvement in member States' budgetary 
positions as a result of ter ms of trade holding up well. The contribution of domestic demand to 
growth, after peaking at 7.3 points in 2021, fell to 4.1 points in 2022 and is expected to fall to 
1.3 points in 2023.  
4.6.  Inflation rose sharply to 5.2 % in 2022 and 6.5 % in 2023. The resurgen ce of inflationary 
pressures is thought to be the result of post -COVID -19 economic stimulus measures around the 
world and supply chain disruptions caused by the advent of the pandemic, which have led to a rise WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
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  in the cost of sea freight, exacerbated by the  conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Inflationary 
pressures would also be sustained by the depreciation of the euro against the US dollar, leading to 
a de facto depreciation of the CFA franc against the dollar due to the nominal anchor of the CFA 
franc to  the euro. In 2023, all CEMAC member States will have inflation rates above the community 
threshold of 3 %, including Cameroon (+8.2 %), CAR (+12.1 %), Congo (+3.8 %), Gabon (+4.5 %), 
Equatorial Guinea (+4.9 %) and Chad (+5 %). 
4.7.  CEMAC's macroeconomic outlook for 2 023 is based on continued buoyant activity in the non -oil 
sector. Economic growth will be driven mainly by: (i) non -oil growth (+3.3 % in 2023 compared with 
+3.4% in 2022), (ii) an acceleration in inflationary pressures, (iii) a surplus in the overall budge t 
balance, including grants, falling slightly from +2.5 % of GDP in 2022 to +1.9 % of GDP in 2023, and 
(iv) a deterioration in the current account balance, which will contract to +0.9 % of GDP in 2023 
compared with +7.4 % in 2022.  
4.8.  On the monetary front, the mo ney supply is forecast to grow by 9.9 %, while net foreign assets 
are set to increase by 25 %. Foreign exchange reserves are expected to rise by 11.5 % to 
CFAF 7,992  billion by the end of 2023, giving a currency cover rate of 77 %, compared with 73.1 % 
in December  2022. In terms of months of imports of goods and services, reserves look set to rise to 
4.9 in 2023 from 3.9 in 2022.  
4.2  Outlook for the implementation of trade policy instruments  
4.9.  The Community is facing market access restrictions imposed by some  of its trading partners, 
such as the EU regulation on deforestation, which is likely to hamper community exports of key 
products such as cocoa, coffee, palm oil and cattle. It is therefore necessary to maintain a dialogue 
with the various partners concern ed. 
4.10.  Within the context of the accelerated implementation of African Continental Free Trade Area 
(AfCFTA) provisions on the free movement of products in AfCFTA State Parties, and as part of 
reforms to be carried out in the member States and at the level of the CEMAC subregion, it is 
particularly important to:  
• further strengthen the capacities of national origin committees, including the competent 
national body responsible for issuing certificates of origin for products eligible for AfCFTA's 
preferential tari ff; 
• revise community texts on rules of origin and the approval procedure for 
CEMAC -originating products so as to bring them into line with AfCFTA provisions; and  
• increase support for the private sector in preparing applications for preferential tariff 
approval. 
4.11.  Furthermore, with a view to tackling the many non -tariff barriers that remain along the transit 
corridors linking the CEMAC member States, on 10  November  2022 the CEAU  Council of Ministers 
adopted a regulation on the establishment, organization and o peration of the CEMAC Joint Task 
Force of member States operating along inter -State corridors.  
4.12.  The Joint Task Force is responsible for implementing existing community texts on the free 
movement of people and goods within the CEMAC zone.  
4.13.  Each national branc h of the CEMAC Joint Task Force is responsible for: facilitating the free 
movement of people and goods within the CEMAC zone, in particular local products and goods 
approved under the CEMAC preferential tariff, and nationals of community countries in the c orridors 
linking the six member States; monitoring the main inter -State corridors; ensuring the protection of 
border posts and equipment as part of the CEMAC -INTERPOL border security project; and controlling 
migratory flows.  
4.14.  In terms of trade facilitation,  and to ensure that the stakeholders concerned are fully informed, 
it is important to remember that at the CEMAC level, the CEAU  Council of Ministers adopted, on 
10 November  2022, a directive that sets out the procedures for publishing import, export, tran sit 
and appeal procedures on the websites of the customs administrations of the member States, in 
accordance with the provisions of Article 71 of the CEMAC Customs Code. However, the other public 
notification methods provided for by the national laws of th e member States remain in force. Member WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
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  States shall take the necessary steps to ensure that the procedures provided for in this directive are 
published by 31  December  2023 at the latest.  
4.15.  Member States should take the appropriate steps to comply with this community directive 
within the above -mentioned time frame. The directive will help the private sector, and indeed all 
users, gain a better understanding of import, export, transit and appeal procedures, and will 
undoubtedly help to facilitate intra -communi ty, continental and international trade.  
4.3  The Regional Economic Programme (PER)  
4.16.  In 2010, to supplement the achievements described above and address the challenges arising 
from the process of regional integration and, in particular, the distortions of trade policy instruments, 
including the sectoral policies mentioned above, CEMAC drew up a Regional Economic Programme 
(PER). The aim of this programme is "to make CEMAC, by 2025, an emerging integrated economic 
area, in which security, solidarity and good gover nance reign, at the service of human development".  
4.17.  The PER's 2010 -15 operational plan has been poorly implemented. For this reason, the CEMAC 
Commission has proposed that the 2017 -21 operational plan should focus on a limited and realistic 
portfolio of fla gship projects that are likely to lead to decisive progress for CEMAC over the next 
five years. Thirteen flagship projects  have been selected, based on two missions:  
• Strengthening physical integration  through three strategic axes, namely the 
development of : (i) regional transport corridors; (ii) electricity production and 
interconnection; and (iii) digital infrastructure and interconnection.  
• Accelerating trade integration  through two strategic axes: (a) the facilitation of the 
free movement of people and go ods; (b) the development of human capital and the 
diversification of economies.  
4.18.  By 2021, the physical integration of the community space and the facilitation of transport will 
boost trade within CEMAC. Ten new road sections (3,170 km) will ensure that all six CEMAC member 
States are linked by road. Similarly, the CAR and Chad will be opened up thanks to the entry into 
operation of the Oubangui river route and the interconnection and extension of the existing rail 
networks to Chad and the CAR. At the same ti me, the harmonization of customs procedures, the 
construction of three dry ports in Douala (Cameroon), Ngueli (Chad) and Bangui  (CAR), and the 
construction of 12 border posts, will help to improve the flow of trade, cut transit times and costs 
by 50 % and r educe logistics costs by 20 %. 
4.19.  Five million more people will have access to electricity thanks to greater and better -shared 
electricity production. Current projects will provide additional output of almost 900  MW. 
Interconnections will make it easier to tra nsfer national surpluses to neighbouring areas with 
shortages, and will lay the foundations for the future electricity market, in line with Central African 
Power Pool (PEAC) guidelines. In addition, the development of interconnections linked on the 
Atlanti c coast to the Brazzaville (Congo) – Calabar (Nigeria) backbone will favour export 
opportunities and thus make it easier to attract private investment in the development of CEMAC's 
vast hydroelectric potential.  
4.20.  The PER's 2017 -21 operational plan will also enable decisive progress to be made regarding 
the Community's digital infrastructure. A single telephone network will be set up (a "One  Area 
Network", like that in the East African Community), which will enable consumers anywhere in CEMAC 
to communicate wi th the same telephone number without roaming charges, i.e. at a local rate.  
4.21.  In addition, with the fibre -optic backbone that is already in place in Equatorial Guinea and 
currently being installed in Cameroon, Gabon and Congo as part of the Central Africa Ba ckbone 
project in partnership with the World Bank and the AfDB, a community broadband network is 
gradually being set up, creating the conditions for the emergence of a truly digital economy 
potentially providing 50,000 jobs. By 2021, these digital infrastr uctures will make it possible to 
drastically reduce internet access costs ( -90%) and increase the flow of telephone communications 
between States (+50 %). 
4.22.  The PER foresaw that by 2021, the Centres of Excellence Programme would also make it 
possible to signi ficantly strengthen the training offering within CEMAC, if necessary through Public WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
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  Private Partnerships (PPP). There is considerable demand for training in the region. The CEMAC 
economy needs managerial staff, particularly in the sectors driving growth (h ydrocarbons, mining, 
agriculture and agro -industry, forestry and the timber industry, fisheries, tourism, the digital 
economy, the financial sector, etc.), as well as skilled workers and a large number of senior 
technicians, particularly in cross -disciplin ary professions such as maintenance, mechanics and 
electricity.  
4.23.  It is important that the region's training offering is suitable, substantial and of high quality. 
Through its institutional reform programme, CEMAC has already begun this process by reorientin g 
its community educational institutions towards an economic and legal model more conducive to their 
transformation into Centres of Excellence. However, it would like this process to be extended to a 
critical mass of training structures throughout the Comm unity and would like to see such structures 
given the necessary support and impetus through a dedicated " CEMAC Centres of Excellence " 
project. The plan was that by 2021, 20,000 students would be receiving training in CEMAC Centres 
of Excellence.  
4.24.  This is the link between axis 4 of the PER, "the development of human capital", and the aim 
of the streamlining process for CEMAC's specialized training institutions (ISF), which was to create 
a disciplinary and/or geographical merger of these community ed ucational establishments, a 
scenario validated by a steering committee in 2022. An assessment of the four (4) ISFs shows that, 
overall, they lack the material resources to build a competitive higher education offering and the 
critical mass required to act as drivers of development and quality of service. Given that the ISTA, 
EIED, ISSEA and IEF complement each other in terms of training offerings, and that the trend among 
training institutions at international level is to seek critical mass, it has been pro posed that these 
four (4) structures merge. The CIESPAC and EHT will form part of the community university centre 
of excellence at the Afro -American University of Central Africa (AAUCA) in Djibloho, Equatorial 
Guinea, which is currently being restructured.  
4.25.  The aim of the merger is to create a strong and competitive higher education institution that 
will provide high -quality training tailored to the needs of the job market in the CEMAC zone. The 
merger will create synergies that cannot be achieved with the f our institutions operating separately. 
In addition to obvious complementarity in terms of training, there are other reasons behind the 
decision to merge, including:  
• common management and a common vision as regards development;  
• achieving critical mass and a  dominant position in the educational/CEMAC environment;  
• internal mobility for students and teachers;  
• the pooling of resources and achieving economies of scale.  
4.26.  Three (3) community centres of excellence have been identified and are currently being made 
operational. They are:  
1. The Grande École Communautaire d'Économie et de Management (GECEM). This 
establishment, resulting from the merger of the four (4) ISFs, is a strong and competitive 
public and private institution that seeks to:  
a. strengthen resources , partnership networks and the training offering;  
b. align the training offering with the changes taking place in professions such as those 
pertaining to customs;  
c. ensure the introduction of a common core of management skills, essential for any 
area of specialization; and  
d. provide training to a critical mass of managers with diverse expertise to meet the 
requirements of the PER.  
4.27.  In the medium term, the subregion will have leaders and managers capable of developing and 
putting in place the essential ele ments likely to boost the emergence of CEMAC through quality 
human capital and the development of world -class inclusive economic intelligence -based companies.  
2. The Université Inter -États Cameroun Congo (UIECC). This institution has been designated a 
"Com munity Technology Reference Hub" and is spread over two campuses: Sangmélima, 
for the development of digital industries, ICT and artificial intelligence, and Ouesso for 
agro-industry, agro -forestry, industrialization and wood -related trades. The UIECC's WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
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  Sangmélima -based École Supérieure Internationale de Génie Numérique (ESIGN), which 
currently has 500 engineering students from Cameroon, Congo and other CEMAC and African 
countries, is tasked with expanding the pool of digital talent, since creativity is key  to 
developing digital solutions, which require both technical and creative skills.  
3. The Afro -American University of Central Africa (AAUCA) in Djibloho, Equatorial Guinea. This 
institution, which has been designated a community centre of excellence, offe rs training in 
the areas of mining and the environment, climate change and the environment, metallurgy, 
health and social sciences and education. Through this trans -disciplinary and 
professionalized approach to training, the aim is to train a critical mass  of experts with the 
motivation and ability to develop an endogenous ecosystem of skills adapted to market 
needs, built around clusters of innovative companies.  
 
4.28.  During the Extraordinary Summit of CEMAC Heads of State, held in Yaoundé on 
22 November  2019, the Heads of State and Government adopted 12 integration projects that had 
been selected by the Steering Committee of the CEMAC Economic and Financial Reform Programme 
(PREF -CEMAC) on the basis of objective project maturity criteria. They mandated the Chai r of the 
PREF-CEMAC Steering Committee to mobilize the funding required for these 12 integration projects 
and to monitor their effective implementation.  
4.29.  The Paris Donors' Round Table was subsequently held in November  2020 with a view to 
financing these 12 CEMAC integration projects. This Round Table was an historic success not only 
because it brought together member States, friendly States, technical and f inancial partners, and 
private investors at the highest level, but also because it raised nearly EUR  3.8 billion against a 
sought -after amount of EUR  3.3 billion. Funding for eight of the 12 projects presented was thus 
secured by the end of the Round Table . A technical monitoring committee, placed under the 
supervision of the Chair of the PREF -CEMAC Steering Committee and made up of representatives of 
CEMAC member States, the AfDB, the World Bank, the BDEAC, CEMAC and the PREF -CEMAC, was 
set up and entruste d with the role of monitoring the mobilization of funding pledged by donors and 
private investors and coordinating the implementation of these projects.  
4.30.  To date, thanks to the vital support of the various stakeholders, notably the CEMAC 
Commission, the AfD B, BEAC, the World Bank, FODEC and particularly the BDEAC, 73 % of these 
12 integration projects (i.e. eight projects) have actually been launched, recording remarkable 
progress just two years after the Round Table event. The national management teams for t hese 
various projects are now in place. Furthermore, disbursements by the World Bank, the AfDB and the 
BDEAC have continued to be made to the States concerned, in accordance with the loan and grant 
agreements duly signed and ratified by the national parlia ments. In addition, the European Union 
and the European Investment Bank have just granted new financing for the continuation of 
roadworks under two of these projects.  
4.31.  As for the three remaining integration projects, the process of restructuring them in PPP  mode 
with a view to building and operation in BOT mode is well under way with the instrumental support 
of funding providers and public and private investors. These projects are: the Chollet hydroelectric 
development and associated power line project (Came roon, Congo, Gabon, CAR), the Beloko dry 
port construction project (Douala -Bangui Corridor) and the Dolisie dry port construction project 
(Port-Gentil  - Pointe -Noire  - Brazzaville  - Kinshasa Corridor).  
Table 14 : Major projects  
Strategic focus  No. Project t itle  
Developing regional transport 
corridors  1 10 road sections to link the whole of CEMAC  
2 Rehabilitation of the Oubangui -Congo river route  
3 CEMAC rail loop  
4 Construction of three dry ports  
- BELOKO (CAR)  
- NGUELI (Chad)  
- DOUALA (Cameroon)  
Developing electricity 
generation and interconnection  5 Electricity generation and interconnection of the regional 
electricity network  
Building infrastructure for a 
digital single market  6 CEMAC  integrated digital infrastructure  
7 Study on the installation of a satellite in Central Africa  
8 CEMAC single telephone network  
9 Interconnection of CEMAC  customs administrations  WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
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  Strategic focus  No. Project t itle  
Facilitating the free movement 
of goods, services and people  10 Construction of 12 border crossings  
11 Biometric identity cards, CEMAC passports and biometric 
terminals  
Developing human capital and 
accelerating economic 
diversification  12 CEMAC excellence cards  
13 Regional business upgrading programme  
 
4.32.  Building on the success of the first wave of funding for integration projects, the second cycle 
of the CEMAC  2023-28 priority integration projects programme comprises 12 projects selected by 
the PREF -CEMAC  Ministerial Steering Committee. All these projects meet key internationally 
recognized criteria as regards: their integrative nature (at least two beneficiary countries), their 
maturity (feasibility study completed, APS and APD available), their nature (i nvestment projects, 
development projects are already taken into account in member States' national programmes), and 
their relevance in terms of the economic challenges of the subregion, the recommendations of the 
various CEMAC Heads of State Summits, the p ost-COVID -19 community recovery plan for the 
economies of the subregion, and the rapid and concerted implementation of the CEMAC import 
substitution strategy for local produce.  
4.33.  The projects under CEMAC's second priority integration projects programme focus  on 
developing physical infrastructure to support the development and competitiveness of the 
subregion's economies (Axis 1), strengthening the production of stable, affordable energy accessible 
to the people of CEMAC (Axis 2), promoting the single market t o strengthen trade integration 
(Axis 3) and economic diversification to densify the production base, protect the environment and 
promote inclusive growth and development (Axis 4).  
4.34.  The projects by axis are as follows:  
• Axis 1:  
• Development of the Pointe -Noire -Brazzaville -Ouesso -Bangui -N'Djamena Congo -CAR-Chad 
corridor, phase 2;  
• Development and asphalting of the Kélo -Pala-Léré-Cameroon border road 
(Chad -Cameroon);  
• Construction and asphalting of the 168 km Kougouleu -Medouneu -Equatorial Guinea border 
road (G abon-Equatorial Guinea);  
• Development and asphalting of the Garoua -Boulaï -Baboua road (Cameroon -CAR) on 
corridor 2;  
• Construction of the railway extension between Ngaoundéré and N'Djamena 
(Cameroon -Chad);  
• Construction of the Ndende -Doussala road on the Libre ville-Brazzaville corridor 
(Gabon -Congo);  
• Construction of access roads to the road -rail bridge (Congo -DRC);  
• River and port developments on the Congo River and its tributaries 
(Congo -Cameroon -CAR-DRC).  
• Axis 2:  
• Electricity connection between Grand Poubara an d Imboulou (580 km) (Gabon -Congo);  
• Electrical interconnection between Cameroon (Bertoua) and the CAR (Boali).  
• Axis 3:  
• Construction of a dry port at Ebibeyin in the tri -border area (Cameroon -Equatorial 
Guinea -Gabon);  
• Construction of the Ngueli dry port (Cha d-Cameroon).  
• Axis 4:  
• Support for the development of the timber industry in the Congo Basin.  
4.35.  The aim of these priority integration projects is to set up, within the CEMAC region, basic 
infrastructure, such as transport, electricity and telecommunications in frastructure, without which 
there can be no economic take -off. The priority integration projects should also enable the subregion 
to strengthen its resilience against future shocks, to develop intra -community trade in order to 
ensure food security, most no tably through the implementation of import -substitution projects for 
the subregion's local products, and lastly to take greater advantage of the AfCFTA.  WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
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  4.36.  As part of the financing strategy for this second project cycle, CEMAC plans to organize a 
second round  table event in Paris at the end of November  2023 under the distinguished patronage 
of His Excellency Mr  Denis Sassou N'Guesso, President of the Republic of the Congo and Chair of the 
PREF-CEMAC.  
4.4  Master Plan for the Industrialization and Economic Diversifi cation of Central Africa 
(PDIDE)  
4.37.  This plan aims to accelerate the structural transformation of Central Africa's traditionally 
commodity -dependent economies into modern economies driven by higher value -added and higher 
productivity activities in the manufac turing and services sectors.  
4.38.  This vision will be achieved by focusing on the following three primary objectives: (i)  increase 
the value added to natural resources via their local transformation by developing downstream 
industries in the various value chain s identified according to their export and expansion potential; 
(ii) encourage production efficiency and improve marketing efforts with a view not only to entering 
African regional markets, but also to finding openings in European and Asian markets; and 
(iii) encourage the strengthening of national innovation systems in the production areas of the 
marketing process, with a focus on the overall strengthening of sustainable global competitiveness 
oriented towards an innovation -based economy.  
4.39.  The shared vision  of the future for Central Africa reflected in the PDIDE is for it to become a 
world -class manufacturing base, a key hub for energy solutions, and a regional research and 
innovation hub focused on the integration of brains, data, technologies, intelligence  and software.  
4.40.  This shared vision has given rise to seven  strategic axes:  
• Axis 1: A shared vision of the future ; 
• Axis 2: Traditional value chains ; 
• Axis 3: Competitiveness hubs, clusters and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) ; 
• Axis 4: Human capital ; 
• Axis 5: Natural capital ; 
• Axis 6: Infrastructure ; 
• Axis 7: Financing . 
4.41.  Each strategic axis has its own issues, strategic objectives, actions and responsible players. 
The PDIDE is a long -term plan for the economic development of Central African countries. Gradual, 
ongoing implementation is a key factor in its success. It is set to be implemented in three  phases:  
• Phase 1: (2023 -27). Focus on implementing the PDIDE action plan;  
• Phase 2: (2027 -31). Focus on accelerating long -term infrastructure development through 
PPPs;  
• Phase 3: (2031 -35). Focus on improving national industries so that they are globally 
competitive, and on implementing high -level technologies to achieve sustainable 
development.  
4.42.  At present, the procedure for adopting the Central Africa PDIDE at the level of  the various 
community bodies, in particular the Council of sectoral Ministers responsible for industry in CEMAC 
and ECCAS, is ongoing and rapidly moving forward. Nevertheless, in collaboration with the Economic 
Commission for Africa (ECA), a regional work shop was held in Douala from 22 to 26  May 2023 to 
disseminate and enrich the draft reports and working documents on common commercial and 
industrial strategies to support the implementation of the AfCFTA in Central Africa. During the 
workshop, it was recal led that the Extraordinary Summit of African Heads of State on 
Industrialization and Economic Diversification in Africa, held in Niamey, Niger, from 20 to 
25 November  2022, had underscored Africa's renewed determination and commitment to 
industrialization as one of the central pillars for achieving the continent's economic growth and 
development objectives. It is therefore important that the regional industrial strategy 
(CEMAC -ECCAS), through the shared vision of the Master Plan for Industrialization and Ec onomic 
Diversification (Central Africa PDIDE), accelerate policies that promote industrialization and 
economic diversification in Central Africa. The focus is on the vision, axes, implementation WT/TPR/G/44 5 • CEMAC  
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  instruments and SEZs. The identification of priority value ch ains and the operationalization of SEZs 
seek to translate the industrial vision into concrete action in the countries of the ECCAS zone.  
4.43.  Furthermore, it should be noted that at the CEMAC Commission level, priority actions have 
already been taken to structu re the value chains identified in the Central Africa PDIDE for which raw 
materials are available locally and which have strong integration, export and expansion potential for 
the countries of Central Africa. These include, in particular, the mining and ene rgy value chains. 
Industrialization and economic diversification strategies have also been introduced, namely: 
implementation of the timber sector industrialization strategy, drafting of the Common Mining Policy 
and drafting of the Community Mining Code, t he main aim being to put an end to "From Pit to Port" 
mining, which consists of taking run -of-mine ore (raw ore) and loading it onto the nearest ship 
before shipping it abroad.  
4.5  The import substitution strategy for local products  
4.44.  An import substitution stra tegy for local products (rice, fish, beef, hydrocarbons) was drawn 
up and validated by the PREF -CEMAC in August  2022. It follows on from the recommendations of 
the Extraordinary Summit of CEMAC Heads of State held on 18  August  2021, which sought to bring 
about genuine structural transformation with a view to CEMAC's industrialization. The strategy aims 
to encourage local production of the above -mentioned products in order to meet the needs of the 
Community's internal market while reducing imports.  
4.45.  Statistic s issued by the FAO show that in 2018 more than CFAF  2,870  billion was spent by 
CEMAC countries on imports of fish, rice, meat and hydrocarbons. The import substitution strategy 
seeks to encourage and develop intra -community trade, create the conditions fo r greater 
diversification of the subregion's economies, and support external stability. The strategy has 
three  main strands: (i) urgent measures; (ii) measures to increase local production of products; and 
(iii) measures to increase marketing.  
4.46.  Measures to increase the marketing of these local products include the following:  
• the establishment of cross -border markets and the creation of marketing structures for 
these products so as to ensure the functioning of intra -CEMAC supply chains;  
• improvements to the di stribution channels for these products and the introduction of 
measures to prevent the oligopolistic behaviour of large traders that dominate the markets 
by imposing their laws;  
• the introduction of a marketing information system for the local products conc erned.  
4.47.  Improving governance in the marketing of these products.  
 
 WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  REPORT BY CAMEROON  
1  INTRODUCTION  
1.1.  Since 2013, when Cameroon's trade policy was last reviewed by the World Trade Organization, 
the Government has placed its development policies in a broader and more global perspective, with 
a focus on the structural transformation of its economy, by strengthening the inclusive nature of 
growth, with the aim of becoming an emerging country by 2035, with a liberalized economic and 
trade policy accompanied by strategic interventions whenever the circumstances require.  
1.2.  Under the impact of persistent inflationary pressures and supply difficulties in several advanced 
economies, mainly attributable to the consequences of the Russia -Ukraine conflict, which led to a 
slowdown in global growth in 2022, after the rebound recorded in the previous year, Cameroon's 
economic recovery was constrained by the unprecedented rise in inflation, which reduced household 
purchasing power and increased production costs for businesses.  
1.3.  This situation led the overall growth of the Cameroonian economy to stagnate at 3.6 % in 2022, 
due in particular to the sharp slowdown in the growth of the secondary sector, which recorded growth 
of 0.6 % compared to 3.2 % in 2021. However, this was offset by the good performance of activities 
in the primary (+4.8 % compared to 2.9 % in 2021) and tertiary (+5.0 % compared to 4.3 %) sectors, 
which benefited from the strong performance of oil prices and the impact of the TotalEnergies 2021 
Africa Cup of Nations, in addition to the dynamism of the financial and telecommunications 
subsectors.  
1.4.  On the budget front, despite the rise in in ternational hydrocarbon prices, the more than 
proportional increase in subsidized prices at the pump led to the budget being increased by 
CFAF 328 billion (+5.8 %) to CFAF  6,080.4  billion, from the CFAF  5,752.4  billion provided in the 
Initial Budget  Law. At  the end of the 2022 financial year, the total revenue raised amounted to 
CFAF 4,327.6  billion, compared to the CFAF  4,080.9  billion forecast in the Rectified Budget  Law, 
representing a realization rate of 106 %. 
1.5.  Inflation stood at 6.3 %, exceeding the CEMAC  convergence criterion of 3 %. Inflation was 
highest in the food sector (12.9 %), and more specifically for oilseeds (27 %), bread (16.3 %) and 
fish (14.4 %). 
1.6.  With regard to trade, the trade balance showed a deficit of CFAF  784 billion, with an 
improvement in t his deficit of CFAF  462 billion compared to 2021, essentially due to the 
improvement in export prices. Exports of non -hydrocarbon products in the first 10 months of 2022 
rose in value by 14.5 %, reaching CFAF  1,033  billion. Among these products, strong perf ormers 
were:  
i. raw aluminium, exports of which rose by 18.2 % in volume and 17 % in value;  
ii. cocoa paste and cocoa butter, which rose in volume by 4.1 % and 31.3 % respectively, 
and by 51.4 % and 43.5 % in value;  
iii. sawn timber, the value of which was up 24.7 % and the volume up 30.7 %; 
iv. natural rubber, which saw an increase of 18.5 % in export volumes and 37.2 % in value;  
v. cocoa beans, the volume and value of which were up by 4.8 % and 8.4 % respectively;  
vi. raw cotton, with an increase of 23.8 % in export volumes and 25.1 % in val ue. 
1.7.  With regard to hydrocarbons, the country recorded a 78.7 % increase in exports in 2022, linked 
in particular to the surge in oil and gas prices. In the case of crude oil, exports rose by 58.9 % in 
value, despite a 3.6 % fall in the volumes exported. Lique fied natural gas exports rose by 162.9 % in 
value, despite a more moderate increase in volume of 6.2 %. 
1.8.  The import bill amounted to CFAF  3,601  billion, up 14.4 % on 2021, mainly due to the higher 
acquisition costs of certain key products, such as:  
i. fuels and l ubricants, which rose in absolute value by an estimated CFAF  318.3  billion 
(+65.8 % in relative value) due to soaring prices;  
ii. crude or refined palm oil, which rose by CFAF  39.9 billion in absolute value (+99.8 %); 
iii. frozen seafood, which rose in absolute value  by CFAF  29.9 billion (+28 %); WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  iv. plastics, which increased in absolute value by CFAF  18 billion (+15.1 %); 
v. fertilizers, which increased by CFAF  16.3 billion in absolute value (+47.1 %), despite a 
44.1% drop in the volume imported;  
vi. printing and publishing produc ts, imports of which rose in absolute value by 
CFAF 14.7 billion (+143.7 %); 
vii. cereal products, which rose in absolute value by CFAF  14.3 billion (+4.4 %), due to the 
significant rise in wheat procurement costs (+11.6 % in value, despite the 11.8 % fall 
in volum es); 
viii. made -up textile products, which increased in absolute value by CFAF  10.2 billion 
(+23.9 %). 
1.9.  As far as public investment is concerned, there was a 28 % increase in the Public Investment 
Budget compared to 2021, reaching CFAF  1,419  billion in 2022. The ob jectives are:  
• the completion and implementation of large -scale first -generation projects;  
• the rehabilitation and maintenance of existing infrastructure;  
• the development of transport infrastructure to facilitate trade and make production areas 
accessible, which should make it easier to supply markets under the best possible 
conditions;  
• supporting the development of the digital economy by increasing the density of the 
telecommunications network and infrastructure.  
1.10.  Private investment showed the sa me trend as in 2021, with net inflows of CFAF  534.4  billion, 
sustained mainly by the increase in foreign direct investment (CFAF  +372.4  billion) and net drawings 
(CFAF  +129.5  billion).  
1.11.  At the end of December  2022, outstanding public debt (including the deb t of state -owned 
enterprises) stood at CFAF  12,183  billion, or 44 % of GDP, compared to 44.7 % the previous year. 
This level remains below the CEMAC convergence criterion of 70 %. 
2  RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE CAMEROONIAN ECONOMY  
2.1  Real sector  
2.1.  In the primary secto r, activity accelerated in 2022 (+4.8 % compared to +2.9 % in 2021), 
due to the strong recovery in industrial agriculture (+3.8 % compared to +0.4 % in 2021) and forestry 
and logging (+10.4 % compared to +1.3 % in 2021). These performances were driven by:  
i. the ma turation of several plantations in the banana and rubber sectors;  
ii. the gradual resumption of the activities of the Cameroon Development Corporation, 
after the constraints imposed by the security crisis in the south -west region;  
iii. the continuing implementation  of the cotton sector recovery and modernization plan;  
iv. the rise in the purchase prices payable to producers, particularly in the cotton and 
cocoa sectors.  
2.2.  As a result of sharp price rises on the international market, export volumes of bananas, sawn 
timber,  cocoa beans, raw cotton and rubber rose by 9.1 %, 30.7 %, 4.8 %, 2.9 % and 18.5 % 
respectively.  
2.3.  The secondary sector  has seen a slowdown compared to 2021 (+0.6 %, compared to +3.2 %) 
due to the significant rise in the prices of the main raw materials and sea fre ight. This slowdown has 
been more pronounced in the agri -food industries (+2.9 % compared to +5.2 % in 2021), where 
operators have had to contend with the rise in wheat prices and supply difficulties caused by 
disrupted logistics chains.  
2.4.  However, this sector  continues to be resilient thanks to the entry into operation of new 
operators, the increase in production capacity in existing industries and the adoption by the 
Government of specific measures needed to contain the rise in freight costs and support compa nies' 
cash flow.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  2.5.  These measures include:  
i. the maintenance of the 80 % reduction in the freight rate to be taken into account to 
determine the customs value of goods imported by sea;  
ii. the suspension of payments of certain taxes and duties for actors in the mil ling sector, 
including the weighing fee on wheat imports (for six months) under the pre -shipment 
conformity assessment programme and the advance payment of corporate tax;  
iii. the upward revision of the prices of certain fast -moving consumer goods subject to 
approval, in order to take account of the increase in forwarding costs and input prices.  
2.6.  The tertiary sector remains dynamic due to the good performance of the following sectors:  
i. "catering and hotels" (+3.6 % compared to +7.3 % in 2021), the performance of whi ch 
was linked to the TotalEnergies 2021 Africa Cup of Nations;  
ii. "information and telecommunications" (+10.1 % compared to +6.1 % in 2021), which 
is experiencing particular growth as a result of the COVID -19 pandemic;  
iii. "banks and financial institutions" (+14.8 % compared to +10.3 % in 2021), as a result 
of the Government's efforts to facilitate access to finance for private sector oper ators.  
2.2  Prices  
2.7.  In Cameroon, price rises in 2022 were at their highest level for almost 13 years (since 2008). 
According to the National Institute of Statistics, the overall price level in Cameroon in 2022 rose by 
6.3% year-on-year, up four points on the lev el recorded in 2021. This rise in prices at the national 
level, which is well above the Community norm of 3 %, is the result of inflationary pressures in all 
regions of the country. Pronounced price rises were recorded in the cities of N'Gaoundéré (+7.4 % 
after +1.0 % in 2021), Bafoussam (+7.3 % after 2.4 % in 2021), Buea (+7.1 % after +1.7 % in 2021), 
Bamenda (+6.8 % after +3.8 % in 2021), Maroua (+6.4 % after +3.2 % in 2021), Yaoundé (+6.2 % 
after +1.8 % in 2021), Douala (+5.7 % after +1.9 % in 2021), Bertoua  (+5.5 % after +4.4 % in 2021), 
Ebolowa (+5.7 % after +3.7 % in 2021) and Garoua (+5.4 % after +2.1 % in 2021).  
2.8.  Most of this inflation has been imported and driven by the rise in the overall price level of local 
products, which has risen by around 6.4 % (compared  to 2.2 % in 2021), contributing five percentage 
points to total inflation, mainly as a result of the higher cost of imported inputs.  
2.9.  For imported products, the rise in prices is estimated at 5.0 % (compared to 3 % in 2021) and 
the contribution of this rise t o total inflation is 1.3 points. Looking at the trends in local goods prices 
for each sector of activity, it appears that local inflation in 2022 was largely driven by goods in the 
primary sector. Indeed, the prices of goods in this sector rose by 11.0 % compared to 4.7 % in 2021, 
while the prices of goods in the secondary and tertiary sectors rose by only 5.6 % and 2.9 % 
respectively, compared to 1.6 % and 0.9 % in 2021.  
2.3  Public finance  
2.10.  Cameroon adopted a budget of CFAF  5,752.4  billion for the 2022 financial year . This was 
amended to CFAF  6,080.4  billion in June  2022 to take account of the consequences of the 
Russia -Ukraine conflict, representing an increase of CFAF  328 billion in absolute value and 5.8 % in 
relative value. This revision of the state budget made it  possible to raise oil revenues by 
CFAF 244 billion (+43.4 %) following the surge in the global per -barrel oil price, and to guarantee 
provision of petroleum product subsidies due to the Government's determination to maintain stable 
prices for hydrocarbons at the pump.  
2.11.  At the end of the 2022 financial year, the overall budget deficit (based on payment orders, 
including grants) stood at CFAF  501.2  billion, i.e. almost 1.8 % of GDP. Cameroon mobilized a total 
budget revenue of CFAF  4,327.6  billion, representing  an increase of CFAF  830.3  billion (+23.7 %) 
compared to 2021. This rise is explained by the strong performance of oil revenue 
(CFAF  +491.8  billion) and non -oil revenue (CFAF  +338.5  billion). The oil revenue collected was 
estimated at CFAF  974 billion at th e end of December  2022, up 102.0 % compared to the end of 
December  2021. This trend is the result of the significant rise in global oil prices. Compared with the 
annual target of CFAF  806 billion, the realization rate is 120.8 %. Non -oil revenue rose from 
CFAF 3,015.1  billion in 2021 to CFAF  3,353.6  billion in 2022, an increase of CFAF  338.5  billion WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  (+11.2 %). This increase is mainly due to higher returns from major taxes, including VAT, the tax 
on non -oil companies, the special income tax and the tax on incom e from moveable capital assets. 
Compared with the annual target of CFAF  3,274.9  billion, the realization rate is 102.4 %. 
2.12.  Grants mobilized in 2022 amounted to CFAF  142.3  billion, consisting mainly of programme 
grants, especially the Debt Reduction -Developme nt Contract (C2D) and project grants.  
2.13.  Expenditure and net lending stood at CFAF  4,887.1  billion, or 104.3 % of the expenditure 
envisaged in the Rectified Budget  Law, and was up 15.1 % on the expenditure and net lending for 
the same period in 2021. Expenditur e on wages amounted to CFAF  1,188  billion and expenditure on 
goods and services to CFAF  841.8  billion. Interest expenses were estimated at CFAF  262.6  billion at 
the end of December  2022.  
2.4  Balance of payments  
2.14.  In 2021, Cameroon's balance -of-payments current a ccount deficit worsened. While the level 
of external financing has improved, the overall balance remains in deficit. The overall balance deficit 
is down to CFAF  153.9  billion, compared to CFAF  432.6  billion in 2020.  
2.15.  In 2021, the current account deficit det eriorated to reach CFAF  996.8  billion (4.0 % of GDP), 
compared to CFAF  872 billion (3.7 % of GDP) in 2020. This deterioration was mainly due to the 
increasing deficit in services, particularly freight. The goods and primary income deficits narrowed, 
while th e secondary income surplus improved. The current account deficit for 2022 should be lower.  
2.16.  The goods deficit decreased, falling from CFAF  391.3  billion in 2020 to CFAF  288.1  billion in 
2021. This was due to an increase in export earnings (CFAF  +797.9  billion) that exceeded the rise 
in import expenditure (CFAF  +694.7  billion).  
2.17.  In services, the deficit increased by CFAF  351.8  billion to reach CFAF  588.2  billion. This 
increase was mainly attributable to the rise in transport and travel activities following the  reopening 
of borders. The deficit worsened in all categories: transport (CFAF  -337.3  billion in 2021 compared 
to CFAF  -113.4  billion in 2020), travel (CFAF  -113.3  billion compared to CFAF  -70.5 billion in 2020), 
insurance (CFAF  -60.6 billion compared to C FAF -37.8 billion in 2020) and other services 
(CFAF  -77.9 billion compared to CFAF  -14.8 billion in 2020).  
2.18.  As for primary revenues, in 2021 the deficit fell by CFAF  78.3 billion to reach 
CFAF 405.2  billion, compared to CFAF  483.5  billion in 2020, mainly as a result of the fall in dividends 
paid by the local subsidiaries of foreign companies.  
2.19.  For secondary revenues, the surplus rose to CFAF  284.6  billion from CFAF  239.2  billion in 
2020. This change was mainly attributable to the increase in transfer s from the diaspora, following 
the upturn in economic activity in Europe and America.  
2.5  Monetary situation  
2.20.  The monetary situation at the end of December  2022 was balanced in terms of resources and 
jobs at CFAF  9,792.7  billion, representing an increase of 13. 2% compared to the end of 
December  2021, thanks in particular to the measures taken to tighten monetary conditions in order 
to combat inflationary pressures. Money supply at the end of December  2022 grew by 11.7 % 
year-on-year to reach CFAF  7,985.7  billion.  This increase was linked to a significant rise in bank 
deposits (+13.6 %). At the end of December  2022, there was a sharp increase in net foreign assets 
and domestic credit compared to the situation at the end of December  2021.  
2.21.  With regard to the contribut ions to the money supply, at the end of December  2022, there 
was a sharp increase in net foreign assets and domestic credit compared to the situation at the end 
of December  2021. Net foreign assets rose by 21.6 % year-on-year thanks to the strong export 
earnings that followed the significant rise in the price of exported raw materials and improved foreign 
exchange repatriation. At the end of December  2022, Cameroon's official reserves therefore stood 
at CFAF  3,190.7  billion, up 26.5 % compared to the end of D ecember  2021. Domestic credit rose by 
9.5% year-on-year to reach CFAF  6,598.6  billion at the end of December  2022. This favourable trend 
was mainly due to the marked improvement in lending to the economy (+13.7 %), and more WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  particularly lending to the priva te sector, which grew by 12.0 %. The State continued to have a net 
liability position with the banking system. However, the Government's net position improved 
year-on-year, rising from CFAF  2,013.4  billion in December  2021 to CFAF  2,008.3  billion in 
Decembe r 2022.  
2.6  Situation in the banking sector  
2.22.  In 2022, bank liquidity improved by 5.1 points. The ratio of bank reserves to deposits rose 
from 18.9 % in December  2021 to 24 % in December  2022. Currency in circulation rose by just 4.7 % 
over the same period.  
3  DEVELOP MENT OBJECTIVES  
3.1.  In 2009, the authorities adopted a Shared Vision of Development for the period up to 2035 and 
a Growth and Employment Strategy Paper (DSCE), which was the Vision's action plan for the period 
2010-20. Since 2020, Cameroon has adopted the Nat ional Development Strategy (SND30) 2020 -30, 
covering the second decade of the implementation of the Cameroon Vision 2035.  
3.1  Vision objectives  
3.2.  The Vision adopted is expressed as follows: "Cameroon: an emerging, democratic country 
united in its diversity".  
3.3.  The will to become an emerging, democratic country united in its diversity embraces 
four general objectives, namely:  
• to reduce poverty to a socially acceptable level;  
• to become a middle -income country;  
• to reach the newly industrialized country stage;  
• to strengthen national unity and consolidate the democratic process.  
3.2  Objectives of the National Development Strategy  
3.4.  The SND30 is based on three fundamental goals: (i) mixing import substitution and export 
promotion based on the comparative advantag es of the national economy; (ii) fostering a strategic 
and pragmatic State that puts in place the facilities for the emergence of the private sector as the 
main driver of economic growth and carries out targeted interventions in highly strategic sectors; 
(iii) creating a link between indicative planning and imperative planning, combining the fairly 
restrictive format of five -year planning with the indicative format of strategic planning. This will 
involve: (i) increasing the annual growth rate from 4.5 % to 8.1% on average over the period 
2020-30; (ii) increasing growth in the secondary sector (excluding oil) to more than 8 % on average; 
(iii) reducing the trade deficit from 8.8 % of GDP in 2018 to less than 3 % in 2030. This target 
incorporates Sustainable Deve lopment Goals 8, 9, 11 and 12 to (i) reduce the poverty rate from 
37.5% in 2014 to less than 25 % in 2030; (ii) to reduce underemployment from 77 % in 2014 to less 
than 50 % in 2030; (iii) to raise the Human Capital Index score from 0.39 in 2018 to 0.55.  
3.5.  In 2021, growth was 3.7 %, compared to 0.5 % in 2020. It was projected to rise to 3.8 % in 
2022.  
4  GROWTH STRATEGY  
4.1.  The strategy is built around four main pillars. The first pillar, relating to the structural 
transformation of the national economy, deals with econom ic planning, which must lead to the 
resolution of the clearly identified problems, in particular: the low level of industrialization and the 
weakness of backward and forward intersectoral links; the weak structure and productivity of family 
farming enterpr ises in rural areas; and productive infrastructure, for which priorities must be clearly 
defined.  
4.2.  The second pillar deals with the development of human capital. It addresses social sector 
strategies (education and training, health, social protection, emplo yment, etc.) with a view to 
building a more productive workforce. From this point of view, the Government's action seeks to WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  continually improve social policies, in line with the theories of endogenous growth, which suggest 
that most growth comes from the c ombination of well -prepared human resources and technological 
innovation.  
4.3.  The third pillar deals with the promotion of employment and the integration of young people 
into the economic circuit. More specifically, it addresses the issue of underemployment an d making 
job training fit for purpose, ensuring in particular that the training offered is aligned with the labour 
needs of the productive sector. The aim is to put in place an effective framework for the emergence 
of businesses that create the most jobs, namely, very small enterprises, SMEs/SMIs and the social 
economy, including cooperatives and the craft industry. In addition, particular attention will be paid 
to regulating the labour market in order to optimize the use of human resources.  
4.4.  The fourth pill ar concerns governance, decentralization and the strategic management of the 
State. In addition to the traditional aspects, this last pillar includes issues relating to local 
development, multiculturalism and bilingualism, which are at the heart of the thi rd dimension of the 
Vision 2035, namely, "unity in diversity".  
4.1  Infrastructure development  
4.5.  Convinced of the key role played by infrastructure in facilitating trade and promoting strong 
and sustainable growth through the competitiveness that good quality inf rastructure generates, the 
Government of Cameroon is investing massively in infrastructure during the period in which the 
strategy is being implemented, particularly as part of large -scale projects. Public investment 
expenditure has been allocated as a pri ority to the construction/rehabilitation of infrastructure in 
order to provide better conditions for a real boom in investment. The following large -scale projects 
have already been completed:  
• Kribi industrial port complex (phase 1) (four terminals capable of handling vessels of 
100,000 tonnes and mooring berths capable of handling vessels with a draught of 15 m);  
• Lom Pangar reservoir dam (water storage capacity of 6  billion m3); 
• Memve'ele hydroelectric power station (installed capacity of 211 MW);  
• Kribi gas  power station (generation capacity of 216 MW);  
• Mekin hydroelectric power station (installed capacity of 15 MW);  
• Dibamba thermal power station (generation capacity of 86 MW);  
• Second bridge over the Wouri River (six -lane road bridge and two -track railway br idge);  
• Additional road network paved since 2010 (2,616 km);  
• Western access to Douala (2x2 lane 13 km road from Bonassama to Bekoko);  
• New social housing built since 2010 (5,000);  
• Eastern access to Douala – Phase 1 (10 km road from the marché des fleurs  (flower 
market) intersection to the bridge over the Dibamba River);  
• Deployment of fibre optics around the national perimeter and in the hinterland 
(over  18,000 km);  
• The Yaoundé -Nsimalen motorway;  
• Stadiums (Ol embe, Japoma, Limbe, Bafoussam etc.).  
4.6.  In addition to these large -scale projects, which have been completed despite schedule delays, 
other projects are under way, such as the construction of the Yaoundé -Douala motorway, the Bini à 
Warak hydroelectric dam, t he Nachtigal -Amont hydroelectric dam and the project to supply the city 
of Yaoundé and the surrounding area with drinking water from the Sanaga River.  
4.7.  As part of its deliberate drive towards emergence, the Government plans to implement 
so-called second -generation large -scale projects to methodically and progressively structure its 
development up to 2035.  
4.8.  These large -scale projects are part of the second phase of the operationalization of Cameroon's 
long-term development vision, which covers the period 2020 -30. 
4.9.  During this period, the efforts undertaken by the Government will continue in order to:  
• reduce the sectoral gaps observed after the implementation of the DSCE;  
• optimize the operationality of the large -scale first -generation projects;  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  • boost productive s ectors and strengthen economic activities so that Cameroon can become 
an upper -middle income country by 2030.  
Table 4.1 Portfolio of large -scale initiatives under the National Development Strategy 
2020 -30 
N2 PLAN/PROGRAMME/MAJOR PROJECTS  
1 Reconstruction and development plan for the north -west, south -west and far north 
regions  
• Schools, hospitals and churches destroyed  
• Public investment budget projects redirected due to insecurity  
• Roads including the Ring Road (continuation and end)  
• Railways  
• Menchum dam  
• Katsina -Ala dam  
• Mamfé dam  
• Limbé deep -water port  
2 "Train My Generation" programme  
• Capacity -building and certification for technical workers in the informal sector  
3 Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) plan  
• Mass orientation of students towards scientific subjects  
• Strengthening science courses (building/equipping laboratories and technology 
workshops)  
• Expanding the range of training courses in schools o ffering a technical, industrial and 
commercial education.  
• Creation of high -quality vocational high schools (professions are those of the five 
agro-ecological zones: 1 -Monomodal forest zone; 2 -Bimodal forest zone; 3 -High 
plateau zone; 4 -High savannah zone ; 5-Sudano -Sahelian zone)  
4 Energy plan  
This will involve upgrading all the transport and distribution networks and increasing installed 
capacity to 5,000 MW by 2030 by completing large -scale projects under the development plan for 
the electricity sector: Bini à Warak (75); Nachtigal (420); Ngoila (84); Song -Dong (280); Grand 
Eweng (1,800); Chollet (600); Kikot (720); Makay (350); Mouila Mougue (420); Njock (200), etc.  
5 Agro -industrial programme  
The aim is to boost national production of the products that form the basis of our industrialization 
by implementing specific plans such as:  
• The cocoa plan (produce 600,000 tonnes before 2025 and double this by 2030)  
• The palm oil plan (double  the current production before 2027)  
• The cotton plan (produce one  million tonnes of cotton by 2030)  
• The rice plan (reach two  million tonnes of milled rice by 2030)  
• The fish plan (produce 50% of national demand and 100% of feed locally)  
• The maize pl an (double the current production by 2030 to cover 100% of national 
demand through local production)  
• The rubber plan (produce 200,000 tonnes of natural rubber by 2030)  
• The timber plan (limit the export of rough wood  and develop a timber industry for 
national and subregional use)  
6 Digital programme  
This will involve significantly reducing the digital divide, in particular by continuing to expand the 
fibre optic network, building two data centres and implementing the e-government system.  
7 Multimodal transport infrastructure development programme  
The aim will be to encourage the development of complementary transport infrastructure across 
the country to prevent the development of one form of infrastructure if another can provide similar 
benefits. This programme includes: (i) the completion of the Yaou ndé-Douala -Limbé and 
Kribi-Edéa motorways; and (ii) the Douala -Ngaoundéré -Ndjamena railway (684 km).  
8 Programme for the daily management of transport infrastructure  
9 Cameroonian Primary Aluminium Company expansion project  
10 Limbé  oil yard (phase 2)  
11 Kribi industrial port complex  
12 Programme for the modernization of major cities  
The aim will be to reconfigure existing cities to transform them into modern ones. CFAF  200 billion 
per year, for five years, for Yaoundé and Douala; CFAF 50 billion per year for Bamenda and Buea; 
and CFAF  25 billion per year for the 10 other urban communities.  
13 Universal health coverage  
14 Direct social transfers plan  
15 Construction of a new modern terminal at Douala and Garoua airports  
Source:  National Development Strategy 2020 -30. 
4.10.  At the institutional level, the electricity sector development fund was created by the President 
of the Republic.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  4.11.  Energy . By carrying out programmes to maintain, rehabilitate and develop the country's 
energy c apacity, Cameroon expects progressively to reduce the structural requirements in energy 
needs to achieve the anticipated growth objectives, become an exporter of electricity and thus help 
to bring the trade balance into equilibrium. One goal was to raise t he country's production capacity 
to 5,000 MW by 2020.  
4.12.  The development programme for the energy subsector includes projects for achieving the  
specific objectives set out above. In particular, it is worth mentioning the ongoing construction  of 
the Lom Pangar, Memve'ele, Mekin and Natchigal dams; the Yassa thermal power station and  the 
Kribi gas power station.  
4.13.  There are also plans to construct:  
• the Colomines and Ndokayo mini hydroelectric power stations in the eastern region;  
• the Menchum hydroelectric da m; 
• the Ngoila hydroelectric dam;  
• the Chollet hydroelectric dam;  
• the Limbé gas power station;  
• the Grand Eweng hydroelectric dam;  
• the Kikot hydroelectric dam;  
• the Njock hydroelectric dam;  
• the Katsina -Ala hydroelectric dam;  
• the Maroua  and Guider solar power plants;  
• the Ngaoundéré solar power plant;  
• the Garoua solar power plant;  
• the Song Mbengue solar power plant;  
• the Warak solar power plant. The  overall cost of this 10 -year programme is estimated at 
nearly CFAF  5,853  billion for  the electricity generation and transmission works and 
CFAF 663 billion for the rural electrification programme.  
4.14.  In the field of renewable energies, priority is being given to developing the legal and regulatory 
framework for renewable energies and the transfer o f the management of solar power systems.  
4.15.  Building and public works . In the road subsector, the Government's medium - and 
long-term policies over the period covered by the strategy are consistent with the ambitious scenario 
of the highway master plan and the  sectoral strategy. Road construction will continue. In order to 
increase the durability of dirt roads and ensure the maintenance of paved roads, the Government 
plans to trial concrete pavements. This new option will make it possible to promote the import 
substitution policy by replacing bitumen with locally produced cement. Over the term of the strategy, 
road maintenance operations will bring about a distinct improvement in the standard of service 
(55% of the network in good condition), thanks to the imple mentation of an effective intervention  
strategy. These measures are being supplemented by the rehabilitation of the road network  
(2,000  km of asphalted roads were to be rehabilitated between 2010 and 2020) and by the  
intensified asphalting of dirt roads (m ore than 3,500 km by 2020). Priority will be given to large -scale 
industrial and agro -pastoral projects, the regional corridors (trans -African, north -south corridors, 
CEMAC network), the national road network and large -scale infrastructure projects in supp ort of the 
private sector (Yaoundé -Douala -Bafoussam -Yaoundé motorway loop, eastern and western access to 
Douala). This strategy will have to be backed by major institutional reforms.  
4.16.  Transport . The transport system will have to be based on the country's un deniable assets in  
order to contribute effectively to economic growth and poverty reduction. A multimodal approach 
will systematically be given precedence, in order to build, at lower cost, an integrated and efficient 
transport network criss -crossing the e ntire national territory and firmly open to neighbouring 
countries.  
4.17.  In terms of road transport, a number of large -scale projects are currently under way, which 
should help to increase the density of the national road network, estimated at around 121,000  km. 
These projects include:  
• connection work as part of the first phase of the Yaoundé -Douala motorway project, with 
an overall physical completion rate of 67 %; WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  • the Kribi -Lolabe motorway, which is almost complete;  
• work as part of the second phase of the proje ct on the eastern access to Douala;  
• asphalting of the Sangmélima -Bikoula road, which is 87 % complete.  
4.18.  In terms of ports and railways, the Government will be focusing on the development of new 
port and rail infrastructure to support the priority growth -generating projects. These main projects 
include:  
• the construction of the Limbe deep -water port and oil yard;  
• construction as part of the second phase of the Kribi deep -water port project, 40 % of 
which has been physically completed to date;  
• the continued imple mentation of the Cameroon Airlines Corporation restructuring plan;  
• the opening of the cabotage line between the ports of Kribi and Douala;  
• the construction of the railway line linking Ngaoundéré to Ndjamena;  
• the construction of a pilot bus station in Limbe ; 
• capacity -building for the meteorological and climatological services.  
4.19.  In addition, new railway lines (more than 1,000 km) have been built to international 
standards.  
4.20.  Information and communications technology (ICT) . The strategic ICT objectives for the 
period up to 2020 included:  
• raising fixed teledensity to 45 % and mobile teledensity to 65 %; 
• equipping 40,000 villages with modern telecommunications facilities;  
• making 2 Mb/s access available to the public in all towns with a digital exchange;  
• multiplying by 50 the number of direct and indirect jobs;  
• densifying the network, improving national postal coverage and optimizing 
telecommunications networks and services;  
• connecting government agencies to broadband and training their staff on cybercrime ; 
• setting up a collaborative digital platform for secondary schools in Cameroon.  
4.21.  Mail and postal financial services . The strategy in this area sought to  organize the public 
and private supply of postal services and make it significant  enough to fully satisfy the demand, in 
quantity and quality, at affordable prices, by 2020. Two  programmes need to be completed:  
• densifying the network and improving national postal coverage with a view to  providing 
geographically balanced postal services;  
• developing the universal postal service in order to promote access to postal services  for 
all. 
4.22.  Urban development and housing infrastructure . Here the challenge is to create an  
integrated national economic space. It is a question not only of controlling the development of  the 
towns and cities (urbanization rate of 57.3 % in 2020) and making them into the centres of  
production and consumption necessary for the industrial sector to flourish, but also of promoting the 
emergence of the peripheral built -up areas and the developm ent of medium -sized or  secondary 
cities capable of structuring economic activities within the urban space and helping to  develop the 
surrounding rural areas.  
4.23.  To achieve these objectives, six strategies have been identified:  
• the maintenance and rehabilitati on of urban infrastructure;  
• the development of urban infrastructure (construction of 150 km of roads and  
17,000  social housing units);  
• improved access to basic urban services;  
• land use management;  
• protection of vulnerable social groups;  
• institutional capac ity-building for the sector;  
• development of the Yaoundé municipal lake and renovation of the Mingoa valley;  
• construction of rain drainage systems to limit flooding.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  4.24.  Water and sanitation . In rural areas, access to drinking water and basic sanitation 
infrast ructure is still limited. The Government therefore sought to improve the situation and raise 
the level of access to drinking water to 75 % by 2020 by:  
• rehabilitating the existing infrastructure, which, for the most part, is more than 20 years 
old; 
• extending  the existing networks, which have failed to keep pace with urban and  
demographic expansion;  
• promoting the implementation of large -scale connection programmes;  
• speeding up the implementation of the project to supply the city of Yaoundé and the 
surrounding area with drinking water from the Sanaga River;  
• continuing the project studying rural drinking water supply;  
• implementing a nationwide programme to rehabilitate Scanwater stations.  
4.2  Modernization of the production system  
4.25.  Rural sector . Following the adoption  of the rural sector development strategy in 2005 and 
the mixed results of its implementation, the Government intends to make the transition to  
second -generation agriculture. The overall aim of second -generation agriculture is to generate 
sustainable growt h in the sector that respects environmental capital. It seeks to ensure the country's 
food and nutritional sovereignty through the rational and balanced modernization of production 
systems. It involves both medium -sized and large farms, strengthening their  complementarities and 
promoting their integration into value chains and their links to markets. It must contribute to the 
sound management of natural resources and the protection of the environment, and is part of a 
green economy approach. In this context , modernizing the production system will require:  
• making production inputs accessible and available, in this instance land, water  and 
agricultural inputs;  
• promoting access to technological innovations mainly by strengthening the link between 
research and e xtension;  
• developing the competitiveness of production chains.  
4.26.  This new agricultural policy has been implemented through the adoption of a new 
development strategy for the rural sector and a new agricultural investment plan for 2020 -30, which 
are linked to the new development strategy whose vision is to transform the rural sector into "a 
major driver of the national economy that creates decent jobs and products to meet domestic 
demand and to be exported, in addition to ensuring food and nutritional  security in a context of 
sustainable development" by 2030.  
4.27.  The four strategic axes of the new development strategy for the rural sector and the new 
agricultural investment plan 2020 -30 are:  
a. sustainable growth of production in the plant, forestry, livestoc k and fisheries sectors;  
b. improving collective infrastructure and access to production inputs and the market;  
c. strengthening the resilience of production systems, the sustainable management of 
resources and the food and nutritional security of vulnerable pop ulations in the face of 
climate change;  
d. improving governance and human capital in the rural sector.  
4.28.  The modernization of the production system in the rural sector is being accompanied by the 
improvement of the institutional environment in the sector throug h the adoption of a number of 
policies and laws:  
i. Guidance for the National Policy on the Granting of Agro -Pastoral Subsidies, adopted 
in 2018;  
ii. Manual of procedures for the subsidization of productive agricultural inputs and 
equipment in Cameroon, created i n 2019;  
iii. National Climate Change Adaptation Plan, drawn up in 2015;  
iv. National Plant Seed Policy, drawn up in 2018;  
v. National Development Plan for Non -Wood Forest Products, drawn up in 2018;  
vi. Strategic Plan for Agricultural Research, drawn up in 2017;  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  vii. National Strategy for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, 
Promoting Sustainable Forest Management and Forest Conservation and Increasing 
Carbon Stocks, drawn up in 2018;  
viii. Animal Health and Veterinary Public Health Policy, drawn up in 2018;  
ix. Law No.  2021/023 of 16  December  2021 governing inter -professional organizations in 
Cameroon.  
4.29.  Mining . In the SND30, the mining sector is considered to be one of the major pillars of the 
efforts to develop the national economy with a view to ensuring Cameroo n's emergence by 2035. 
Cameroon's subsoil is rich in mineral and geological deposits, the exploitation of which would help 
to increase the sector's impact on the national economy. The mining sector covers two aspects: the 
mining of solids and hydrocarbons.  With regard to hydrocarbons, the exploitation of gas is governed 
by Law No.  2002-013 of 30  December  2002 establishing the Gas Code and the exploitation of oil by 
Law No.  2019/008 of 25  April 2019 establishing the Oil Code.  
4.30.  With regard to the mining of sol ids, a distinction is made between industrial and artisanal 
mining. The latter is subdivided into simple artisanal mining and semi -mechanized artisanal mining. 
The mining of solids is still essentially small scale: it is estimated that only 10 % of small -scale mining 
production is channelled into the formal national economy, while the remaining 90 % is sold through 
clandestine networks. The main products mined are gold and diamonds.  
4.31.  Until the end of 2020, gold mining was supervised by the Artisan Mining Suppo rt and 
Promotion Framework (CAPAM), which operated in eight regions: east, Adamaoua, north, centre, 
south, coastal, south -west and north -west. Its role was to buy gold from artisanal miners and collect 
the 25 % single tax from operators engaged in semi -mech anized artisanal mining. Since 2012, 
CAPAM has transferred 796 kg of gold to the State as part of efforts to boost Cameroon's gold 
reserves, for an estimated value of CFAF  14.7 billion.  
4.32.  As far as diamond mining is concerned, the Permanent Secretariat of th e Kimberley Process 
(KPNPS) is the national observatory set up in 2011 to comply with the principles and requirements 
of diamond -producing countries, the rough diamond industry and non -governmental organizations 
whose objective is to stop the flow of so -called conflict diamonds into the official circuit. Its aim is 
to end the links between trade in rough diamonds and armed conflicts. The KPNPS operates in the 
central, southern, eastern, coastal, Adamaoua and northern regions. From 2013 to 2021, it certified  
18,736.4 carats of diamonds.  
4.33.  There have been a number of changes in the way artisanal mining is regulated. The transition 
from the 1964 Mining Code to the 2001 Code, which was amended and supplemented in 2010, led 
to intense mining activity, with an incre ase in the number of mining permits issued. However, a 
number of major problems continue to hamper the growth of the mining sector, particularly 
small -scale mining. These problems include: (i) overlapping between mining permits and protected 
areas; (ii) un controlled allocation of artisanal mining permits, which very often concern areas 
covered by research permits, even though research permits grant exclusive rights; (iii) the 
plundering of mining resources; (iv) weak institutional control; (v) failure to co mply with 
environmental constraints; (vi) difficulties in financing the development of the sector.  
4.34.  In order to remedy these problems and ensure the efficient exploitation of mining resources, 
Cameroon adopted a new Mining Code set out in Law No.  2016/017 o f 14 December  2016. The new 
Mining Code introduces a number of innovations in the governance of the mining sector, including 
the introduction of a participatory, transparent and accountable system for resource management, 
the updating of the conditions und er which mining activities can be carried out, the intensification 
of controls and repression and, finally, the strengthening of the promotion and development of 
mining activities.  
4.35.  One of the innovations in the new Mining Code is the creation of bodies to implement mining 
policy. These are: (i) the Mining Sector Development Fund, intended to finance mining inventory 
activities as part of the detection of anomalies and mineral occurrences, in addition to other activities 
related to the development of geologi cal and mining infrastructure; (ii) the Fund for the Restoration, 
Rehabilitation and Closure of Mining Sites and Quarries, which will be used to finance activities under 
the programme to preserve and rehabilitate the environment damaged by mining projects;  (iii) the 
special local capacity development account, whose role is to finance the development of human WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  resources and local industry. There are also plans to set up a structure to monitor and control the 
production, marketing, promotion and processing of substances obtained from artisanal and 
semi-mechanized mining activities.  
4.36.  Decree No.  2020/749 of 14  December  2020 created the National Mining Company, whose role 
is to develop and promote the mining sector, with the exception of hydrocarbons and quarry 
substances, and to manage the State's interests in this area. This company re places the CAPAM, 
whose monitoring and control missions were limited. This Decree represents a significant step 
forward in the governance of the sector. However, a number of other decrees are being drafted to 
enable the new Mining Code to be fully implemen ted. 
4.37.  Industry and technological development . Cameroon intends to make its manufacturing 
sector more competitive by:  
• expanding the local processing of agricultural and forest raw materials;  
• developing and implementing a business upgrade programme;  
• developin g and implementing a national standardization programme, with  the construction 
of support infrastructure such as a National Reference Laboratory, in  order to ensure that 
products have access to the international market;  
• applying the new and more ambitious Incentives Code, to attract foreign direct investment 
in Cameroon.  
4.38.  Craft industry and the social economy . The Government's objective is to improve the  
performance and the profitability of the social economy. This involves: (i) creating a political, 
institu tional, legal and regulatory environment that favours the development of collective 
entrepreneurship in Cameroon, (ii) developing human resources capable of driving the growth of  
this component, and (iii) promoting collective, group entrepreneurship, as on e of the reliable 
strategies for the creation and expansion of viable social economy organizations and enterprises that 
make it possible effectively to combat poverty while promoting economic growth. Moreover,  the 
Government is determined to make the craft  industry more attractive by supporting the  organization 
and structuring of the sector, building the capacities of the craft workers, strengthening craft 
enterprises within their economic environment and improving the marketing system. The recent 
creation of the SME bank is part of this process.  
4.39.  Industry and services . The Government is proceeding with the reforms required to make 
the environment of these sectors more attractive and then put in place an operational system of  
incentives and support for private investment, so that it can effectively play its role as a driver of  
economic growth. This involves closing the infrastructure gap, facilitating access to financing and 
deploying, over the long term, a general production chain development programme and, over the 
medium term, in liaison with some development partners,  specific programmes to boost 
competitiveness in certain subsectors with a high potential  for growing and upgrading businesses, 
in particular SMEs and SMIs. The creation of the SME Promot ion Agency in April  2013 was part of 
this approach.  
4.40.  With regard to tourism , Cameroon's objective was to develop integrated tourism products so 
as to be able to receive at least two  million international tourists a year and six  million domestic 
tourists by 2020. Moreover,  in cooperation with the private sector and the municipalities, to which 
certain powers have been transferred under decentralization, the authorities are endeavouring to 
offer domestic and  international visitors a diversified, secure and hig h-quality range of tourism 
opportunities and leisure activities in order to promote Cameroon as a destination in the various 
areas from which tourists are known to  come. It will also be necessary to improve the legal 
framework by adapting it to the current  context of competitiveness.  
4.3  Human development  
4.41.  The social sector development strategies will not only make it possible to raise the standard 
of living but will also provide a reliable reserve of human resources capable of supporting economic 
growth. Thus, the authorities intend to continue making investments to support the different social 
categories in the areas of health, education and vocational training, with special attention  being 
given to young people and women and to the supervision and care of othe r disadvantaged groups.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  4.42.  Health . Improving the health of the population remains an objective for both social 
development and economic growth. The Government expects to achieve this objective by  
implementing an updated sectoral health strategy in conformity with the Millennium Development 
Goals. Essentially, this  strategy aims to provide universal access to quality health care and services 
by improving supply and financing the demand. The goal is to reduce the disease burden by a third  
among the poor and the most vulnerable groups; reduce the mortality rate for children under five 
by two thirds; maternal mortality by three quarters; the prevalence of HIV/AIDS by 50 %; 
and the death rate associated with malaria to less than 10 % by the end date of the strategy.  
4.43.  Education and vocational training . The Government intends to focus on human capital 
formation, in particular through (i) high -quality basic education covering the primary cycle and the 
first cycle of the secondary system; (ii) high -quality second -cycle seco ndary education based on a  
dynamic equilibrium between general and technical education and designed to prepare  students for 
higher education in the fields prioritized for development; (iii) vocational education based on a 
modernized and much strengthened s ystem capable of providing students who have completed basic 
and secondary education cycles with a comprehensive package of knowledge centred on mastery of 
the skills required on the job market and preparing the beneficiaries for job creation; (iv) a 
vocat ionalized university education; (v) extended further training backed by a system for making 
good use of the experience acquired; and (vi) the genuine staff management indispensable for 
ensuring the quality of education, which involves establishing a transp arent and credible system of 
flow regulation, strengthening the  educational guidance system and improving pay scales for 
technical trades.  
4.4  Regional integration and trade diversification  
4.44.  In order to support sustainable and job -creating growth, Cameroon's de velopment and  trade 
diversification policy was incorporated in the sectoral strategy of the Ministry of Trade adopted in 
2011. This policy is part of a plan to develop exports by strengthening subregional and regional 
integration, consolidating market shar e on the traditional markets (Europe and America) and then 
seeking outlets on the emerging markets. It focuses mainly on products of the soil by taking 
advantage of the environment and its five fairly favourable agro -ecological zones, and above all, by 
progressing from the raw product to the processed product stage.  
4.45.  Regional integration . The first challenge is the consolidation of the CEMAC space by  taking 
maximum advantage of the provisions of the treaties on the free movement of  persons  and goods. 
In this  respect, the Government of Cameroon continues to take full responsibility  for driving 
integration forward and is unequivocally assuming its leadership role in the subregion. The second 
challenge is the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) market, which includes 
markets with great development  potential such as those of the Democratic Republic of the Congo 
and Angola. The  third challenge  is that of intensifying and formalizing economic relations with 
Nigeria. Trade development policy could th en be extended to the subregions of Western Africa, 
Northern Africa, Southern Africa and Eastern Africa, in particular as part of the African Continental 
Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) launched in January  2021.  
4.46.  With the ultimate aim being to better implement the  Agreement establishing the AfCFTA, 
Cameroon has adopted an implementation strategy that identifies the priority actions to be 
undertaken so that the private sector can benefit from the AfCFTA, in addition to measures to 
strengthen the institutional mechan isms that would ensure successful implementation of the 
Agreement . 
4.47.  The strategy's main strategic areas of intervention are:  
i. appropriation of the Agreement establishing the AfCFTA by the various national 
stakeholders, in particular through capacity -building  for all socio -economic players and 
the design and dissemination of communication materials;  
ii. revising the legal and institutional framework, with the creation of a national 
committee to implement the AfCFTA and an export promotion agency, as well as 
streng thening the country's economic diplomacy capabilities;  
iii. improving the quality and quantity of economic and commercial infrastructure, in 
particular by increasing the density of transport and communication infrastructure;  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  iv. reducing tariff and non -tariff barri ers to trade by streamlining controls on cross -border 
corridors and actively promoting cooperation to harmonize quality standards at the 
subregional and continental levels;  
v. promoting the production and processing of primary products, by supporting 
innovati ve production capacities with the aim of having surpluses to export, and by 
continuing to improve the business environment;  
vi. developing cross -border and continental value chains, promoting, for example, 
meetings between entrepreneurs from different countrie s; 
vii. prioritizing trade with Nigeria and the ECCAS, which are nearby markets that can open 
the door to markets further away;  
viii. implementing business intelligence measures;  
ix. creating a trade finance bank;  
x. setting up an implementation and monitoring/evaluation mechanism, including the 
establishment of a national committee for the AfCFTA.  
4.48.  North -South cooperation . The authorities will promote the consolidation of the  
European  markets with trade in "traditional" products consisting of raw materials and products that 
have undergone initial processing (wood, cocoa, coffee, bananas, hevea, rubber, pepper,  etc.). 
Where the North American market is concerned, Cameroon now in tends to do everything it can to 
regain African Growth and Opportunity Act eligibility, and to take advantage of the export 
opportunities it offers, especially in the textile and so -called cultural product sectors.  
4.49.  Trade with emerging countries . The South American and Asian markets will have to  be 
explored and negotiated within the context of the emerging countries seeking strategic positioning 
and political and diplomatic influence. The option of win -win cooperation advocated by  the countries 
forming part of this group (China, Brazil, India, Korea, Indonesia, etc.) and their high population 
densities make them an excellent choice for partnership in trade development.  
4.50.  For the period 2020 -30, Cameroon's development policy will focus on strengthening 
regional integration in order to stimulate national growth, make the institutional framework for 
regional trade more effective, increase trade and investment flows and develop the backbone of 
integration infrastructure. Regional integration is an opportunity for Ca meroon to see an industrial 
take-off, with a view to: (i) creating a single subregional market that improves resilience to external 
shocks; (ii) taking advantage of economies of scale to step up intra -regional trade; (iii) benefiting 
from the advantages of  local specialization; and (iv) carrying out certain joint projects while avoiding 
waste and duplication. To that end, the Government intends to significantly accelerate genuine 
integration at the subregional and regional levels by removing the relevant ob stacles, with a view to 
taking advantage of international trade, mobility and the dissemination of inputs (capital, labour, 
etc.). To achieve this, the Government intends to work towards: (i) accelerating the process of 
regional and subregional integration ; (ii) finalizing the process of rationalizing the CEMAC and 
ECCAS  economic communities; and (iii) conquering markets with high potential.  
4.4.1   Trade facilitation  
4.51.  The Government intends to make Cameroon an attractive and competitive country for foreign 
trade. T o that end, action will be taken to: (i) rationalize measures for accommodating vessels and 
other means of transport; (ii) simplify import and export procedures through logistics platforms; 
(iii) streamline transit and transhipment procedures; (iv) strengt hen governance and implement the 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation.  
4.52.  More specifically, this will involve: (i) reducing the time taken for goods to pass through ports 
for importation, exportation and transit; (ii) reducing the cost of passing through ports fo r 
importation and exportation; (iii) completing the process of digitalizing procedures on port 
platforms; (iv) implementing measures under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation; (v) improving 
transparency in foreign trade procedures.  
4.5  Financing of the economy  
4.53.  Taxation . The Government is aware that no sustainable economic recovery can be envisaged 
without a real policy on investment financing policy and, therefore, in 2013, it had the National 
Assembly enact a law establishing the Investment Incentive Code, the  application of which will be WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  accompanied by the implementation of the Investment Charter. This law provides for  common 
incentives (tax and customs benefits guaranteed ) for a period of 15 years, which include: 
(i) five years for the installation phase, dur ing which time investors pay virtually no taxes or duties; 
and (ii) 10 years for the operating phase, during which time investors benefit from exemptions or 
reductions in the payment of registration duties, customs duties and all other fees and service 
charges applicable to the import of all types of equipment, construction materials, tools, spare parts, 
intermediate products, supplies and consumable goods that have no similarity to products 
manufactured locally, with the exception of duties, taxes and othe r charges of a non -fiscal nature 
that constitute remuneration for services.  
4.54.  Banking system . Alongside its CEMAC partners, the State intends to make every effort to 
absorb the excess liquidity in the banking system so that it can be used for medium - and lon g-term 
investment credit. If necessary, the State will propose to the monetary regulator incentivizing and 
persuasive measures to increase the banks' interest in giving the financing of private investment 
precedence over their ordinary banking services. Th us, the new bank for financing SMEs is opening 
up new horizons.  
4.55.  Microfinance . With a view to strengthening and extending basic financial services and  
improving the quality of the services provided by micro -finance establishments (EMFs), the  
Government inte nds: (i) to intensify the action taken to train EMF promoters, managers and  
employees; (ii) to establish a first level of supervision and control of EMFs by  the National  Monetary 
Authority, compatible with COBAC regulations; and (iii) to further strengthen  the monetarization of 
the economy, in particular by extending the automation of the payment systems to EMFs.  
4.56.  Greater mobilization of national savings . The main courses of action under this policy will 
include: (i) steering micro -finance institutions towar ds retail bank status, (ii)  dynamizing local 
financial markets, (iii) increased mobilization of the resources of the diaspora; and  (iv) the creation 
of specialized financial institutions.  
5  EMPLOYMENT STRATEGY  
5.1.  The growth and employment strategy addresses the  question of employment by proposing 
three main courses of action, namely: (i) increasing the supply of decent jobs; (ii) job matching; 
(iii) improving the efficiency of the market.  
5.1  Increasing the supply of jobs  
5.2.  Dependent employment . The Government is counting mainly on the development of SMEs 
to meet the huge challenge of employment. In particular, it intends to tackle visible 
underemployment, estimated at 11 % of the employed labour force. The objective for 2020 is to 
absorb visible under employment completely and to maintain the broader unemployment rate at less 
than 7 %. The introduction of programmes to create jobs specifically for the most disadvantaged 
(young people, women, vulnerable groups and disabled persons) and in the civil servic e will 
supplement the supply of decent jobs.  
5.3.  Targeted self -employment . The Cameroonian authorities are counting on promoting 
self-employment to support the development of the growth sectors, particularly in the rural sector, 
the craft industry and services . Specifically, this is expected to make an important contribution to 
the reduction of visible underemployment to below 50 % and to the migration from the informal to 
the formal sector of the economy. In the rural sector, in conformity with the policy of de veloping 
large farms, incentive measures have been taken to make it easier for graduates of agricultural 
colleges to enter farming by: (i) providing training in how to set up larger scale agricultural projects; 
(ii) facilitating access to credit; and (iii)  facilitating access to modern agricultural inputs.  
5.4.  Moreover, the implementation of certain large projects often involves the development of 
related activities, from which local residents nearby should be able to benefit. Therefore, specific 
training cours es, depending on the nature of the project, will be developed to facilitate the 
integration of these people into the activities in question. In view of the immense potential of the 
craft industry, the Government intends to revitalize every aspect in order to turn it into a truly 
attractive sector that generates jobs, income and growth.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  5.5.  In the services sector, specific programmes, in support of the strategy to develop promising 
branches, such as made -up textile products, tourism, wood, fruit and vegetables, will be 
implemented to encourage the integration of young people from vocational training  establishments.  
5.6.  Migration from the informal to the formal sector . The strategy mainly involves helping 
the players in the informal sector to organize their activities  in VSEs by  means of: (i) flexible tax 
regulations; (ii) facilitating administrative registration, including social security; (iii) training aimed 
at helping these players to keep better track of their activities through light bookkeeping; and 
(iv) start-up assistance and financing.  
5.7.  Establishment of a general incentive framework . The strategy adopted in order to enable 
the private sector to play its economic part in terms of job creation consists of two  components: 
(i) reactivation of the existing tripartit e framework for cooperation between the economic 
departments, the various private sector players and civil society, in order to review and remove the 
obstacles to job creation; and (ii) implementation of a series of incentive measures to facilitate job 
creation.  
5.8.  Implementation of the strategy of promoting labour -intensive approaches . 
Four components have been identified: (i) development of an institutional policy environment that 
favours labour -intensive approaches; (ii) capacity building for the players in volved; (iii) promotion 
of the application of labour -intensive approaches in public investment; and (iv) improved knowledge 
of labour -intensive approaches. In particular, in the building and public works sector, the strategy 
calls for the use of labour -intensive approaches in rural road maintenance and civil engineering, for 
example.  
6  GOVERNANCE AND STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT OF THE STATE  
6.1.  Governance reforms will focus on: (i) decentralization and local development; 
(ii) strengthening the rule of law and the safety of people and property; (iii) improving public service 
delivery; (iv) economic and financial governance; (v) regional planning; and (vi) promoting 
bilingualism, multiculturalism and citizenship.  
6.2.  Decentralization and local development : To encourage l ocal people to participate fully in 
local governance, the authorities are committed to establishing a special status for the North -West 
and South -West Regions, and to strengthening the effective autonomy of the other regions and 
municipalities. To this end , the Government intends to transfer all the resources associated with the 
powers devolved to them to the decentralized local authorities. To this end, (i) regional elections 
and regional executive authorities have been set up; (ii) arrangements for exerci sing supervision to 
lighten the burden on the operation of decentralized local authorities have been established, and the 
State is in the process of refocusing its operations on non -transferred tasks. Action should continue 
with a view to: (iii) substantia lly increasing the resources transferred to decentralized local 
authorities; (iv) reforming local taxation to diversify and improve its effectiveness, and to consolidate 
the mobilization and procedures of effective transfers of the revenue from said taxati on to the local 
authorities; (v) reviewing the mechanism by which funds are made available to the local authorities; 
and (vi) ensuring greater fairness in the transfer of resources to the local authorities, to more 
effectively reflect local disparities. Th e mechanism for collecting and redistributing local and regional 
taxes will also need to be optimized to strengthen the capacity of local authorities to deliver services.  
6.3.  Strengthening of the rule of law and the safety of persons and property . In order to 
improve political and institutional governance, priority will be given over the period 2020 -30 to: (i) 
strengthening the rule of law and the protection of human rights; (ii) finalizing judicial reform with 
a view to consolidating the judiciary; (iii) stepp ing up the fight against insecurity, crime and 
terrorism; (iv) strengthening crisis prevention and management; and (v) improving institutional 
communication.  
6.4.  Improving public service delivery . The authorities undertake to carry out actions aimed at: 
(i) mo dernizing public administration; (ii) optimizing how public administration operates; 
(iii) improving the management of the State's human resources; and (iv) strengthening the fight 
against corruption, embezzlement and conflicts of interest.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  6.5.  Economic and fi nancial governance . The measures in this sector focus on: (i) modernizing 
public finance management; (ii) improving debt management; (iii) optimizing the management of 
public institutions and enterprises; (iv) improving the business climate; (v) strengthen ing 
development cooperation and partnership; (vi) encouraging the diaspora to contribute to 
development; (vii) regulating and monitoring the national economic space.  
6.6.  Regional planning . The main focus will be on: (i) creating and connecting urban and rural 
development hubs; (ii) developing communication and service networks; (iii) continuing and 
finalizing the development of regional land use management schemes; (iv) opening up poorly served 
areas to ensure better integration into the regional urban network;  (v) promoting the development 
of secondary cities in the regional urban fabric, to help them emerge as regional balance clusters; 
(vi) turning border areas into genuine areas of economic development; (vii) putting in place a system 
to prevent and protect against environmental risks that threaten most urban centres (flooding, 
erosion, landslides, etc.); (viii) ensuring the sustainable development of the region; and 
(viii) ensuring compliance with land -use planning standards.  
6.7.  Promoting bilingualism, multicul turalism and citizenship . With a view to maintaining 
social cohesion and promoting national integration, the authorities have taken a number of targeted 
measures, namely: (i) the creation of the National Commission for the Promotion of Bilingualism and 
Multiculturalism; (ii) the establishment of Common Law sections at the Supreme Court and the 
National School of Administration and Magistracy; (iii) the recruitment of  thousands of bilingual 
teachers; (iv) the reorganization of the Civic Service Agency for Pa rticipation in Development; 
(v) the teaching of  thousands of young people and adults about civic values; and (vi) the 
development of a reference framework for civic education and national integration.  
6.8.  Improvement of the business environment . In regard to t he framework for business, 
Government action focuses, in particular, on strengthening monitoring and dialogue on the business 
climate with the private sector, continued  harmonization of the legal framework with OHADA law, 
and the implementation of the Inve stment Charter and the new Law on the Incentives Code.  
6.9.  The Government's progress in this area in recent years has focused in particular on:  
i. introducing a mechanism for offsetting debts arising from final fines imposed by the 
State or memorandums of underst anding approved by the courts in tax and customs 
matters against the taxes, duties and fees of the taxpayer concerned;  
ii. adapting the procedures for valuing imported vehicles and other equipment to 
commercial practices and to CEMAC Community regulations, wit h a view to improving 
predictability for users and harmonizing the methods used to determine the customs 
value of rolling stock;  
iii. clarifying the principle of bank guarantees for customs operations;  
iv. implementing the 2022 version of the Harmonized Commodity D escription and Coding 
System and the revised version of the CEMAC Customs Code, which strengthen 
taxpayers' rights, and enshrine the best customs practices championed by the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement of the WTO, the Revised Kyoto Convention and the SAFE  
Framework of Standards of the World Customs Organization;  
v. exempting all tax deductions of remuneration paid by enterprises offering 
pre-employment training courses to young graduates as part of a training and 
socio-professional integration assistance prog ramme, especially those led by the 
National Employment Fund;  
vi. establishing legislative recognition of the fact that VAT exemption certificates do not 
need to be issued in advance in order to benefit from these exemptions, in order to 
strengthen the legal se curity of taxpayers and improve the tax environment for 
businesses;  
vii. introducing in Article 149.5 of the General Tax Code of the possibility of transferring 
duly validated VAT credits from absorbed enterprises to absorbing enterprises, in 
response to a conc ern regularly expressed by the private sector;  
viii. establishing an exemption from the special re -export tax for oil contract holders and 
their subcontractors, particularly during the research phase;  
ix. reducing the rate of registration duties applicable to large -scale transfers of corporate 
rights from 15 % to 5%; 
x. removing the requirement to certify the certificate of location for online registration;  
xi. clarifying the conditions for registration and removal from the active taxpayer file;  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  xii. applying restrictions on the duration of on -site inspections;  
xiii. simplifying the conditions for obtaining a tax clearance certificate.  
6.10.  A significant reduction in corruption . The Government is intensifying its action to combat 
the phenomenon by strengthening the anti -corruption machinery, with the effective involvement of 
the executive, the legislature and the judiciary.  
6.11.  Improved access to information for citizens . The authorities are concentrating on: 
(i) strengthening participatory oversight of the management of public affairs;  (ii) systematically 
disseminating information about public initiatives, particularly development projects and 
follow -up/evaluation and audit reports; and (iii) increasing the number of rural community radio 
stations.  
6.12.  Protection of the national economic sp ace. In response to the phenomena linked to illicit 
trade, which are impeding the development of the national production system, the authorities intend, 
within the framework of this strategy, to reinforce the machinery for  combating fraud, smuggling 
and la rge-scale international trafficking, with the triple objective of  facilitation, safety and quality 
standard control.  
7  MACROECONOMIC AND BUDGETARY PLANNING  
7.1.  The average annual growth rate is expected to be around 8.0 % over the entire 2021 -30 period, 
under the baseline scenario. The primary sector should see average annual growth of 7.9 %, i.e. 2.2 
percentage points higher than under the baseline scenario. The secondary sector is set to deliver a 
positive upswing, driven in particular by the manufacturi ng and construction industries. The 
projected average annual growth rate between 2021 and 2030 is 7.5 %, 2.4 percentage points higher 
than under the baseline scenario. Excluding the mining and quarrying industries, the sector is 
expected to grow by 8.3 %, an increase of 2.3 percentage points compared with under the baseline 
scenario.  
7.2.  In the manufacturing sector, the agri -food industries should see average growth of 8 %, 
compared with 5.8 % under the baseline scenario.  
7.3.  The tertiary sector is expected to see an a verage annual growth rate of 8.3 %, compared with 
5.9% under the baseline scenario.  
8  MACROECONOMIC OUTLOOK  
8.1.  Forecasts for the 2022 -25 period are still subject to various constraints and risks that could 
jeopardize the resulting budgetary and financial balance . These risks pertain not only to the 
assumptions underlying the macroeconomic projections, but also the effectiveness and efficiency of 
the new measures designed to support the mobilization of tax and customs revenues, the 
effectiveness of measures to opt imize and control expenditure, the capacity of the domestic financial 
market to absorb government expenditure needs, and the availability of the budgetary support 
expected from the various partners. This macroeconomic and budgetary outlook may be influence d 
by external and internal risks.  
8.2.  In regard to external risks, the continuing Russia -Ukraine conflict  could lead to a less significant 
level of activity than forecast, and consequently to a lower than expected level of tax and customs 
revenues. Further sho cks to energy and food prices could keep global inflation higher for longer. In 
addition, global financial conditions are expected to continue to worsen, driven by the tightening of 
monetary policies in advanced economies, in line with the current record l evels of inflation and 
expectations that are still on the rise, even if a downturn is expected from 2023 onward.  
8.3.  In regard to domestic fiscal risks, the unanticipated rise in the price of petroleum products and 
essential goods could further exacerbate the current account deficit and the budget deficit, if the 
Russia -Ukraine conflict  does not abate in 2023 and continues to put pressure on world oil prices. 
The high cost of subsidizing hydrocarbon prices at the pump could therefore affect fiscal 
sustainabilit y. WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
- 73 - 
  8.4.  The security risk in the North -West, South -West and Far -North regions continues to weigh on 
government expenditure, particularly through direct interventions from the national oil company 
(SNH), which remain high. Similarly, the cost of subsidizing hydr ocarbon prices at the pump, which 
are projected to reach CFAF  300 billion in 2023, represents a major risk to budgetary sustainability, 
should crude oil prices rise more than expected and the US dollar continues to appreciate.  
8.5.  Budgetary risks also lie in t he deteriorating financial situation of certain public and semi -public 
sector enterprises, which continues to require substantial financial support from the State budget, 
triggering a lifting of the ceiling on projected expenditure and therefore compromisi ng the financial 
balance built up over the medium term. In addition, should financial conditions on the domestic 
financial market be unfavourable, the expected mobilization of CFAF  400 billion in medium and 
long-term government securities in 2023, as well as the refinancing of treasury bonds, could disrupt 
the financial balance established over this period. Similarly, the assumption that payments by 
Treasury correspondents (public institutions and decentralized local authorities) would be limited to 
payment s of their own revenues made during the year would compromise the financial balance, if 
these payments exceed the level of revenues actually paid into the respective accounts of these 
entities held with the Treasury.  
9  COMMERCIAL POLICY  
9.1  Trade policy objectiv es and instruments  
9.1.  Through the National Development Strategy 2020 -30 (NDS30), Cameroon's aim is to bring 
about structural change in its economy by making fundamental changes to its productive, industrial, 
financial, administrative, environmental and social  systems in order to promote strong, inclusive and 
endogenous economic growth that focuses on job creation and high value -added activities. Trade 
policy has a crucial role to play in this vast development project. At the domestic level, the aim is to 
suppl y the national market on a regular basis under conditions of healthy and fair competition, by 
taking action to:  
• guarantee healthy and fair competition in the domestic market, in particular, by: 
(i) revising Law  No. 98/013 of 14  July 1998 on Competition; (i i) transforming the National 
Competition Commission into an independent authority, with enhanced powers; 
(iii) modernizing the mechanisms for monitoring and punishing commercial fraud; 
(iv) strengthening the capacities of consumer rights associations and t he bodies tasked 
with supervising them; (v) developing quality infrastructure, in particular standardization, 
technical regulations (standards made mandatory) and metrology; and (vi) reforming 
marketing channels in order to preserve trade margins and produ cers' incomes;  
• implement economic patriotism by promoting the "Made in Cameroon" label;  
• control, in a concerted manner, the prices of consumer products;  
• control the standards and quality of products put on the market;  
• promote the "Made in Cameroon" label;  
• improve consumer protection and the crackdown on product quality fraud;  
• reduce smuggling;  
• strengthen price controls and speculation, with a view to keeping inflation below 3 %. 
9.2.  At the external level, the aim of Cameroon's trade policy is to develop exports by taking action 
to: 
• continue to implement the National Export Strategy;  
• to penetrate the national, subregional and regional markets with "Made in Cameroon" 
products;  
• develop e -commerce;  
• improve the foreign trade statistics system to enhance trade intellig ence;  
• develop a trade defence strategy as an extension of the import substitution policy;  
• establish the export promotion agency (APEX).  
9.3.  Legally, Cameroon's trade policy is governed by Law  No. 2015/018 of 21  December  2015 
governing commercial activity in Cameroon and Law  No. 2016/004 of 18  April 2016 governing 
Cameroon's foreign trade. These laws established the principle of freedom of trade and industry.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
- 74 - 
  9.4.  In this regard, import and export activities are open to natural and legal persons of 
Came roonian or foreign nationality. Foreigners wishing to do business in Cameroon must obtain 
approval from the Ministry of Trade if they have a majority shareholding in a company. This approval 
is a formality insofar as it does not require any particular subs tantive conditions, but simply requires 
the filing of an administrative file for declaratory purposes.  
9.5.  The import substitution policy, which is an extension to the structural transformation of the 
Cameroonian economy, by means of improved production struct ure(s) to strengthen local supply, is 
broken down into the following main actions:  
• monitoring the strict application of the Prime Minister's circular on the allocation of market 
shares reserved for SMEs;  
• restricting contracts above a certain threshold to S MEs; 
• introducing non -discriminatory tax incentives for enterprises operating in priority sectors 
and/or using mainly local inputs;  
• developing more appropriate financing arrangements;  
• pursuing the national champions policy;  
• establishing specific standards t o protect and develop local industries;  
• re-taxing imports of certain fast -moving consumer goods, which were exempted from tax 
in 2008 in response to the food riots and which are produced locally;  
• organizing permanent activities and other events to promote Cameroonian expertise;  
• strengthening the use of levers/tools to protect the internal market from external 
competition for certain locally produced goods;  
• organizing economic missions for foreign diplomatic missions to promote the  "Made in 
Cameroon" label;  
• ensuring the effective application of the government measure to display at least 20 % of 
Cameroon's products in supermarkets;  
• lobbying government departments and local and regional authorities to implement internal 
measures aimed at promoting the preferenti al use of local products by the general public.  
9.6.  There are also specific measures for certain priority sectors set out in the NDS30 that enjoy 
comparative advantages. These are agriculture, fishing and livestock farming, the agri -food industry 
and the timbe r industry. In regard to agriculture, the main focus is on developing local supply in 
four areas:  
i. facilitating access to land, in particular through the drafting of the Rural Code and the 
development of large sustainable hydro -agricultural areas;  
ii. the devel opment of fertilizer and seed production units;  
iii. the promotion of the use of locally produced biofertilizers;  
iv. managing sustainable land use;  
v. In the fisheries and livestock sectors, the objective is to support:  
vi. the development of networks of laboratories for  the analysis and manufacture of 
veterinary medicines, with a view to reducing costs for producers;  
vii. the development of pastoral water supply areas, fish hatcheries, landing stages, and 
milk collection and processing centres;  
viii. the sustainable use and conserv ation of oceans, seas and coastal areas.  
ix. In regard to the agri -food industry, local supply should be supported by:  
x. increasing the availability of raw materials, in particular by reducing fraudulent 
exports, continuing to open up production basins and increasing local production;  
xi. bringing production into line with international standards by raising awareness and 
providing support for producers; and  
xii. expanding storage and packaging infrastructure.  
9.7.  In the timber industry, actions are aimed at:  
a. developing t he domestic market for logwood, in particular by revising the legal and 
regulatory framework, improving the use of logging residues and stepping up the 
exploitation of communal and community forests;  
b. strengthening the technical and technological capacities  of stakeholders;  
c. promoting the sustainable management of flora.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  9.8.  Since Cameroon's last trade policy review, the Import Verification Programme (IVP) has been 
implemented, under Decree No.  2015/1875/PM of 1 July 2015. It replaces the preshipment  
inspection system, notified to the WTO in 20011 as provided under the programme for guaranteeing 
customs revenue (PSRD). Under the IVP, the Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS) carries out 
on-arrival inspections of the origin, value and tariff classifi cation of goods from all sources (including 
CEMAC member States) with an f.o.b value of CFAF  2 million or more.  
9.9.  Notable advances include the replacement of the SGS import verification notice by the value 
and tariff classification report (RVC), and the intr oduction of 100 % scanning. SGS and INTERTEK 
International have also been implementing the preshipment conformity assessment programme for 
imported goods (PECAE) on behalf of ANOR since 2016. The main aim of the PECAE is to certify the 
quality of imported p roducts, which are subject to technical regulations, with a view to protecting 
the environment and public health.  
9.10.  The IVP has been carrying out arrival inspections since 2016. Preshipment inspections are no 
longer carried out. However, the switch from pres hipment inspections to arrival inspections has not 
changed the cost of this service for importers. SGS checks on arrival are validated by a report on 
the value and tariff classification of the imported goods. Under the IVP -NG, SGS is responsible for 
checki ng the origin, customs valuation (provision of export prices) and tariff classification of goods 
on the basis of documentary analyses. Verification begins with the submission of the trader's 
intention to import, evidenced by the filing of an import declara tion. 
9.11.  Checks are then carried out upstream through SGS's vast network of affiliates around the 
world, resulting in the issuance of a value and tariff classification report prior to the arrival of goods 
at the port of Douala. This decision support tool is m ade available to the Customs Administration in 
real time for the settlement of the customs declaration when clearing customs. The IVP does not 
interfere with checks carried out on incoming goods. Arrival inspections are not carried out as part 
of the IVP. It is important to note that the new provisions on documentary verification incorporating 
risk analysis are fully in line with the WTO's recommendations on trade facilitation, which recommend 
no longer requiring preshipment inspections in connection with c ustoms valuation and tariff 
classification.  
9.12.  The switch to container scanning at the port of Douala is not part of the IVP contract. Scanning 
is carried out as part of the security measures put in place by the Government, which take 
precedence over the cont ribution made to modernizing the capacity of the Customs Administration. 
However, SGS and INTERTEK International are still carrying out preshipment inspections to ensure 
compliance with the 123 mandatory Cameroonian standards, while arrival inspections are  used for 
pricing and valuation matters.  
9.13.  Under the IVP and PECAE, an "inspection and control tax" is levied at a rate of 0.95 % of the 
f.o.b value of imports, with a minimum collection of CFAF  110,000 per delivery or shipment. On 
imports of CFAF  2 million, the rate corresponding to the flat rate of CFAF  110,000 is 5.5 %. In 
addition, as part of the identification control of imported second -hand vehicles (CIVIO), SGS inspects 
them on arrival. An inspection fee of  CFAF 25,000 is levied for each vehicle. The SGS  also undertakes 
the customs valuation of  these vehicles. There is a 30 % reduction on the taxable value of vehicles 
less than seven years old in order to encourage the rejuvenation of the vehicle fleet. Vehicles in 
transit do not have to go through the CIV IO procedure.  
9.14.  Imports by sea must be accompanied by an electronic cargo tracking note (ECTN); this 
document must be obtained from the Cameroon National Shippers' Council (CNCC). Shipment of any 
cargo without the validated ECTN constitutes a breach of the p rovisions of Article  11 of the 
above -mentioned Order. In this case, a regularization CGS will be issued by the CNCC in Douala.  
Table 9.1 Current CGS pricing in Cameroon  
Products  Africa  Europe  ROW  
Imports  
Conventional bulk  
Rice/wheat/prod. Food  
Container in 10 TEU increments  
Vehicles   
EUR 100/BL  
EUR 55/BL  
EUR 20/BL   
EUR 100/BL  
EUR 55/BL  
EUR 20/BL   
EUR 100/BL  
EUR 100/BL  
EUR 100/BL  
 
1 WTO document G/C/W/245/Add.2 of 29  March  2001. WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  Products  Africa  Europe  ROW  
Exports  
* Basic commodities  
Coffee/cocoa  
* Other products  
* Container per 10 TEU  
* Other   
CFAF 5,000  
CFAF 10,000  
CFAF 15,000  
CFAF 15,000/BL   
CFAF 10,000  
CFAF 15,000  
CFAF 20,000  
CFAF 20,000/BL   
CFAF 10,000  
CFAF 15,000  
CFAF 20,000  
CFAF 20,000/BL  
Source:  CNCC.  
9.2  Tariff and customs policy, including rules of origin  
9.2.1   Customs value  
9.15.  All imported or exported goods, irrespective of their value, must be declared to customs by a 
customs broker. In some cases, this can be done electronically  (ASYCUDA++) (CAMCIS) . In 
addition to the detailed customs declaration, which contains the c.i.f (import) or f.o.b (export) value, 
goods released for consumption must be covered by a special declaration of elements of value to 
enable the inspection services to assess the accur acy of the declared value.  
9.16.  Cameroon applies the transaction value, but not in full. In practice, customs values are set 
administratively for many products. These include the following products: worn clothing; used tyres; 
new tyres; second -hand goods; tiles ; shoes, clothing and clothing accessories, handbags, socks; 
pasta; polypropylene and polyethylene bags; kraft paper bags; granulated white sugar; sugar cubes; 
raw granulated sugar; wheat flour; concrete reinforcing bars; matches; frozen fish; frozen poult ry; 
meat and offal; beer; vegetable oils; Asian lubricants; raw salt; refined salt; fabrics; biscuits; tinned 
sardines; black steel tubes and sheets.  
9.2.2   Common External Tariff (CET)  
9.17.  Cameroon applies the CEMAC Common External Tariff (CET), although there are 1 70 tariff 
lines (2.9 % of total tariff lines) for which the rates applied differ from the CET. It applies rates lower 
than those of the CET to 51 tariff lines, generally for certain chemical and textile products. In 
addition, for 119 tariff lines, mostly fo od products, certain metals and minerals and products from 
the chemical industry, it applies rates higher than those of the CET. These derogations from the 
CEMAC CET are said to be in response to social concerns or requests from operators. One of the 
major  innovations is the implementation of the CET in the 2017 version of the HS and its 
configuration in the new customs information system (CAMCIS) which is pending migration to the 
HS 2022 planned for 1  January  2022.  
9.18.  The 2008 ordinances and the 2009 Law on F inance suspended import duties on certain 
essential products, including frozen fish, rice, salt, wheat and meslin, wheat flour and maize cake, 
and de -categorized cement and clinker. The 2016 and 2017 Laws on Finance reintroduced the CET 
for fish, rice, whe at and meslin, and re -categorized cement at 20 % and clinker at 10 %. Customs 
duties and taxes have also been waived on imports of crude oil for refining, medicines, medical 
materials and equipment to combat HIV/AIDS, imported equipment for persons with disa bilities, 
imported medicines and inputs for the pharmaceutical industry (measures to combat the COVID -19 
pandemic) and imported capital goods for agriculture, livestock farming and fishing (promotion of 
the import -substitution policy).  
9.2.3   Community preference s, rules of origin  
9.19.  In regard to Community preferences, the National Committee for the Approval of Industrial 
Products Originating in CEMAC was set up by Order  No. 206/CAB/PM of 23  December  2010. It falls 
under the authority of the Minister responsible for trade, and its main mission is to examine 
applications for approval in accordance with CEMAC regulations on the free movement of industrial 
products originating in the subregion. Community origin is attested by a certificate of origin issued 
in Cameroon by  the Chamber of Commerce.  
9.20.  Under the interim EPA, which has governed trade relations between Cameroon and countries 
of the European Union since 2007, proof of the originating status of goods is demonstrated either 
by the movement certificate or by the decla ration of origin issued by the supplier and submitted by 
the exporter of the goods to the relevant department. The movement certificate is a proof of origin WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
- 77 - 
  document issued under the EU -Cameroon preferential agreement (Eur1 -CMR), while the certificate 
of origin is valid for non -preferential origin.  
9.21.  Lastly, it is worth noting the ongoing implementation of the African Continental Free Trade 
Area with the entry into force on 1 January  2021 of the Preferential Tariff, and the introduction of a 
certificate of or igin covering goods originating in the AfCFTA.  
9.2.4   VAT 
9.22.  The statutory rate applicable in Cameroon is 17.5%, plus a local tax equivalent to 10 % of 
the VAT rate, bringing the effective applied VAT rate to 19.25 %, above the range set out in the 
CEMAC Directive. Th e General Tax Code lists the goods (which may be imported or locally produced) 
that are exempt from VAT. The list is made up primarily of certain essential food products, 
agricultural equipment and inputs, medicines, books and newspapers. Exemption is also  granted for 
inputs and equipment for the pharmaceutical industry; leasing transactions undertaken with a view 
to buying agricultural, livestock breeding or fisheries equipment; and materials and equipment for 
utilizing solar or wind power. These provision s appear to be contrary to the CEMAC Directive which, 
inter alia , explicitly prohibits VAT exemptions or waivers as part of measures to encourage enterprise 
start-ups and investment.  
9.23.  Paraffin, which is in principle exempt from VAT as an essential good, is in practice taxed at 
VAT; domestic gas is exempt, contrary to Community provisions; and premium petrol and diesel are 
taxed, but not at the common rate.  
9.2.5   Excise tax  
9.24.  Cameroon generally applies excise tax at the maximum rate  provided for by Community 
provisio ns, i.e. 25 % (fruit juices, aerated beverages, mineral waters, malt beers, vermouth and 
other wines made from fresh grapes, other fermented beverages (cider, perry, hydromel)), 
eaux-de-vie, whisky, rum, gin and spirits (except for undenatured ethyl alcohol ), cigars, cigarillos 
and cigarettes, chewing tobacco and snuff, other manufactured tobaccos, foie gras, caviar and its 
substitutes, salmon, precious stones and metals, and jewellery. A reduced rate of 12.5 % was 
introduced in 2006 for private vehicles with  a cylinder capacity of 2,000  cm3 or more, and an 
exemption for locally produced mineral water. They are included in the 2018 Budget  Law. There is 
also a specific excise tax on non -renewable packaging and games of chance and entertainment. 
Lastly, a 2 % excise tax on mobile phone calls and Internet services is also applied.  
9.25.  Under the 2017 Budget  Law, used private vehicles over 10 years old are subject to 12.5 % 
excise duty, while those under 10 years old are not subject to excise duty. Commercial vehicles and  
road tractors over 15 years old, excluding agricultural tractors, are subject to a reduced rate of 
excise duty.  
9.26.  The Budget  Laws of 2019, 2020 and 2021 introduced six ad valorem  excise duty rates 
including: super low rate (0 %); low rate (5 %); medium rate ( 12.5%); general rate (25 %); high 
rate (30 %); and super high rate (50 %). 
9.27.  In order to comply with Community legislation in the CEMAC zone, the 2023 Budget  Law has 
increased the rates for stamp duties and certain specific stamps, such as:  
• stamps on foreign pa ssport visas;  
• tiered stamps;  
• motor vehicle stamps (excluding transporters);  
• airport stamps (excluding domestic flights);  
• bill of lading stamps;  
• stamps on driving licences, firearms licences, hunting licences, etc.  
9.28.  These rates are still significantly lower than those charged in countries at a comparable level 
of development. On average, the cost of a standard size stamp is CFAF  2,000.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
- 78 - 
  9.29.  Lastly, the 2019 Budget  Law (Article  5.3) introduced an additional excise duty based on the 
specific taxation system for beve rages, and a special excise duty intended to finance the removal 
and treatment of waste for the benefit of decentralized local authorities.  
9.3  Investment  
9.30.  Law No. 2013/004 on incentives for private investment provides for exemptions from customs 
duties and tax es on equipment and materials for new enterprises in the set -up phase.  
9.31.  Other investment tax regimes provide tax and customs privileges, such as: (i) Foreign 
enterprises incorporated in Cameroon may invest by means of a public private  partnership (PPP) 
contract pursuant to  Law No. 2008/009  of 16  July 2008 determining the fiscal, financial and 
accounting regime applicable to PPP contracts. This arrangement provides specific tax and customs 
benefits for the design, construction and operation phases of the partnership contract; (ii) in 
accordance with Law No.  2013/004 of 18  April 2013, as amended and supplemented by 
Law No. 2017/015, enterprises may also enter into framework agreements with the Government. 
These agreements, which amount to tax approvals, are  used as the basis for granting the tax benefits 
provided for in the 2013 law above. These benefits are divided into common incentives and specific 
incentives.  
9.32.  The 2023 Budget  Law also introduces a series of tax measures designed to:  
• strengthen the existin g common law system for promoting the agricultural, livestock and 
fisheries sectors;  
• provide additional specific facilities for enterprises processing local raw materials.  
9.33.  In regard to the facilities provided by the existing system, we note the following:  
• In the investment phase:  
• exemption from tax and employers' contributions on salaries paid to seasonal 
agricultural workers;  
• VAT exemption on the purchase of pesticides, fertilizers and inputs, as well as 
agricultural, livestock and fishing equipment and ma terials;  
• exemption from registration duties on transfers of land used for agriculture, livestock 
farming and fishing;  
• exemption from registration duty on loan agreements to finance agricultural, livestock 
and fishing activities;  
• exemption from property tax  on properties belonging to agricultural, livestock and 
fishing businesses and used for these activities.  
• During the operating phase:  
i. For the first five years of operation:  
• exemption from trade licence fees;  
• exemption from the advance payment and minimum c ollection of income tax;  
• exemption from income tax.  
ii. After the fifth year:  
• exemption from trade licence fees;  
• payment of a flat -rate income tax deduction at a rate of 0.5 % of turnover, plus 
10% in respect of additional municipal levies.  
9.34.  In addition, the State exempts farmers, livestock farmers and fisherers from VAT on the sale 
of local produce (Article  128.6 of the General Tax Code).  
9.35.  Other specific additional facilities have been granted for the processing of local raw materials. 
To this end, enterprises  that process local raw materials benefit from a 50 % rebate on the monthly 
advance payment and income tax.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
- 79 - 
  9.36.  Enterprises in the following sectors are eligible for these measures:  
• in the agricultural sector;  
• in the livestock sector;  
• in the fishing industry;  
• in the leather products sector;  
• in the cabinet -making sector.  
9.37.  In the specific case of the brewing sector, the State has optimizing the system for promoting 
beverages produced from local raw materials:  
• a 30% reduction in the tax base for ad valore m excise duties on these drinks for a period 
of three years from 1 January  2023;  
• empowering the Minister of Finance to waive the 40 % minimum threshold if local raw 
materials are not available.  
9.38.  Tax relief for taxpayers has also been granted:  
• continuing the policy of lowering tax rates by reducing the rate of corporation tax for SMEs 
from 28 % to 25%; 
• extending the 50 % reduction in the rate of advance payment of income tax to enterprises 
producing pharmaceutical products and fertilizers in order to promote local production;  
• increasing the deductibility rate for damage and breakage incurred by enterprises in the 
brewing sector from 0.5 % to 1% of the total volume of production, in order to take into 
account the reality of the losses incurred by these enterprises;  
• exempting from VAT purchases of essential foodstuffs made from farmers by public bodies 
responsible for regulat ing or managing foodstuff stocks.  
Economic zones  
9.39.  In Cameroon, the free trade zone is a transitional regime leading toward the implementation 
of economic zones. The first free trade zones were set up in 1990. They are scattered throughout 
the country, but 9 5% are in Douala. These zones are set to become economic zones. The advantages 
granted to enterprises incorporated in free zones are as follows:  
• exemption from import duties on equipment and inputs, with the exception of private 
vehicles and fuel;  
• exemptio n from export duty and VAT;  
• direct removal of imported goods (without prior payment of customs duties and afterwards 
on presentation of a deposit).  
9.40.  They are required to have the provisional list of imported products validated annually by the 
customs author ities. In addition, 80 % of production in the free zones must be exported, and 20 % 
may be released for consumption on the domestic market.  
9.4  Competition and consumer protection  
9.41.  Law No.  98/013 of 14  July 1998 on Competition sets out the conditions for competit ion in the 
internal market. It provides a framework for anti -competitive practices, infringements and penalties, 
procedures for detecting and prosecuting infringements, and establishes the National Competition 
Commission. The composition of the National Co mpetition Commission, its organization and 
operating procedures are set out in Decree No.  2013/7988/PM of 13  September  2013.  
9.42.  In particular, the law prohibits agreements or arrangements on prices or that aim to influence 
prices, or that seek to impede marke t access or restrict competition, unless the competition authority 
considers that they are profitable for the economy and allow efficiency gains which would otherwise 
not be possible. An enterprise which has a dominant position may not use this position to  prevent 
another enterprise from setting up on the market or to supplant it, put pressure on distributors or 
cause an increase in competitors' production costs. However, no sanctions should be taken if the 
anti-competitive practice aims to improve economic  efficiency.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
- 80 - 
  9.43.  The Law on Competition applies to both public and private enterprises. It also applies when 
the effects of anti -competitive practices by enterprises abroad are felt in Cameroon itself, subject to 
agreements and treaties between Cameroon and th e host countries of the enterprises concerned.  
9.44.  Consumer protection policy is set out in Decree No.  2016/0003PM of 13  January  2016 on the 
organization and operation of the National Consumer Council, which has the following missions: 
(i) to promote the excha nge of views between public authorities, organizations protecting the 
collective interests of consumers and employers' organizations; (ii) to foster consultation between 
representatives of consumer interests and delegates from employers' organizations on c onsumer 
protection issues; (iii) to issue opinions on draft legislation on matters within its remit; (iv) to study 
all issues relating to the consumption of goods and services or consumer protection that are referred 
to it by the Government.  
9.5  Standardizatio n, quality, sanitary and phytosanitary measures  
9.45.  The Agency of Standards and Quality (ANOR) is the national body tasked with drawing up and 
approving standards, ensuring certification and compliance with standards, monitoring cooperation 
with specialized co mmittees and international bodies in the field of standards and quality, and 
implementing any mission entrusted to it by the Government. The Agency was established in 2009.  
9.46.  Animal products must undergo a veterinary or health inspection before being release d for 
consumption. Live animals must be accompanied by an international or national vaccination card. 
The Law on Standardization governs the national standardization system and the national quality 
mark, certification of conformity; approval of testing lab oratories, quality control bodies, and 
standardization organizations or offices; and quality control.  
9.47.  The standards portfolio comprises 2,552  standards, 123 of which are mandatory and cover 
the following areas of activity: food technology and products; con struction and public works; energy; 
chemical engineering; and industry. MINMIDT2 has an affiliated structure (laboratory) tasked with: 
(i) developing methods of analysis and product testing; (ii) monitoring all aspects of industrial 
metrology in collabora tion with the relevant authorities and organizations; iii) participating in the 
activities of international organizations and committees specializing in testing, characterization and 
industrial, scientific and technical metrology techniques.  
9.48.  Cameroon also has several analysis and testing laboratories in the following areas: building 
and public works (Labogénie), drugs (Lanacome), agri -food (IRAD), biochemistry (Centre Pasteur), 
hydrocarbons (Hydrac), Véritas, and the National Reference Laborat ory for Legal Metrology 
(MINCOMMERCE). MINADER3 ensures compliance with standards and quality control for agricultural 
inputs. The same is true for MINEPIA4 in its sector of activity.  
9.49.  Around seven sector ministries are involved in quality control.  
9.6  Commer cial defence  
9.50.  In terms of trade defence, Cameroon is gradually putting in place a system to protect on a 
regular basis its local production sectors when they face either import surges (safeguard measures), 
subsidized imports (countervailing measures) or dum ped imports (anti -dumping measures). 
Decree  No. 2017/6523/PM of 7  June 2017 establishing the procedures for the application of 
Law No. 2016/004 of 18  April 2016 governing foreign trade in Cameroon, established the 
composition and procedures of operation of  the Anti -dumping and Subsidies Committee that was set 
up in 2022, with the task of conducting investigations relating to trade defence. The Committee is 
currently working on drafting procedural manuals and other guides, and on raising awareness of the 
importance of this tool in the industry. In order to protect its industry, the import of certain consumer 
products, such as chicken, sugar cubes, portland cement  and concrete iron, has been temporarily 
prohibited. However, imports of granulated sugar are not prohibited. Furthermore, it should be 
recalled that, in view of Law No.  2013/004 of 18  April 2013, as amended and supplemented by Law 
 
2 Ministry of Mines, Industry and Technological Development.  
3 Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.  
4 Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  No. 2017/015 of 12  July 2017, Cameroon supports the establishment of industrial enterprises in all 
sectors of economic act ivity, especially those covered by the industrialization master plan.  
9.7  Cooperation with the WTO  
9.51.  Having been a Member of the GATT since 3  May 1963 and of the World  Trade  Organization 
(WTO) since 13  December  1995, Cameroon has undertaken a series of reforms w ith a view to 
establishing a market economy based on a liberal trade regime, characterized by an trade openness 
that has enabled the country to participate more fully in international trade, with a substantial 
increase in international trade.  
9.52.  By way of ill ustration, in 2022, Cameroon imported products from 193 countries and exported 
to 125 countries. As a staunch defender of a rules -based multilateral trading system, Cameroon 
plays an active role in activities relating to the WTO's missions, namely the admi nistration, 
implementation and negotiation of agreements, as well as the examination of trade policies and the 
settlement of disputes.  
9.53.  In regard to the administration and implementation of agreements, Cameroon notifies the 
WTO Secretariat of its trade meas ures, in accordance with the relevant disciplines set out in the 
various agreements. As part of its trade liberalization policy, which is part of its various development 
strategies under the umbrella of "Vision Cameroon 2035", of which the National Develop ment 
Strategy 2020 -30 is the second stage of implementation, Cameroon ensures that its trade measures 
comply with the WTO Agreements and all the regional trade agreements to which it is a party, in 
particular CEMAC, ECCAS, EPA, ICO and FTAA.  
9.54.  Cameroon also hosts the WTO Chairs Programme through the Institute of International 
Relations of Cameroon, as well as a WTO Reference Centre based within the Ministry of Trade. In 
addition, several Cameroonian officials have received technical assistance from the WTO's Institute 
for Training and Technical Cooperation.  
9.55.  The country therefore has solid expertise in WTO law and practice. In regard to the negotiation 
of agreements, Cameroon actively participated in the negotiations of the Dillon Round, the Kennedy 
Round, the Tokyo Round and the Uruguay Round, as well as those currently taking place under the 
auspices of the WTO.  
9.56.  Cameroon's WTO negotiating groups are: the ACP Group, made up of African, Caribbean and 
Pacific countries; the African Group, of which it is currently  the coordinator, made up of African 
WTO Member countries; and the G -90, made up of the African Group, the ACP Group and the group 
of least developed countries.  
9.57.  This strong cooperation with the WTO resulted in Cameroon being selected by the 
General  Council  to host the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference.  
10  CONCLUSION  
10.1.  The macroeconomic outlook depends on the uncertainty stemming from the duration of the 
war in Ukraine and the expected impact of the economic policy measures taken by the Government. 
The Government w ill have to make some difficult choices, in particular between the high level of 
subsidies and the level of public investment expenditure in accordance with the development 
ambitions set out in the NDS30.  
10.2.  Economic activity is expected to grow by 4.2 % in 20 23, compared with the 4.6 % initially 
forecast, in line with the deteriorating outlook for the global economy. It should average 5 % between 
2023 and 2025.  
10.3.  On the supply side, growth in the oil sector is projected to be -1.3% in 2023 and -1.2% in 
2024, refle cting the gradual depletion of oil fields, which will be partially offset by gas production. 
In 2025, the SNH forecasts a substantial increase in gas production (256  billion cubic feet versus 
93 billion in 2024). In the non -oil sector, growth is forecast t o be 4.5 % in 2023 and 5.2 % on average 
between 2023 and 2025, assuming effective implementation of the actions set out in the NDS30.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  10.4.  In the primary sector, growth is projected to be 4.3 % in 2023 and 4.7 % on average between 
2023 and 2025. This trend is expec ted to be underpinned by the implementation of the 
import -substitution policy, the positive effects of recovery programmes and development plans for 
the cocoa, coffee, banana, cotton and rubber sectors, and firm prices for major export products.  
10.5.  In the sec ondary sector, growth is projected to be 3.6 % in 2023 and 8.1 % on average 
between 2023 and 2025. Despite the drop in crude oil production, the sector should benefit from: 
(i) the increase in gas production; (ii) the expansion of certain industries, in part icular cement 
factories; and (iii) the performance of the agri -food and other manufacturing industries, driven by 
improved electricity supplies, as a result of the commissioning of hydroelectric dams and the 
construction of electricity transmission infrast ructures. The construction and public works sector 
should also support growth, with the implementation of major second -generation projects and the 
reconstruction of the North -West, South -West and Far -North regions.  
10.6.  In the tertiary sector, growth is project ed to be 4.5 % in 2023 and 5.0 % on average between 
2023 and 2025. This growth is expected to be driven by the "telecommunications", "financial 
services", "vehicle trade and repair" and "restaurants and hotels" lines, which will be boosted by the 
strong perf ormance of upstream sectors (primary and secondary).  
10.7.  In regard to GDP utilization, domestic demand should benefit from the upturn in public 
investment and the recovery in consumption, underpinned by a buoyant labour market and 
contained inflation. Between 2023 and 2025, household end consumption is expected to grow by an 
average of 3.9 %. Investment growth is expected to be more vigorous, averaging 6.1 % over the 
period.  
10.8.  In regard to prices, inflation should not exceed the CEMAC  3% threshold between 2023 and 
2025, not only as a result of measures taken to control prices, but also to improve the local supply 
of consumer goods in conjunction with the reorganization of the local market.  
10.9.  In regard to the external accounts, the projected current account deficit is expected to fall to 
an average of 2.0 % of GDP between 2023 and 2025, mainly as a result of the promotion of exports 
of cocoa, wood, coffee and cotton products, and the effective implementation of the 
import -substitution policy.  
 
 WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  REPORT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO  
1  INTRODUCTION OVERALL CONTEXT  
1.1.  The Republic of the Congo is a State in Central Africa, located between 4 degrees North latitude 
and 5 degrees  South latitude, and 11 degrees east longitude to 18 degrees west longitude.  
1.2.  The country covers an area of 342,000 km² on the west coast of Africa in the Gulf of Guinea. 
The country shares borders with the Central African Republic to the north, Cameroon to  the 
north -west, Gabon to the west, Angola to the extreme south -west and the Democratic Republic of 
the Congo to the east and south. It stretches over 1,500 km from north to south and 425 km from 
east to west.  
1.3.  The Republic of the Congo has a 170 -kilometre window on the Atlantic Ocean, with Pointe -Noire 
and Madingo -Kayes as its main seaside resorts. The country has a vast network of rivers, making 
up the Congo Basin. There are around ten major rivers and two larger ones (the Congo and the 
Kouilou -Niari). The  country's topography is dominated by three types of physical landscape: plains, 
hills and plateaux.  
1.4.  Its population was estimated at 5.7  million in 2022. According to the results of the latest 
census, the Republic of the Congo is made up of men and women i n almost equal proportions, 
i.e., 50.02 % and 49.98 % respectively. Just under half the population is aged under 15, representing 
42.63 % of the total population. People aged over 65 years represent only 3.66 % of the total 
population.  
1.5.  Despite a growing urban population representing 65 % of the total population, the population 
is unevenly distributed across the country, with 70 % concentrated in the south of the country, on 
the coast, on the banks of Middle Congo and near the Congo -Ocean railway line, which links  these 
two areas. The Republic of  the Congo is one of the most urbani zed countries in Africa.  
1.6.  This high level of urbani zation is concentrated mainly in Brazzaville and Pointe -Noire, which are 
the most densely populated cities. The Republic of the Congo is a low -density country, with an 
average of 15 inhabitants per square kilometre.  
1.7.  Congo has a wealth of natural resources, including oil, timber, potash, zinc, uranium, copper, 
phosphates, diamonds and gold.  
1.8.  Over the past few years, the Republic of the Congo has evolved in an international context 
marked by several successive crises, namely: (i) economic and financial, linked to the fall in the 
price of oil since 2014; (ii) health, with the COVID -19 pandemic that swept through the world in the 
last quarter of 2019 and paralysed several sectors of the global economy; and (iii) geopolitical, with 
the conflict in Ukraine that began on 24  February  2022, whose repercussions on economies and 
monetary and financial policies worldwide continue to be severely affected.  
1.9.  Against this backdrop, despite the Government's efforts to manage the country's economic and 
financial policy, these three crises are hampering its action, particularly in the implementation of the 
2018-22 National Development Plan, then the 2022 -26 NDP, a nd in the execution of the three -year 
economic and financial programme agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under the 
Extended Credit Facility (ECF) in July  2019, then in 2022.  
1.10.  According to estimates by the IMF and BEAC, economic activity in C ongo is set to increase by 
1.5% in 2022, after contracting by 2.2 % in 2021. The economic growth rate in 2022 was not strong 
enough to bring down the poverty rate. The proportion of the population living below the 
international extreme poverty line has rise n slightly from 52.0 % in 2021 to 52.5 % in 2022.  
1.11.  Overall inflation remained under control at 3 % in 2022. However, food prices rose by 6.2 % 
year-on-year over the same period, exacerbating food insecurity in the country. Although Congo 
remains in a situation of debt distress due to accumulated arrears, high oil prices, improved debt 
management and debt restructuring agreements have helped to restore the viability of public debt, 
which fell from 102 % of GDP at the end of 2021 to 94 % at the end of 2022 . WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  1.12.  After the adoption of the NDP, the Russia -Ukraine conflict  and its failure to be resolved, 
coupled with the effects of the COVID -19 pandemic, has exacerbated the socio -economic pressures 
on households and businesses. The Government of the Republic of the  Congo has urgently drawn 
up a resilience plan for the period 2022 -23 in order to tackle the food crisis. This plan had to respond 
to selective measures and actions capable of mitigating the effects of the crisis in the short term and 
rethinking the produc tion capacity of the Congolese economy in the medium term.  
1.13.  The overall aim of the resilience plan is to strengthen resistance to the impacts of the global 
food crisis. Specifically:  
• maintain a satisfactory level of supply of basic foodstuffs in the country ; 
• stabili ze food prices.  
1.14.  In order to achieve these specific objectives, the resilience plan defines actions and activities 
to be carried out as a matter of urgency and in the short term (12 months). For the medium term, 
the actions identified are part of t he implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP) 
2022-26, aimed at "a strong, diversified and resilient economy, for inclusive growth and irreversible 
sustainable development".  
1.15.  The first specific objective of the resilience plan addresses the issue of food supply and 
demand. There is an immediate and short -term need to guarantee food supplies through targeted 
actions. On the supply side, this resilience plan identifies accompanying measures for agricultural 
producers through multifaceted suppor t to meet demand.  
1.16.  Achieving the second specific objective also depends on the immediate and short -term 
application of the actions to be carried out. Medium -term actions are aimed at reducing Congo's 
dependence on external food supplies, through a policy of  import substitution.  
1.17.  In 2023, GDP is expected to grow by 3.5 %, and at an average rate of 3.6 % over the period 
2024-25. This outlook could be affected by a number of risks, including oil price volatility and oil 
production instability, a stalling of the Ru ssia-Ukraine conflict , weakening global demand, a further 
tightening of regional and international financial conditions, and extreme weather conditions.  
1.18.  Congo's dependence on the hydrocarbons sector remains a major obstacle to the country's 
economic emerge nce. The development of the mining industry, the discovery of new resources, the 
diversification of the economy, and the international context, the promotion of local transformation 
backed by the training of human capital, are determining factors in the ev olution of the structure of 
the Congolese economy.  
2  GENERAL ECONOMIC SITUATION  
2.1.  In a tumultuous international context, the year was marked by the persistence of the 
Russia -Ukraine conflict , which continues to disrupt commodity supply chains, with an impact o n the 
general level of prices in countries that depend mainly on food imports, such as Congo, the 
Government regularly monitors the economic outlook.  
2.2.  By monitoring economic indicators during this period of food crisis, the public authorities can 
assess the  effects of implementing the measures contained in the resilience plan, depending on 
whether or not they are producing the expected results and gradually offsetting the effects of the 
global food crisis on the Congolese economy.  
2.3.  After being affected by the  COVID -19 pandemic in 2020, the global economy is now facing a 
new crisis, that of food products, caused by the disruption of supply chains as a result of the 
Russia -Ukraine conflict . These disruptions have made international trade difficult, with a detrim ental 
effect on the pace of growth in world production, which has fallen in advanced countries as well as 
in emerging and developing countries.  
2.4.  This crisis has led some countries or economic zones, such as the United States and the 
eurozone, to review thei r monetary policy, firstly to limit the effects of the crisis on the functioning 
of their economies, for example through rationing measures, subsidies and a boost to purchasing 
power, and secondly to contain inflation by tightening monetary policy in order  to preserve the WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  purchasing power of vulnerable households. These measures have had a negative impact on the 
value of major currencies.  
2.5.  At national level, the context was marked by:  
• IMF Board approval of the second review of the programme with the IMF unde r the 
Extended Credit Facility;  
• Continued implementation of the 2022 -26 National Development Plan (NDP) and the 
2022-23 Food Crisis Resilience Plan, and execution of the 2023 budget.  
2.6.  Under the Extended Credit Facility, the second review of the Republic of the Congo's economic 
and financial programme, carried out in May  2023, highlighted the following points:  
• an acceleration in post -pandemic economic growth in 2022, estimated at 1.7 %, driven 
mainly by the non -oil sector. Consumption and investment were boost ed by public 
spending and increased activity in agriculture, manufacturing and services;  
• a contraction in oil production due to equipment problems in certain large fields;  
• food inflation remained high, driven by rising import costs.  
2.7.  More generally, inflati on was kept under control at 3 % in 2022. However, food prices rose by 
6.2% year-on-year over the same period, exacerbating food insecurity in the country.  
• a situation of over -indebtedness due to accumulated arrears, high oil prices, improved 
debt managemen t and debt restructuring agreements have helped to restore the viability 
of public debt, which has fallen from 102 % of GDP at the end of 2021 to 94 % at the end 
of 2022.  
• an improvement in the State's current account, but subsidies granted to imports of refi ned 
petroleum products have widened the non -oil budget deficit for 2022;  
2.8.  To reduce the non -oil budget deficit, the Government's priorities include creating fiscal space:  
• stimulating the mobili zation of domestic revenue by rationali zing tax exemptions, 
particularly in the energy sector;  
• rationali zing fuel subsidies, while strengthening mitigation measures to help the most 
vulnerable; and  
• by prioriti zing wider social spending and essential development spending.  
2.9.  Forecasts for 2023 show that GDP should grow by 3.5% in 2023, averaging 3.6 % over the 
period 2024 -25. This outlook could be affected by certain risks, in particular the volatility of oil 
prices.  
2.10.  Despite the volatile socio -economic context, the efforts made by the Government of the 
Republic have made it possible to achieve the encouraging results reported by the indicators below:  
• Life expectancy at birth1, 64 years in 2021;  
• Population: 5,835,806 in 2021;  
• Population growth rate: 2.3 % in 2021;  
• Human capital index2 of 0.42;  
• GDP of CFAF  10,257  billion in 2022 (source: BEAC);  
• GDP per capita, USD  2,677 in 2021;  
• Public investment  
• Road network: 20,925 km compri sing asphalted roads (1,976 km) and a railway network 
(886 km);  
• International airports: two, including Maya -Maya in Brazzaville and A gostino Neto in 
Pointe -Noire;  
 
1 Viewed at: https://donnees.banquemondiale.org/indicateur/SP.DYN.LE00.IN?locations=CG . 
2 Viewed at: https://www.banquemondiale.org/fr/publication/human -capital . WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  2.1  National Strategy for the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area  
2.11.  The Congolese authorities have committed at the highest level to negotiations aimed at 
creating the African Continental Free Trade Area (the A fCFTA) and have enabled the ratification of 
the Agreement creating this area by Decree No. 2019 – 32 of 7  February  2019, making the Republic 
of the Congo the 19th Member of the African Union (AU) to join.  
2.12.  The Republic of the Congo's National Strategy for the implementation of the African 
Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was approved by Decree No. 2020 -862 of 28  December  2020. 
Its main objective is "to significantly increase the volume of trade in goods and services from the 
Republic of the Congo to Africa and the amount of investment in Congo, by strengthening national 
production and competitiveness, thanks to a diversified, inclusive and sustainable economy".  
2.13.  Seven (7) specific objectives flow from this main objective:  
• specific objective 1 : Improve the macro -economic framework and the business climate to 
enable the development of the private sector and investment in order to stimulate growth, 
wealth creation and employment in Congo;  
• specific objective 2: Put in place an appropriate regulato ry and institutional framework to 
implement the various aspects of the AfCFTA: customs, quality, services, competition, 
investment and intellectual property;  
• specific objective 3: Developing a broader range of competitive goods and services to 
enable the c ountry's raw materials and natural resources – wood, agricultural products, 
mines, industry – to be processed to meet the needs of the national, regional and 
continental markets;  
• specific objective 4: Develop commercial infrastructure – transport and logis tics, energy, 
telecommunications and the digital sector – in Congo to attract investment, reduce costs, 
increase production and trade, and make the most of the country's geographical location;  
• specific objective 5: Define public policies for a greener, mor e inclusive economy, based 
on redistribution, education and inclusion, to enable effective adaptation to the challenges 
posed by the AfCFTA and sustainable development;  
• specific objective 6: To have a communication plan and monitoring and evaluation tools 
for the implementation of the national strategy;  
• Specific objective 7: Set up mechanisms to mobili ze internal and external funding.  
2.14.  The cost of Congo's national strategy for the period 2021 -30 is estimated at 
CFAF 2,154.18  billion, equivalent to around EUR  3,295  billion.  
2.2  Business climate  
2.15.  The latest World Bank "Ease of Doing Business" report is for 2020: the Republic of the Congo 
is ranked 180th out of the 190 countries analysed. The Government has set up an Interministerial 
Committee for the Improvement of the Business Climate, which produced an initial Action Plan in 
early 2018, leading to the drafting of several Decrees to facilitate business start -ups, and decrees 
institutionali zing the bodies of the Interministerial Committee (Permanent Secretariat, work ing 
groups, Observatory on the Improvement of the Business Climate).  
2.16.  The Government's new Action Programme, which aims to implement the 2021 -26 Presidential 
Project for Society, includes the creation of a Technical Support Unit in the Prime Minister's Offi ce, 
with the aim of speeding up reforms to the business climate. This Technical Support Unit will have 
to carry out impact assessments on legal texts, improve the business climate and in particular the 
"Doing Business" indices and Congo's ranking, simplify  taxation and the parafiscal framework, 
facilitate business start -ups and reforms aimed at promoting the private sector and trade.  
2.17.  Since then, the Government has passed a series of laws aimed at putting in place the 
institutional framework to improve the b usiness climate. The texts are as follows:  
• Decree No.  2017-42 of 29  March  2017 on the organi zation of the Interministerial 
Committee for the Improvement of the Business Climate;  
• Decree No.  2018-346 of 27  August  2018 establishing the National Committee for 
Consultation between the Private Sector and Public Administrations;  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  • Order no. 15022 of 28  August  2019 establishing the composition and working modalities 
of the observatory on improving the business climate;  
• Order No.  9177 of 9  October  2018 e stablishing the composition and working modalities of 
the permanent secretariat of the Interministerial Committee for the Improvement of the 
Business Climate;  
• Order No.  9178 of 9  October  2018 establishing the composition and working modalities of 
the worki ng groups of the Interministerial Committee for the Improvement of the Business 
Climate.  
2.18.  For the "Cross -border trade" criterion in 2020, the Republic of  the Congo was ranked 183rd 
out of 190 countries. The Technical Support Unit should quickly carry out an  assessment of the 
situation and propose relevant changes to improve the situation and the country's overall ranking.  
2.19.  Strengthening governance and combating corruption are also prerequisites for diversifying 
the economy and achieving the inclusive and sust ainable growth that the Congolese Government 
wants. Congo signed the United Nations Convention against Corruption and the African Union 
Convention against Corruption in 2005, and has enacted a number of important anti -corruption laws, 
including Law No. 5-2009 of 22  September  2009 on corruption, bribery, fraud and related offences. 
A National Commission to Combat Corruption, Misappropriation of Funds and Fraud (CNLCCF) has 
been set up, along with the Anti -Corruption Observatory, to enable civil society to pr ovide advice to 
the CNLCCF and oversee its activities. A National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF) has also 
been set up since 2008.  
2.20.  The country's initiatives also include participation in the Extractive Industries Transparency 
Initiative (EITI), which  published its report on Congo at the end of 2019 (the analysis covered the 
situation in 2017).  
2.21.  In 1997, Congo ratified the Treaty of the Organi zation for the Harmoni zation of Business Law 
in Africa (OHADA), the purpose of which is to clarify the rules gov erning trade, contracts and 
corporate accounting. The process of harmoni zing domestic legislation with certain OHADA uniform 
acts, in particular by referencing certain aspects of their implementation to national law, is still under 
way. 
2.22.  However, despite th ese advances, the business climate in the Republic of  the Congo still 
suffers from a number of obstacles:  
• the high cost of production factors (transport, etc.);  
• a very high level of public debt to the private sector, which is holding back investment;  
• insufficient legal certainty;  
• an underdeveloped private sector and an under -diversified productive fabric;  
• a very weak domestic market (production and purchasing power), limited and informal 
trade between neighbouring CEMAC/ECCAS countries, and weak regional in tegration;  
• inadequate and uncompetitive supplies of electricity and water;  
• difficult access to finance.  
2.3  Foreign trade and investment  
2.23.  Foreign trade in goods with the rest of the world moved in opposite directions in the first 
quarter of 2023, in terms of ex ports and imports in value terms, but showed an increase in volume 
terms.  
2.24.  The value of exports of goods fell from CFAF 1,432.9  billion in the first quarter of 2022 to 
CFAF 1,211.7  billion in the first quarter of 2023, representing a 15.4 % decline, while imports over 
the same period rose from CFAF 334.6  billion to CFAF 737.8  billion, representing an increase of 
120.5 %. Trade balance (1st quarter 2022 -1st quarter 2023)  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  Table 2.1 Balance of trade , 1st quarter 2022 – 1st quarter 2023   
(CFAF  billion)  
 1st quarter 2022  1st quarter 2023  
Exports  1,432.9  1,211.7  
Imports  334.6  737.8  
Balance of trade  1,098.3  473.9  
Source:  Background note by the Directorate -General of the Economy.  
2.25.  For many years, the Republic of the Congo's main customers have been China (around 70 % 
of Congolese exports every year), followed by India and the United States (each accounting for 
around 3 % of exports). Congo imports mainly from France and China (between  15% and 20 % of 
Congolese imports each year), and then mainly from other countries in the European Union and 
Asia. The Congolese economy remains poorly integrated in the African continent and the 
CEMAC/ECCAS countries. Africa accounts for around 3 % of the country's exports (ECCAS): 0.84 %) 
and 12 % of imports (ECCAS: (1.85 %). 
Republic of the Congo foreign trade, main partners, in  %, 2019 and 2020  
Table 2.2 Republic of the Congo, main trading partners, 2019 and 20 20 
(%) 
2019  2020  
Exports  Imports  Exports  Imports  
China  67.0 France  17.5 China  76.6 China  20.6 
India 13.6 China  13.4 United States  3.4 France  16.6 
United States  3.7 Belgium  12.1 India 2.8 Belgium  10.4 
Iceland  2.9 United States  5.5 Peru 2.6 United States  4.6 
Other  12.8 Other  51.5 Other  14.6 Other  47.8 
Total 100 Total 100 Total 100 Total 100 
 
2.26.  Every year, oil accounts for between 85 and 95 % of Congolese exports. The Republic of the 
Congo also exports raw and sawn timber (between 6 % and 8 % of its total annual exports). However, 
Law 33-2020 of 8  July 2020 on the Forestry Code prohibits the export of rough wood  and encourages 
local wood processing.  
2.27.  According to statistics published by the National Statistics Institute for the third qua rter of 
2022, Congo's leading export partner remains the People's Republic of China. Exports from Congo 
to this country represent 38.76 % of total flows. Portugal, India, the Netherlands and the United Arab 
Emirates rank second, third, fourth and fifth resp ectively, with 27.19 %, 16.79 %, 6.50 % and 5.20 % 
of total exports.  
2.28.  In terms of imports, in the third quarter of 2022, the People's Republic of China remained 
Congo's leading supplier, followed by France, Belgium, the United States and Brazil. Congo's imports  
from these countries during this period represented 38.42 %, 10.90 %, 9.21 %, 4.04 % and 2.93 % of 
total imports respectively.  
2.29.  In terms of foreign direct investment (FDI), the Republic of the Congo attracted USD  4 billion 
in FDI in 2020, up 19.3 % on 2019. It s hould be noted that this represented 10 % of all FDI on the 
African continent in 2020, and that these flows are mainly concentrated in offshore oil.  
3  SECTORAL ANALYSIS AND POLICIES  
3.1.  The private sector in Congo is underdeveloped and the technical capacity of t he actors 
(producers and processors) remains limited. The private sector is fragmented, with large companies 
on the one hand, often subsidiaries of multinationals, mainly involved in oil, the exploitation of 
natural resources, public procurement and mass r etailing; and on the other, a range of micro, small 
and medium -sized enterprises (MSMEs) operating in the formal and informal sectors, mainly in the 
tertiary sector (94 %), with more than half of them in commerce. Barely 5 % of Congolese MSMEs 
are involved in processing or manufacturing.  
3.2.  Through the National Development Plan 2022/2026, the Congolese Government has resolved 
to make the private sector the key player in the diversification and transformation of the economy.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  3.3.  It should be noted that the Republic of the Congo is committed to combating climate change, 
preserving its environment and promoting sustainable development of its economy. This is reflected, 
for example, in the obligation to carry out environmental impact stu dies before implementing any 
projects in the hydrocarbons, energy, forestry, intensive agriculture, industry and other sectors. 
Despite the Republic of the Congo's active participation in the Conferences of the Parties (COP  21, 
COP 22, etc.) and integratio n of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the stakes in terms of 
the environment, climate change and social inclusion are very high, but the resources deployed by 
the country remain limited.  
3.4.  With the population growing by 2 to 3 % a year, the destructi on of forests for agricultural 
purposes and to meet household energy needs is the main long -term threat to forests. Projections 
show a slight increase in rainfall. In some regions, there is already a drop in agricultural production 
caused by the disruption  of the agricultural calendar, linked to excessive rainfall which causes plant 
diseases (anthracnose, bacterial blight, etc.), or by drought due to high levels of deforestation. Yields 
are falling and agricultural production per capita is declining, while the population is growing such 
that demand for food is set to double over the next three decades. Forests are experiencing a sharp 
decline in plant biodiversity and especially animal biodiversity as a result of hunting and poaching, 
as well as the destruct ion of natural wildlife habitats. As for the Congolese marine and coastal 
ecosystem, it is subject to coastal erosion and heavy pollution, particularly from the rivers running 
through the towns and from human and industrial activities in Brazzaville and Po inte-Noire.  
3.1  Agriculture, forestry and fisheries  
3.1.1   Agriculture and livestock  
3.5.  Congo has around 10  million hectares of agricultural land, of which barely 2 % is farmed. 
Boosting the agricultural sector could enable the country to meet the food needs of its popul ation, 
reduce its dependence on imports and, as part of the economic diversification programme, create a 
new source of income. This is the major challenge of the President's 2022 -26 "Together, let's 
continue the march" programme, which places agriculture a t the heart of Congo's economic 
diversification.  
3.6.  Despite enormous potential, agriculture's contribution to GDP over the past two decades has 
steadily declined, from 15 % in the early 1970s. This sector contributes 9.5 % of GDP and employs 
34% of the working population (World Bank, 2021). Agricultural exports have become virtually 
non-existent. At present, less than 30 % of the country's food needs are covered by local production, 
despite the fact that the country has a great deal of fertile land. Only a small proportion of this land 
is cultivated (less than 10 %), and is mainly used for subsistence farming. As the sector is unable to 
satisfy domestic demand, Congo is heavily dependent on food imports, particularly meat, poultry 
and fish, despite its enormous pot ential, especially from inland fishing. These imports account for 
around 80 % of national food consumption. The main crops are cassava, bananas, groundnuts and 
palm oil.  
3.7.  The agricultural sector is one to which the Government has devoted a great deal of effo rt in 
recent years, with the aim of increasing agricultural production in order to combat food insecurity 
and thereby reduce dependence on external food supplies. These efforts have taken the form of land 
reform, agricultural credit, the construction of in frastructure and the rehabilitation of rural tracks, 
new agricultural villages, the renewal of plant and animal equipment, agricultural mechani zation, 
training, research and extension, and the implementation of the "agricultural incubator" project and 
protected agricultural zones (ZAP) by the Ministry of Agriculture.  
3.8.  Apart from sugar cane production, export crops and traditional cash crops (coffee, cocoa, palm 
oil and rice) have collapsed in recent decades. Cassava is the most widely grown food crop in all 
regions of the country, and by far the most important in terms of production, at around 
1.5 million  tonnes, ahead of bananas, Congo's second most important staple, and yams.  
3.9.  However, over the last 40 years, national demand for food products has risen stead ily, driven 
by demographic growth, particularly in urban areas. Congo imports nearly CFAF 300  billion worth of 
agricultural and food products every year (2018/2020 figures, i.e., 25 to 30 % of the country's total 
imports).  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  3.10.  Yet the country has immense potent ial for development in the production, processing and 
marketing of food crops, fruit, vegetables, cereals, pulses, fodder, cash crops and livestock.  
3.11.  In December  2019, Parliament passed two laws tabled by the Government on the creation of 
the National Agenc y for the Development of Agriculture and Livestock, with the aim of reviving 
agriculture and fisheries in the national economic system, and with a view to reducing imports of 
agricultural products. The Government has also recently taken new initiatives: in  March  2020, 
782 business plans were validated in various agricultural sectors: cassava, pig farming, market 
gardening, bananas, sheep and goat farming, fish farming, poultry farming, maize, cocoa, fishing 
and processing.  
3.12.  These projects include:  
• the agricu ltural technology demonstration centre in Kombé, on the outskirts of Brazzaville, 
for which Chinese expertise was sought;  
• 17 South African farming families from the Congo -Agriculture company have been granted 
1,200 hectares in the Niari and Bouenza departm ents to farm for a renewable 25 -year 
period;  
• the Oyo cattle farm is currently being used to test dairy and beef breeds imported from 
Brazil, while other share -cropping -type projects are being initiated.  
3.13.  The aim of the country's agricultural policy is to increase national production by combining 
family farming and agri -industry, in order to better cover the food and nutritional needs of the 
population and reduce imports. If properly implemented, it should be able to improve local 
production, the competitiveness of sectors, producers' incomes and employment.  
3.1.2   Forestry and the timber industry  
3.14.  Congo is largely covered by tropical forests, which account for 60 % of its national territory: 
15 million hectares of f orest can be exploited, representing a volume of 600  million m3, with a wide 
variety of species that are among the most prized in the world, and significant non -wood products. 
The country benefits from high rainfall which is relatively stable (national ann ual average): 1,650 
mm) and vast arable land covering around a third of its territory. Its forests represent the third 
largest area of forest on the African continent and constitute a major carbon stock. The exploitable 
potential of marketable and promotio nal standing species is estimated at 170  million cubic metres, 
with the possibility of extracting 2  million m3 per year.  
3.15.  The forestry sector is a major national source of revenue, contributing 4 % of GDP (forestry 
and processing) in 2019. A new forestry cod e was adopted in April  2020, formali zing the transition 
from the concession system to the production -sharing system. Efforts have been made to promote 
the sustainable management of the country's forest resources, and Congo is one of the most 
advanced count ries in Central Africa in terms of certification. The country introduced a forestry policy 
(2014/2025) aimed at managing forests sustainably, contributing to the emergence of a green 
economy and combating climate change. In January  2017, a new National Env ironmental Action Plan 
(PNAE) was adopted to incorporate the new environmental concerns arising from the Paris 
Agreement, the recommendations of COP22 in Marrakesh and the Sustainable Development Goals 
(SDGs).  
3.16.  Overall, forestry operations focus on a small number of species (around a dozen, including 
okoume and sapelli, the most widely exploited species, moabi, padouk, sipo, akuminata and wenge) 
which are recogni zed for their value on the international market. The country does not earn enough 
income from its  forests due to a low processing rate and limited control of the value chain. The 
sector is estimated to account for almost 4,000 jobs in forestry and 3,000 jobs in the processing 
industry, and is the country's second largest employer after the Government.  However, the low level 
of professionali zation of wood trades is a major constraint to the development of the sector.  
3.17.  Exports from the timber sector represented around CFAF 104  billion in 2020, 60 % of which 
were rough wood . WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  Table 3.1 Summary of AVEs validated by product type in volume, value and export 
duties, 2021  
Products  Validated 
volume (m3) Volume 
validated 
(%) Validated value 
(CFAF)  Validated 
value 
(%) Export duties 
(CFAF)  Export 
duties 
(%) 
Rough wood  621,872.21  66.80  69,089,105,235  50.15  6,553,839,764  77.08  
Green lumber  179,252.95  19.25  38,937,264,342  28.26  1,557,490,574  18.32  
Dry-sawn timber  101,913.63  10.95  23,016,721,366  16.71  345,250,821  4.06 
Rotary -cut veneers  18,042.81  1.94 3,925,113,040  2.85 39,251,130  0.46 
Panels, Glued 
laminates  5,841.29  0.63 1,384,961,189  1.01 6,924,805  0.08 
Flooring, Mouldings. 
Furniture components  4,026.75  0.43 1,418,499,154  1.03 0 0.00 
Eucalyptus logs  54.2 0.01 1,637,274  0.00 8,186  0.00 
Total Congo products  931,003.88  100.00  137,773,301,600  100 8,502,765,280  100.00  
Product in transit  
Rough wood  14,406.79   1,662,425,213   0  
Total product in 
transit  14,406.79   1,662,425,213   0  
Total for all products  945,410.67   139,435,726,813   8,502,765,280   
Table 3.2 Summary of AVEs  validated by type of product in terms of volume, value and 
export duties in the branches, 2022  
Products  Validated 
volume (m3) Volume 
validated 
(%) Validated value 
(CFAF)  Validated 
value 
(%) Export duties 
(CFAF)  Export 
duties 
(%) 
Rough wood  659,820.918  67.92  70,257,792,964  50.65  6,633,698,316  77.96  
Green lumber  168,140.509  17.31  36,124,714,555  26.04  1,444,988,582  16.98  
Dry-sawn timber  110,300.439  11.35  24,665,401,624  17.78  369,981,024  4.35 
Rotary -cut veneers  24,381.629  2.51 5,312,761,625  3.83 53,127,616  0.62 
Panels, glued 
laminates  6,089.321  0.63 1,442,853,942  1.04 7,214,270  0.08 
Flooring, mouldings. 
furniture c omponents  2,615.663  0.27 902,191,878  0.65 0 0.00 
Eucalyptus logs  86.525  0.01 2,613,747  0.00 13,069  0 
Total Congo products  971,435.004  100.00  138,708,330,335  100.00  8,509,022,877  100.00  
Products in transit   
Products        
Rough wood  13,975.689   1,646,769,957   0  
Total product in 
transit  13,975.689   1,646,769,957   0  
Total for all products  985,410.693   140,355,100,288   8,509,022,877   
Source:  SCPFE.  
Table 3.3 Summary of Congo's forest product exports in volume, value and export duties  
Headings  Volumes (m3) Value (CFAF)  Export duties (CFAF)  
Rough wood  624,056.910  71,314,395,874  6,813,290,197  
Green lumber  161,099.110  33,981,849,951  1,359,273,998  
Dry-sawn timber  82,352.450  18,751,054,795  261,265,822  
Rotary -cut veneers  17,461.220  3,834,087,640  38,340,876  
Glued panels and laminates  5,539.500  1,333,583,777  6,667,919  
Flooring and mouldings  2,758,770  946,136,131  0 
Eucalyptus  351.320  10,612,675  53,063  
Total 893,619.270  130,171,720,843  8,498,891,875  
Source:  SCPFE.  
3.1.3   Fishing  
3.18.  The Republic of the Congo has 170 km of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean, with an exclusive 
economic zone of over 60,000  km2 and a continental shelf of 11,300  km2. Together with the Cuvette 
and Kouilou -Niari basins and other bodies of water, the hydrographic area forms an aquatic complex 
with high fishing potential, covering a total surface area of 250,000 km². Many rivers flow through 
the country, in particular Co ngo, the Kouilou -Niari and the Oubangui Rivers. The potential catch 
would be around 180,000 tonnes per year, of which 100,000 tonnes from inland fishing and 
80,000  tonnes from sea fishing.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  3.19.  The fisheries and fish farming sector accounted for just 0.8 % of GD P in 2020. Infrastructure 
and equipment are limited, production systems are rudimentary, and structures for storing, 
preserving, processing and marketing fishery products are also insufficient, which hamper the 
development of the sector.  
3.2  Extractive industr ies 
3.2.1   Oil and gas  
3.20.  Congo is CEMAC's  leading crude oil producer. Congo's proven oil reserves are estimated at 
1.6 billion barrels, the fourth largest proven oil reserve in sub -Saharan Africa. The establishment of 
the African Petroleum Producers Association (APPO) in Brazzaville demonstrates the importance of 
this sector for Congo.  
3.21.  The structure of the Congolese economy has remained largely unchanged over the last 
fifteen  years. It is mainly based on the hydrocarbons sector, which accounts for around 42 % of GDP, 
80% of exports and 60 % of domes tic revenue . 
3.22.  Oil accounted for 42 % of GDP in 2021, and the extractive industries as a whole contributed 
46.4% of GDP, a proportion that has fallen in recent years in favour of the development of the 
services sector in particular. However, oil still account s for around 60 -70% of government revenue.  
3.23.  The oil sector offers few significant employment and inclusion opportunities, as it is a 
capital -intensive sector.  
3.24.  The Republic of the Congo's natural gas potential offers new opportunities for the country. At 
the end of April  2023, the President of the Republic of the Congo laid the foundation stone for Congo 
LNG, the new liquefied natural gas plant in Pointe -Noire. At an estimated cost of USD  600 million, 
the project is designed to meet the country's liquefied ga s requirements. The overall project involves 
the installation of two floating liquefied natural gas plants in the Nenè and Litchendjili fields, which 
are already in production, and in fields yet to be developed. This is the first natural gas liquefaction 
project in Congo. It is expected to reach an overall LNG production capacity of 3  million tonnes per 
year from 2025, much of which will be used by local industries and households, but also for export, 
mainly to Europe.  
3.25.  Italy's ENI has invested EUR  5 billion  in Congo LNG. The oil group will operate the site based 
on a zero -emissions policy.  
3.26.  Congo is a member of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), a voluntary 
initiative that aims to strengthen good governance of public revenues from oil, gas and mining in 
resource -rich countries. To this end, Decree No. 2019 -383 of 27  December  2019 on the creation, 
powers, organi zation and operation of the national committee for the implementation of the 
Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative was pu blished.  
3.2.2   Mining  
3.27.  Congo has considerable mineral resources, including an iron ore deposit that ranks among the 
largest in West and Central Africa. Congo's subsoil also contains limestone, potash, zinc, lead, 
copper, manganese, diamonds and gold. The developm ent of the mining sector has been identified 
for some 15 years as one of the priority areas for diversification of the Congolese economy. In 2020, 
three mining companies were in production in the copper (Soremi), lead and zinc (Lulu) and iron 
(Sapro) secto rs. 
3.28.  Regarding diversification of the economy, the mining sector faces challenges because it follows 
the same pattern as oil – heavy investment, imported equipment and know -how. This is an 
outward -looking sector, and remains subject to the uncertainty of fl uctuations in world prices. 
However, the mining sector could enable better territorial development, thanks to new access routes 
and economic development in areas other than the urban centres of Pointe -Noire and Brazzaville, 
and could have an impact on loca l development.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
- 93 - 
  3.29.  Local content objectives are included in most mining and oil agreements, as well as in specific 
legislation ( Law No. 3-2000 of 1 February  2000 on the conditions for subcontracting).  
3.30.  Raw materials need to be processed at national level if the  mining sector is to make a greater 
contribution to economic diversification, GDP and job creation. However, there are still major 
constraints, notably very limited access to energy, which makes it impossible to set up processing 
activities, and insufficie nt technical skills. The Autonomous Port of Pointe -Noire is also in the process 
of extending its facilities and creating a new quay, which should enable the transhipment or direct 
loading of at least 2  million tonnes of ore a year, and the construction of the future ore port is eagerly 
awaited.  
3.3  Industries  
3.31.  Non-extractive industries accounted for 8.27 % of GDP in 2019. Industrial companies are 
mainly active in the agri -food, wood processing, building materials, construction and public works 
sectors, and are ma inly present in Pointe -Noire and Brazzaville. They often remain uncompetitive 
because of very costly production factors or factors that are unavailable in sufficient quantity and 
quality. As a result, our industries have been hard hit by the crisis linked to COVID -19 and the 
Russia -Ukraine conflict . The sector contracted overall (down 8.2 %). 
3.32.  In 2017, Congo developed a National Industriali zation Strategy based on the processing or 
development of natural resources and local raw products. The priorities are as  follows:  
• promote the development of agricultural and fisheries products;  
• revitali ze the construction industry, a promising sector for transforming the economy;  
• strengthen wood -based industries and, in particular, further wood processing.  
3.33.  The development o f industry should be based primarily on the four existing special economic 
zones (Pointe -Noire, Brazzaville, Ollombo -Oyo and Ouesso). Outside the special economic zones, 
the State will ensure that in each district, depending on the potential or natural res ources available, 
at least one industry is set up to process the raw materials produced or the natural resources 
extracted in the district.  
3.4  Services  
3.34.  Services accounted for 45.9 % of the Republic of the Congo's GDP in 2019 and occupy more 
than half of the la bour force, as this sector is the leading provider of jobs in the country. Services 
make a very important contribution to the fight against poverty by providing work for categories of 
the population that are often poorly trained (particularly in the constr uction, transport and retail 
sectors, among others).  
3.4.1   Financial services  
3.35.  Congo's banking system comprises 11 commercial banks. It has been affected since 
2016/2017 by a fall in public investment, which has had repercussions for private companies 
dependent o n government procurement. As a result, the level of non -performing loans has risen 
sharply, but the banks remain profitable, even though they are also exposed to sovereign risk (the 
proportion of loans granted to the State and public companies remains high ). 
3.36.  Overall, lending to the private sector remains limited (around 20 % of GDP), costly (high 
interest rates, large collateral requirements) and concentrated on the short term: the situation is 
set to deteriorate further in the coming months owing to the consequences of COVID -19. This is why 
the Promotion, Guarantee and Suppo rt Fund (FIGA) for SMEs, brought into being by Law 
No. 23-2019 of 5  July 2019, is all the more relevant. This Fund offers a pathway to formalization, 
incubation and credit support through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency and 
the Congoles e Agency for Business Creation.  
3.37.  New technologies applied to financial payments (mobile banking, payment platforms and 
electronic payments) have also developed significantly: MTN and Airtel are currently the main mobile 
operators in Congo.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  3.38.  The insurance sec tor is growing, with an increasing number of companies operating as 
insurers and insurance brokers.  
3.4.2   Transport  
3.39.  Major developments have taken place in the transport sector in recent years and are set to 
continue: private -sector participation is increasingly encouraged following the introduction of an 
incentive -based institutional framework. In his 2021 –2026 Society Project, the President of the 
Republic intends, over the next five years, to develop new infrastructure vital to the country's 
development.  
3.40.  In ter ms of transport, this will involve, among other measures:  
• modernizing the Congo -Ocean railway (CFCO) by bringing it up to standard, with a view 
to promoting subregional interconnection;  
• making all the waterways serving the north of the country usable for a t least 9 months 
out of 12;  
• building a port adjacent to each special economic zone;  
• equipping hinterland airports with all navigation instruments to the standards of the 
Agency for Air Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar;  
• renovating existing railway  stations and building a bus terminal in each district capital;  
• contributing to the construction of Corridor 13 linking Ouesso (Congo) to N'Djamena 
(Chad);  
• building the road -rail bridge between Brazzaville and Kinshasa;  
• developing and equipping areas for the establishment of economic activities in each district 
capital and at the borders of regional integration communication routes.  
3.4.2.1   Maritime  
3.41.  The development of transport infrastructure is a key factor in Congo's development. The 
country is firmly positi oned as the gateway to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola and 
Cameroon, which should help it to attract investment and make greater use of its geographical 
location and the Pointe -Noire Autonomous Port (PAPN) as a bridgehead to neighbouring count ries. 
3.42.  The PAPN is at the crossroads of the major shipping routes of Europe, Asia and America, and 
is located in the Gulf of Guinea, halfway between Cape Town in South Africa and Dakar in Senegal. 
Pointe -Noire is the main deep -water port in the subregion, o ffering particularly attractive sailing and 
mooring facilities.  
3.43.  The PAPN  has transport infrastructure that meets international standards. Thanks to its 
operational performance, the PAPN was named the best port in West and Central Africa in 2018 and 
2019. I n 2000, the port gained autonomy as a public industrial and commercial establishment. The 
PAPN continues to be expanded and modernized, with an increase in the length of quays, the 
construction of a fishing port, accompanying measures (port/customs procedu res) and 
environmental management. A mineral ore port is also planned, along with a power station, storage 
areas, a potash processing plant, a foundry, a refinery (the country's second), a shopping centre, 
etc. 
3.44.  In February  2020, three new quays were inaugu rated, with a total length of 
1,840  linear  metres: the multi -purpose quay, and quays D and G. Part of the PAPN modernization 
plan, these new facilities, including the multi -purpose quay for conventional 80,000 -tonne vessels, 
were financed from the PAPN's o wn funds.  
3.45.  Strengthening the competitiveness of the PAPN is an important element of the business 
climate and should therefore contribute directly and indirectly to job creation by attracting investors 
and improving the competitiveness of businesses. The ope ning up of customs and trade borders with 
the advent of the AfCFTA should enable the PAPN to review its economic model in order to be more 
competitive and attractive for the import and export of goods at lower cost.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  3.4.2.2   Inland waterways  
3.46.  Congo has a very large navigable river network, 7,276 km long but scarcely used overall, 
including 5,200 km in the international network and 2,076 km in the domestic network. In addition 
to the Ubangi, some 30 navigable rivers such as the Niari, the Bouenza, the Sangha, the Liko uala, 
the Léfini and the Kouilou irrigate the entire country. The Congo River is the second largest river in 
the world after the Amazon. It is the largest navigable waterway in the whole of Africa, which gives 
the Republic of the Congo an important geostra tegic position, particularly for the movement of 
people and goods, and for regional integration.  
3.47.  The river network links the Autonomous Port at Brazzaville to the northern hinterland. It 
serves the Central African Republic, southern Cameroon, northern Demo cratic Republic of the Congo, 
Gabon and the Great Lakes Countries such as Burundi, Rwanda and Tanzania. Congolese river ports 
have a natural vocation to serve the immense hinterland of the Congo River. The Republic of the 
Congo's ambition is to become a ge nuine multimodal hub capable of serving the towns in the north 
of the country, its capital  and that of the Democratic Republic  of the Congo , as well as  neighbouring 
countries. The Republic of the Congo's main river port is Brazzaville, which accounts for 9 5% of the 
country's river traffic.  
3.48.  River ports are managed by a public body, the Autonomous Port at Brazzaville and Secondary 
Ports, which has outsourced part of its handling and storage operations to a private operator: 
Terminaux du Bassin du Congo (Congo  Basin Terminals). The new port of Oyo, inaugurated in 2017, 
should also have autonomous port status.  
3.4.2.3   Road  
3.49.  Roads serve the northern areas of the Republic of the Congo, Bas Congo (south -west 
Democratic Republic  of the Congo ), Angola (the Cabinda exclave) an d southern Gabon. Congo has 
six national highways, the main ones being the RN1 between Brazzaville and Pointe -Noire (574 km) 
and the RN2 between Brazzaville and Ouesso (870 km). Road infrastructure is being improved, not 
only to link the country's main cit ies and hubs but also to improve links between Pointe -Noire and 
Brazzaville and neighbouring countries.  
3.50.  The RN2 between Brazzaville and Ouesso  has been rehabilitated and is waiting to be extended 
by Corridor 13 linking Ouesso to N'Djamena via Bangui.  
3.51.  The interconnection between Congo and Cameroon has been completed, and the road has 
been finished on the Congolese side. A road to Gabon is planned . In March  2020, the African 
Development Bank decided to grant CFAF  92 billion for the construction of a bridge between Congo 
and Gabon. This project is expected to have an impact on the daily lives of at least 100,000  people 
by improving the efficiency of  the transport logistics chain and helping to enhance people's access 
to basic socioeconomic infrastructure.  
3.52.  The road -rail bridge between Brazzaville and Kinshasa is not only an ECCAS regional priority 
but also one of the priorities of the Programme for In frastructure Development in Africa. This project 
should help to ensure connectivity between Yaoundé -Libreville -Brazzaville -Kinshasa and to develop 
the Maloukou -Ignié Special Economic Zone 45 km north of Brazzaville.  
3.53.  There is heavy traffic between Pointe -Noire and Cabinda in terms of both goods and 
passengers, and the road is in good condition.  
3.4.2.4   Rail 
3.54.  The Congolese rail network is operated by the CFCO. It is a main route to the hinterland. The 
railway infrastructure, which was already in a very poor state of r epair before 1997, despite ongoing 
rehabilitation efforts, has many sections with damaged platforms and ballast in poor condition. The 
CFCO has been experiencing operational and management difficulties for many years due to 
dilapidated rolling stock and tr acks, and to the irregularity and lack of trains. The Government plans 
to acquire new rolling stock and to undertake programmes to repair and maintain the railway tracks 
on the Brazzaville/Pointe -Noire and Brinda -Mont Belo lines, which will also be extende d. WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  3.4.2.5   Air 
3.55.  The airline network comprises three international airports (Brazzaville, Pointe -Noire and 
Ollombo) and eight secondary airfields (Kay, Sibiti, Mossendjo, Makoua, Dolisie Impfondo, Djambala 
and Ouesso). The international airports of Brazzaville and P ointe-Noire have been modernized 
through major investments, in particular the construction of a new terminal and a second runway at 
Brazzaville airport, and they have been put out on concession in order to optimize their management. 
Each of these airports has a capacity of 2  million passengers per year.  
3.4.3   Energy  
3.56.  The Republic of the Congo has a national electricity generation network consisting of dams 
and thermal power plants, with a current production capacity (March  2020) of around 895 MW. In 
his 2021 –2026 Society Project, the President of the Republic intends to develop the energy sector 
over the next five years.  
3.57.  To this end, he hopes to:  
• increase installed power generation capacity from the current 895 megawatts (MW) to 
more than 2,000 MW in 2025 by buildi ng the Chollet and Souda dams;  
• build at least 1,000 additional kilometres of power lines to provide electricity throughout 
the country and ensure a regular supply.  
3.58.  The Electricity Code liberalizes the energy production sector. The other sectors – transport  
and distribution – are also open to competition, but there is still a de facto monopoly in these 
segments. Henceforth, the Government's wish is to entrust the management of the electricity sector 
to private operators. A call for tenders launched in April  2020 has already resulted in the selection 
of a private operator (Aksaï Energy Company Congo, under a 30 -year concession agreement) to 
relaunch the Djéno power station and increase its capacity to 100 MW. Another concession contract 
was signed on 4  Februar y 2021 between the Republic of the Congo and 3PRS Congo Pointe -Noire: 
this contract was approved in July  2021.  
3.4.4   Telecommunications and new technologies  
3.59.  Facilitated by the installation of fibre optics in Congo, digital technology has become an 
important aspe ct of the country's development strategy. Congo is counting on partnerships between 
institutions, local project developers, foreign companies and national and international investors to 
boost the country's digital sector.  
3.60.  Congo Télécom is the public teleph ony operator. In 1997, the telecommunications sector was 
liberalized, with the dissolution of the National Posts and Telecommunications Office and the 
creation, in 2009, of the Postal and Electronic Communications Regulatory Agency (ARPCE). That 
same year,  the regulations governing the electronic communications sector were defined, providing 
a framework for the digital sector. The universal service has existed since 2009, and the Fund was 
recently activated. Congo Télécom manages the infrastructure and has a monopoly on fibre optics.  
3.61.  As part of the West Africa Cable System, Congo has been connected to the submarine 
communications cable linking South Africa with the United Kingdom along the west coast of Africa. 
It has also devised and adopted a cyber strateg y aimed at transforming the country into a regional 
ICT hub.  
3.62.  The liberalization of the telecommunications market in Congo by Law No.  14-97 of 
26 May 1997 has led to the arrival of new players in the mobile telephony sector, which currently 
has two operator s. The penetration rate was 108.9 % for the mobile market in the first quarter of 
2021 and 57 % for mobile Internet in April  2021: the network is essentially 3G and 4G.  
3.63.  The two mobile phone operators, MTN and Airtel, have developed various services. In 
particular, they have enabled the development of Mobile Money, which is widely used.  
3.64.  In April  2019, the Government of the Republic of the Congo adopted its national strategy for 
the development of the digital economy, Congo Digital 2025, which aims to:  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  • promote fair access to digital services for all citizens;  
• develop new skills and innovative activities that create added value;  
• modernize the customs and practices of public services and develop digital content;  
• establish the principles of good digital governance;  
• guarantee the security and privacy of users in cyberspace;  
• commit Congo to digital innovation to make it a reference in that regard in Central  Africa.  
3.65.  The development of the digital economy in the Republic of the Congo is based on 
three  strategic pillars:  
• e-citizen: digital services and content for the general public;  
• e-government: digital services and content for government agencies;  
• e-business: services and content for businesses.  
3.66.  The Digital Development Fund was launched by the Government in 202 0 with the aims of 
developing the private sector and entrepreneurship, and creating new employment opportunities. In 
March  2020, the Committee of the Universal Electronic Communications Access and Service Fund 
adopted an action plan with a budget of around  CFAF 3 billion, which should enable Congo to break 
down inequalities in the use of and access to information and communications technology (ICT) in 
certain localities that remain disadvantaged.  
3.67.  The objective of the President of the Republic's 2021 -26 Soci ety Project is to extend the fibre 
optic network to all the country's district capitals within five years. The digital economy is seen as a 
vector for growth and jobs, and as a relevant means of diversifying the Congolese economy.  
3.4.5   Tourism  
3.68.  In 2019, tourism' s contribution to GDP was estimated at 6.0 %. However, commerce, 
restaurants and hotels suffered an 18.2 % decline in 2020 as a result of COVID -19. Tourism is seen 
as one of the pillars of economic diversification in the 2022 –2026 National Development Plan. The 
National Sustainable Tourism Development Strategy and Master Plan were drawn up and validated 
back in 2016. They are based on the following pillars: (i) the development of tourism and leisure 
infrastructure; (ii) the promotion of cultural activities; a nd (iii) the modernization of the legal 
framework for the tourism sector.  
3.69.  As far as tourism is concerned, the Congolese Government is targeting a contribution of 10 % 
of GDP from the high -end ecotourism, business tourism and African tourism segments. The to urism 
sector has potential in terms of inclusive growth, jobs, added value and the importation of foreign 
currency. The offering should focus on protected areas and natural sites, cultural tourism and the 
coast.  
4  TRADE POLICY  
4.1  Main trade agreements signed by  the Republic of the Congo  
4.1.  Congo has been a member of GATT since 3  May 1963 and of the World Trade Organization 
since 27  March  1997.  
4.2.  It is a founding member of CEMAC, created in 1994 to replace the Central African Customs and 
Economic Union (CACEU), which was launched in 1964. As such, it has adopted and is implementing 
aspects of the common trade policy, in particular:  
• the Common External Tariff (CET) applicable to goods from third countries;  
• the CEMAC acts concerning the generalized preferential tariff (G PT) at the zero rate since 
1 January  1998 allowing the free circulation of goods originating in the CEMAC zone;  
• the rules of origin;  
• the CEMAC Customs Code;  
• Community customs regulations;  
• the Community transit regime for internal taxes;  
• competition regulat ions; 
• the Community Investment Charter.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  4.3.  Congo has also been a member of ECCAS since 1983. As far as Congo's trade policy is 
concerned, membership of this Community has translated into:  
• the elimination of customs duties and taxes with equivalent effect betw een Member 
States;  
• the abolition of quantitative restrictions and other barriers to trade.  
4.4.  The 9th extraordinary session of the ECCAS Conference of Heads of State and Government, 
held on 18  December  2019 in Libreville, Gabon, resulted in the adoption of ne w institutional reforms, 
with a view to establishing a new system of governance for the institution to make it a strong regional 
economic community with a fresh executive architecture. Work is under way to harmonize the 
integration policies, programmes and  instruments of CEMAC and ECCAS, with a merger scheduled 
for 2023.  
4.5.  The Republic of the Congo ratified the AfCFTA on 27  December  2018 and deposited its 
instruments of ratification with the African Union Commission on 10  February  2019, thereby 
becoming a Sta te party to the Agreement. A national commission to monitor and evaluate the 
implementation of this Agreement was set up to define the content of the various stages and enabled 
work to be carried out on drawing up the National AfCFTA Implementation Strateg y, adopted by 
Decree No.  2020-862 of 28  December  2020.  
4.6.  Bilateral agreements include the following:  
• Negotiations between the EU and CEMAC+ came to an overall halt in September  2011 in 
Bangui (CAR) as a result of fundamental differences over market access and development 
issues. These concern, in particular, the liberalization rate and the length of the transition 
period for trade in goods. Since 1  January  2008, Congo has benefited from the Generalized 
System of Preferences (GSP) in its relations wit h the European Union.  
• Congo has been eligible for AGOA in its relations with the United States since 2004 and 
will continue to be until 2025 (renewable). Oil, timber and minerals benefit from 
preferential treatment under AGOA and are the main products impo rted by the 
United  States from Congo.  
4.2  Trade policy formulation in the Republic of the Congo  
4.7.  Established by Decree No.  2003-48 of 20  March  2003, the National Multilateral Trade 
Negotiations Monitoring and Coordination Committee is a technical advisory body whose purpose is 
to prepare and coordinate Congo's participation in all multilateral trade negotiations.  
4.8.  Its remit is as follows:  
(i) determine Congo's objectives and priorities in trade negotiations;  
(ii) define and harmonize Congo's position with those of other countries in the subregion;  
(iii) publicize and facilitate the administration of trade agreements resulting from multilateral 
trade negotiations;  
(iv) study the impact of these agreements on the national economy.  
4.9.  Chaired by the Minister resp onsible for trade, the Committee has an Executive Secretariat 
under the responsibility of the Director -General of Foreign Trade. The members of this Committee 
are drawn from the technical administrative bodies concerned (trade, finance, economy, budget, 
Presidency of the Republic, etc.), employers' and inter -professional unions, consumer associations, 
the Professional Association of Banks and representatives of consular chambers.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  4.3  Tariff and customs issues, including rules of origin  
4.10.  Congo's average WTO -bound  tariff rate is 27.4 %: 
• 30% for agricultural products;  
• 15.2% for non -agricultural products.  
4.11.  Congo applies the CEMAC CET and GPT. It should be noted that customs revenue accounted 
for around 5 to 6 % of the State budget in 2020.  
4.12.  A number of instruments in the  ECCAS -CEMAC free trade area have already been harmonized, 
and the Republic of the Congo is already implementing the joint provisions:  
• the harmonized ECCAS/CEMAC certificate of origin comprising, on a single form, details of 
the request for inspection, the  results of the inspection and details of the 
supplier/producer/exporter declaration;  
• the ECCAS and CEMAC preferential tariff approval application;  
• the product origin verification form; and  
• the standard ECCAS -CEMAC preferential tariff approval scheme, whic h now includes a joint 
ECCAS -CEMAC Regional Approval Committee responsible for examining product approval 
applications for the TP/ECCAS -CEMAC.  
4.13.  A revision is under way of the CEMAC/ECCAS rules of origin as a result of the AfCFTA and 
should require a revisio n of regulatory texts at the national and regional levels and a revision of 
approval procedures. Products eligible for the Community preferential tariff (CEMAC/ECCAS) depend 
on an application for approval. National committees submit requests. The Committee  for the 
Approval of Industrial Products (or "Origin Committee") has recently become operational in Congo: 
four companies have just been approved.  
4.4  Trade facilitation  
4.14.  Congo ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA ) on 5  October  2017. The country has 
also notified 13 Category C measures to the World Trade Organization under the TFA. A  first meeting 
of the Committee on Trade Facilitation was held in March  2020.  
4.15.  Progress has been made: the dematerialization of certain  customs procedures, the use of 
ASYCUDA World and the creation of four single customs clearance windows and a single window for 
cross-border operations have improved the transparency of procedures and the management of 
borders and checkpoints. The single w indow for cross -border operations is a public establishment of 
an economic and commercial nature under the authority of the Ministry of Transport. It was created 
by Law No.  16-2003 of 19  July 2003 and is responsible for, among other matters:  
• providing comp uter and communication services to allow the information that paperless 
foreign trade procedures and forms entail to be exchanged;  
• ensuring the interoperability of the IT systems of foreign trade operators.  
4.16.  However, more needs to be done: the customs clear ance process is still cumbersome for 
SMEs, documentation requirements are overcomplicated and irregularities and corruption are 
frequent, as is abuse of women cross -border traders. Moreover, there is no interface between 
ASYCUDA World and other foreign tra de software, and the institutional approach to a functional 
single window is not optimal and lacks coordination between public and private actors and 
operational participatory processes. These barriers result in high costs for importers and exporters, 
and in a loss of competitiveness.  
4.17.  The Congolese Committee on Trade Facilitation does not formally exist (it is currently a 
subcommittee of the National Multilateral Trade Negotiations Monitoring and Coordination 
Committee). A draft order is being prepared to f ormalize the Congolese Committee on Trade 
Facilitation. A corridor regulation and development authority should also be created.  
4.18.  Trade facilitation is an important issue for economic actors, and major reforms are expected 
that will have beneficial consequen ces for operators and the business climate in Congo.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  4.5  Non-tariff barriers and sanitary and phytosanitary measures  
4.5.1   Non-tariff barriers  
4.19.  Non-tariff barriers have a significant impact on the development of Congolese trade, 
particularly those linked to trade log istics, transport infrastructure, administrative red tape, lack of 
transparency and governance.  
4.20.  Congo does not yet have a mechanism for reporting, monitoring and eliminating non -tariff 
barriers. However, the AfCFTA has created such a mechanism online (www. tradebarriers.africa). 
Thus, members of the public may file complaints on the website or by SMS (Short Message 
Service/text) at any time after they have encountered a specific trade barrier. A national focal point 
has recently been appointed and will be ab le to lodge complaints on behalf of complainants.  
4.5.2   Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures  
4.21.  The development of value chains in Congo requires the promotion of reliable quality 
infrastructure. This concerns all the pillars of a quality system: quality manag ement, standardization, 
metrology, conformity assessment, certification and accreditation. In Congo, quality infrastructure 
remains very limited. Various approaches to SPS and quality are being developed at the CEMAC 
regional level: CEMAC -NORM, CEMAC Métro logie etc. have recently been created. Action plans and 
technical committees have yet to be put in place, and a number of regulations need to be 
harmonized.  
4.22.  In 2020, the Republic of the Congo was elected to lead the Executive Secretariat of the Central 
African Quality Council (which brings together the CEMAC countries, the Democratic Republic of the 
Congo and Sao Tome and Principe) for a period of three years.  
4.23.  At the regional level, as at the national level, significant progress has been made in recent 
years, including very recently:  
• Article 19 of the Investment Charter of Congo provides for the establishment of a national 
standardization, metrology, certification and quality management system in line with the 
international system. Today, this represents a k ey issue in the effective implementation 
of an industrialization strategy in Congo;  
• Two important laws were adopted and enacted in 2015: Law No.  20-2015 of 
29 October  2015 regulating the national standardization and quality management system, 
and Law No.  19-2015 of 29  October  2015 creating the Congolese Standardization and 
Quality Agency (ACONOQ). Other regulatory texts have been issued, including 
Decree  No. 2018-170 of 24  April 2018 approving the statutes of ACONOQ.  
4.24.  Order No.  21345 of 15  July 2021 establis hes the "Standardization -Metrology -Quality 
Promotion Project", the purpose of which is to:  
• carry out feasibility studies and create a laboratory for standardization, metrology and 
quality promotion;  
• complete the formalities for the Republic of the Congo to  join the International 
Organization for Standardization;  
• establish a legal, technical and sanitary framework for the development of standardization, 
certification, accreditation and metrology activities while regulating the national 
standardization and qu ality management system;  
• define priorities areas for the implementation and development of standardization, 
metrology and the promotion of industrial quality;  
• put in place strategies and seek funding mechanisms for standardization projects;  
• facilitate the establishment of industrial projects that comply with metrology and quality 
standards by providing assistance with administrative, customs and tax formalities;  
• facilitate the export of industrial products that meet international metrology and quality 
promo tion standards.  
4.25.  The Congolese Standardization and Quality Agency (ACONOQ ) is responsible for 
standardization, metrology, certification and quality promotion in all sectors of socioeconomic WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  activity. From 2016 to 2018, a number of standardization and quality management activities were 
carried out, focusing mainly on the followi ng areas, among others: raising awareness, disseminating 
information, training stakeholders, drafting standards (Congolese cement standard NCGO  0004-1: 
2017; a standard on bottled water is under preparation) and support and guidance from various 
organizati ons. 
4.26.  In addition, two strategic committees were set up:  
• the National Electrotechnical Committee, set up in 2016 to define policies and strategies 
in the field of electrotechnology, with Energie Électrique du Congo as Chair and the ARPCE 
as Vice -Chair;  
• the National Codex Alimentarius Committee, set up in 2018 to handle food standards 
issues in cooperation with the WHO/FAO Codex Alimentarius Commission.  
4.27.  Two public laboratories were supported, equipped and trained: the LCDE ("La Congolaise des 
Eaux", in the wa ter sector) and the National Institute for Research in Engineering Science and 
Technological Innovation, which is responsible for analysing, checking and certifying the quality of 
Congolese and imported agrifood products before they are sold on the market.  
4.28.  Congo believes that setting up a national framework for standardization and a quality control 
system should improve access to regional and international markets for its exports.  
4.6  Services  
4.29.  As a Member State of the World Trade Organization, the Republic of t he Congo is also a party 
to the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). It has made commitments only under 
Chapter 9 on "Tourism" and Chapter 10 on "Recreational Services": in these sectors, in terms of 
market access, discretionary ministerial appro val is required for Mode 3 (investment), but there are 
no limitations on national treatment; there are no bound commitments for Mode 4 (free movement 
of workers) and no limitations on market access or national treatment for Modes 1 and 2 
(cross -border trad e and consumption abroad).  
4.30.  There is a de facto monopoly in some sectors (Congo Télécom in fibre optic infrastructure; 
the CFCO in the rail sector, etc.), but a number of service sectors are open to competition with no 
restrictions on market access or natio nal treatment, and it would be interesting to be able to 
consolidate this situation either at the WTO/GATS level or at the AfCFTA negotiations level, especially 
as they could help to improve the business climate and attract more foreign investors. This wou ld, 
however, require certain laws to be reviewed and adapted, and regulatory authorities to be created 
or strengthened.  
4.31.  CEMAC Community regulations already exist in various service sectors, for example banking 
and insurance, and transport (maritime, road, air). 
4.32.  As part of the AfCFTA negotiations, work is under way at the national and regional levels 
(CEMAC/ECCAS) on specific commitments in the following sectors: tourism, telecommunications, 
financial services, transport and professional services. Congo is a n active participant in this work.  
4.33.  In terms of investment, there is no difference between nationals and foreigners in the tourism 
sector. There are authorizations for the tourism and hotel industries (hotel operating permit) and 
licences for travel agencie s. 
4.34.  In the field of telecommunications, Congo has the ARPCE. Law No.  09-2009 of 
25 November  2009, which regulates the electronic communications sector.  
4.35.  For Mode 4 (free movement of workers), Congo has adopted the LMD 
(Bachelor's -Master's -Doctorate) system, aligned with the European system, which facilitates the 
recognition of diplomas and the mobility of workers. Congo has also ratified the Agreement on the 
Free Movement of Persons within the CEMAC Zone, and since 2018/2019, citizens of the region have 
been able to travel without a visa for up to three months.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  4.7  Competition and consumer protection  
4.36.  With regard to competition in Congo, the Government Procurement Code has been adopted 
(Decree No.  156 - 2009 of 20  May 2009). The Government Procurement Regulatory Au thority 
(ARMP) and the Directorate -General for the Control of Government Procurement have been set up.  
4.37.  There are three sectoral competition authorities in Congo: the ARPCE; the Downstream 
Petroleum Regulatory Authority; and the Energy and Water Regulatory Agency.  
4.38.  The current legal framework for competition in Congo is Law No.  6-1994 of 1  June 1994 on 
the regulation of prices and commercial standards and the investigation and repression of fraud. It 
prohibits anti -competitive practices (cartels, abuse of dom inant position) but is incomplete, as it 
does not cover mergers and concentrations, and does not provide for the creation of a national 
competition authority. Congo currently has a Directorate -General of Competition and Suppression 
of Commercial Fraud with in the Ministry of Trade, Supply and Consumption. However, in the process 
of drafting new laws, a regulatory authority, the National Competition and Consumption Council, 
was set up as an autonomous body responsible for overseeing the implementation of the laws. 
4.39.  In accordance with the guidance of the CEMAC Commission, in particular Regulation 
No. 06/19 -UEAC -639-CM-33 of 7  April 2019 on competition, draft texts have been prepared and are 
awaiting validation by an interministerial committee extended to civil s ociety. The texts are as 
follows:  
• The draft law on competition: This draft law complies with the principles of transparency, 
non-discrimination and fairness laid down by the WTO and the United Nations Conference 
on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and with Regulation No.  06/19 -UEAC -639 of 
7 April 2019 on competition in the CEMAC zone, which repeals Regulation 
No. 1/99-UEAC -CM-639 of 25  June 1999 regulating anti -competitive practices, as 
amended by Regulation No.  12/05 -UEAC -639-U-CM-S of 25  June 2005, and Reg ulation 
No. 4/99-UEAC -CM-639 of 18  August  1999 regulating State practices affecting trade 
between member States. After defining its scope of application, the draft law deals in 
depth with the following aspects of competition:  
• anti-competitive practices (ca rtels, abuse of dominant position, concentrations);  
• State practices that restrict competition (State aid granted to companies, legal 
monopolies, price controls);  
• offences and penalties;  
• the procedure for recording and prosecuting offences;  
• appeal procedure s. 
This text promotes healthy and fair competition and announces the establishment of a national 
competition authority responsible for ensuring free competition through legislation.  
 
• The draft law on the National Competition Authority: In order to comply with international 
and Community recommendations on competition regulation, Congo will set up a national 
competition authority. This draft law incorporates the innovations introduced by the new 
Community regulations enacted by Directive No.  01/19 -UEAC-639-CM-33 of 8  April 2019 on 
institutional organization in the CEMAC member States for the application of Community 
competition rules, in particular on the method of financing the said Authority.  
4.40.  With regard to consumer protection, and in application of  Community Directive 
No. 02/19 -UEAC -639-CM-33 of 8  April 2019 harmonizing consumer protection within CEMAC, a draft 
law is awaiting validation by an interministerial committee extended to civil society. The aims are, 
in particular, to ensure health and saf ety by reinforcing quality control of goods and services placed 
on the domestic market and, more generally, to enhance purchasing power, with an emphasis on 
consumer price levels, by stepping up the fight against improper business practices by sellers of 
goods or service providers to which consumers fall victim.  
4.41.  This draft law provides for the creation of a national consumer protection commission, a 
consultative body whose mission will be to promote ongoing dialogue between the public authorities, 
producers , retailers and organizations protecting the collective interests of consumers.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  4.42.  Once adopted, this draft law will repeal the provisions of Titles III, V, VI and VII of Law 
No. 6-94 of 1  June 1994 on the regulation of prices and standards, and the investiga tion and 
repression of fraud.  
4.8  Investment  
4.43.  The Investment Charter (Law No.  2003-06 of 18  January  2003) is the legal framework for 
investment in Congo. It led to the creation of the National Investment Commission, which brings 
together various ministries and is tasked with approving investment agreements. The Investment 
Charter is harmonized with the CEMAC Community regulatory framework. The Law's implementing 
regulations provide for tax and customs exemptions and incentives.  
4.44.  Under the Investment Charter, any natural or legal person, regardless of nationality, is free 
to undertake any agricultural, mining, industrial, forestry, craft, commercial or service activity on 
the territory of the Republic of the Congo. There are no restrictions on foreign participation , except 
in port subcontracting, where there is a growing demand for a certain share of capital to be local. 
Foreign direct investment is unrestricted, and there are generally no conditions/limitations on the 
participation of foreign capital or the hiring of foreign staff (except in the mining and agricultural 
sectors).  
4.45.  The Investment Promotion Agency was established by Law No.  19-2012 of 22  August  2012 
and has been operational since 2014. Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are part of the investment 
incentive s cheme. An ad hoc ministry was set up in 2009 (by Decree No.  2009-401 of 
13 October  2009). Law No.  24-2017 of 9  June 2017 relates to the creation of SEZs, the 
determination of the regime applicable to them and their organization.  
4.46.  Law No.  25-2017 of 9  June 2017 established the SEZ Planning, Promotion and Development 
Agency. This Agency has been operational since the end of 2019. The SEZs, which require large -scale 
investment, are starting to become operational. The Pointe -Noire SEZ will enable the development  
of industrial, tourism, technology and university hubs. The second national oil refinery and the third 
public university of Congo will be built in this Zone. In Brazzaville, the aim is to develop the Maloukou 
industrial zone (Ignié district), which alread y has 15 production units, some of which started 
production in early 2021. In the other SEZs, the priority is to attract agricultural production and raw 
agricultural product processing companies to Ollombo -Oyo and advanced wood processing 
companies to Oues so. 
4.9  Intellectual property  
4.47.  Congo has been a member of the Convention Establishing the World Intellectual Property 
Organization (WIPO) since 1975. In 1977, a number of African countries also decided to create the 
African Intellectual Property Organization (O API), of which Congo is a member.  
4.48.  The Bangui Agreement (2  March  1977) is the Community intellectual property protection law. 
It is directly applicable.  
4.49.  In Congo, intellectual property is managed by two ministerial departments:  
• the Ministry of the Economy, Industrial Development and Private Sector Promotion, for 
industrial property;  
• the Ministry of Arts and Culture, for literary and artistic property.  
4.50.  Congo has an Industrial Property Office, created by Law No.  70-2022 of 16  August  2022. It 
hosts users, infor mation and awareness -raising campaigns, conferences and seminars, and outreach 
activities. Its duties include ensuring and promoting the protection of industrial property throughout 
the national territory, overseeing the application of common administrativ e procedures relating to 
the uniform regime instituted by the Bangui Agreement and its annexes, and organizing, 
coordinating and directing industrial property awareness -raising and information campaigns 
throughout the country.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  4.51.  There are as yet no geographi cal indications in Congo, but a number of agricultural and 
forestry products have been identified: Batéké groundnuts; Gamboma yam; wild spinach; Congolese 
grey ebony; Les Saras bananas; and Dolisie prawns.  
4.10  Trade defence  
4.52.  The introduction of trade defence in struments such as anti -dumping, anti -subsidy, quotas and 
technical barriers to trade helps to ensure fairness and transparency in external trade.  
4.53.  In Congo, Law No.  3-2007 of 24  January  2007 regulating imports, exports and re -exports 
contains no provisions on trade defence matters. As a result, there is a legal gap when it comes to 
these issues.  
5  CONCLUSION  
5.1.  Congo's macroeconomic situation remains challenging, as the country's adjustment efforts 
have been undermined by the combined effects of falling oil price s, the coronavirus (COVID -19) 
health crisis and the war in Ukraine.  
5.2.  Thanks to the effects of the anti -COVID measures implemented, including vaccination, the 
gradual recovery in oil prices and the emergency measures implemented by the Government to 
combat t he food and commodities crisis, the Republic of the Congo's macroeconomic indicators are 
showing encouraging signs. However, fiscal consolidation and adjustment remain unavoidable. To 
ensure the stability of the macroeconomic framework, the Government's fi scal policy will seek to:  
• strengthen public revenue collection mechanisms;  
• bring fiscal expenditure under control, taking priorities into account;  
• continue efforts to reduce the non -oil primary deficit to a sustainable level over the 
medium term;  
• control the debt trajectory.  
5.3.  The 2016 –2021 National Development Plan, which is based on the presidential plan for society 
entitled "Together, let's keep moving forward", includes fiscal policy objectives. It will form the 
bedrock of Congo's macroeconomic p olicy over the next five years and should enable the country to 
participate in global trade, including through the AfCFTA, thanks to the implementation of ambitious 
economic and trade reforms.  
5.4.  Congo's macroeconomic situation remains challenging, as the cou ntry's adjustment efforts 
have been undermined by the combined effects of falling oil prices, the coronavirus (COVID -19) 
health crisis and the war in Ukraine.  
5.5.  Thanks to the effects of the anti -COVID measures implemented, including vaccination, the 
gradual recovery in oil prices and the emergency measures implemented by the Government to 
combat the food and commodities crisis, the Republic of the Congo's macroeconomic indicators are 
showing encouraging signs. However, fiscal consolidation and adjustment rema in unavoidable. To 
ensure the stability of the macroeconomic framework, the Government's fiscal policy will seek to:  
• strengthen public revenue collection mechanisms;  
• bring fiscal expenditure under control, taking priorities into account;  
• continue efforts t o reduce the non -oil primary deficit to a sustainable level over the 
medium term;  
• control the debt trajectory.  
5.6.  The 2016 –2021 National Development Plan, which is based on the presidential plan for society 
entitled "Together, let's keep movin g forward", includes fiscal policy objectives. It will form the 
bedrock of Congo's macroeconomic policy over the next five years and should enable the country to 
participate in global trade, including through the AfCFTA, thanks to the implementation of amb itious 
economic and trade reforms.WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  REPORT BY GABON  
1  INTRODUCTION  
1.1.  Since its last Trade Policy Review in 2007, Gabon has continued and increased the strategic 
reforms needed to diversify its economy and improve the well -being of its people. Although it has 
abundant natural resources, which have raised average per capita income to the level found in upper 
middle -income countries, Gabon still faces important economic and social development challenges. 
The national economy is still highly dependent on oil, maki ng it vulnerable to the volatility of 
international prices.  
1.2.  In order to address these challenges, in 2009 the Gabonese authorities launched an ambitious 
development plan called the Strategic Plan for an Emerging Gabon (PSGE), which aims to turn Gabon 
into a diversified emerging economy by 2025.  
1.3.  The strategy for achieving this objective has three main pillars: industrial Gabon (local 
processing of raw materials in the country to encourage the export of high value -added products), 
green Gabon (development of the country's impressive ecosystem: 22  million hectares of forest, 
13 national parks and over 800 km of coastline), and Gabon in services (making the country a 
regional reference for financial services, new information technologies, green economy professio ns, 
higher education, and health).  
1.4.  The Gabonese economy resumed positive growth in 2021 (1.5 %) after shrinking by 1.8 % in 
2020 as a result of the crisis caused by the COVID -19 pandemic. This positive growth was boosted 
by strong support from multilateral a nd bilateral donors and by a slight easing of the restrictive 
measures put in place to combat the effects of the pandemic, despite a further contraction in the oil 
sector. The non -oil sector has benefited greatly from the introduction, in January  2021, of the 
2021-23 Transformation Acceleration Plan (PAT), designed to ensure economic recovery 
post-COVID -19, and also from the positive effects of the economic diversification policies 
implemented since 2010 under the PSGE and the reforms undertaken as part of the 2017 -19 
Economic Recovery Plan (PRE).  
1.5.  Public finance management has been consolidated, with a clear reduction in the overall budget 
deficit, mainly as a result of the strong improvement in non -oil revenues and continued fiscal 
consolidation with the ad vent of Gabon's second -generation Economic and Financial Programme 
agreed with the IMF in July  2021.  
1.6.  Regarding foreign trade, net capital inflows were once again negative in 2021, as they have 
been since the devaluation of the CFA franc in 1994, with the e xception of 2017, 2019 and 2020. 
The overall balance of payments remained in deficit in 2021, as in 2020, although the deficit actually 
widened. The monetary situation in 2021, as in 2019 and 2020, showed contrasting trends, due to 
a fall in net foreign as sets and a rise in lending to the economy.  
1.7.  Thoroughly convinced of the importance of an open economy and of trade to a nation's 
prosperity, Gabon committed, very early on, to an irreversible process of liberalization and openness 
to the world, chiefly thro ugh the following:  
• the deepening of regional and continental integration in Central Africa through CEMAC and 
ECCAS  and more recently the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA);  
• the establishment of an environment favourable to business development an d investment;  
• The expansion and diversification of the country's trade and economic relations with its 
main partners;  
• the simplification of its foreign trade procedures; and  
• its belief in the multilateral trading system.  
2  MACROECONOMIC ACHIEVEMENTS  
2.1  Real sector  
2.1.  Economic activity in Gabon picked up in 2021 with growth of 1.5 %, after contracting by 1.8 % 
in 2020. This rebound in economic activity was driven by the non -oil sector, which grew by 3.8 % in WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  2021, despite a further downturn in the oil sector. The oil sector has been on a downward trend 
since 2011, except for in 2015 and 2019, as a result of the natural decline in oil fields and the 
absence of major discoveries. In 2021, it was also adversely affected by constraints linked to 
complia nce with OPEC+ production quotas.  
2.2.  On the supply side , growth in 2021 was mainly driven by the secondary and tertiary sectors, 
with contributions of 1.1 and 0.8 points respectively, while the primary sector made a negative 
contribution ( -1.0 points). The pr imary sector contracted once again in 2021 after a series of 
recessions between 2011 and 2018, with the exception of 2015. The development of activity in this 
sector is highly dependent on the situation of the oil sector, given the weight of this sector in  the 
Gabonese economy. The Simba field, operated by Perenco, began production in 2019, which led to 
a substantial increase in oil production in 2019 (13 %). Oil production went on to resume its 
downward trend in 2020, with falls of 0.9 % in 2020 and 7 % in 2021. Nevertheless, the dynamism 
observed in other branches of activity in the primary sector made it possible to mitigate the recession 
in this sector in 2021.  
2.3.  Mining activity continued in 2021 with the momentum it had regained in 2017, recording growth 
of 12.8% (25.1 % in 2020) thanks to the good performance of manganese production. This upturn 
in the sector is the result of the Comilog Project (seven  million tonnes ), as well as operational 
improvements at mining sites, thanks to the use of a new dry treatme nt procedure for ore and 
increased production capacity at the Biniomi field.  
2.4.  Similarly, the forestry and logging sector  held up well in 2021, with growth of 12.8 %, driven 
by the strong demand for rough wood  from wood processing plants, which have been revi talized by 
the establishment of additional Special Economic Zones, including the one at Lambaréné, which is 
already operational.  
2.5.  In 2021, activities in the secondary sector  resumed the positive trend that began in 2016, 
mainly as a result of the introduction, in January  2021, of the 2021 -23 Transformation Acceleration 
Plan, which, like the first phase of the "Transgabonaise" highway project, has boosted investment, 
thereby e ncouraging a surge in activities in the construction and public works sector. This branch 
contributed 0.7 points to growth in 2021, compared to an estimated cumulative contribution of 
0.4 points from all other secondary -sector branches. Construction and pu blic works activity also 
benefited from the good performance of crude oil prices, which enabled the budget allocation for 
capital expenditure to be revised upwards.  
2.6.  Wood industries also made a significant contribution to growth (0.3 points) in 2021. This 
dynamism was encouraged by the exponential development of the Nkok Special Economic Zone, 
with improved energy supply to the area and almost a  hundred companies already present; the 
establishment of the Lambarené Special Economic Zone, which already has thr ee companies 
operating in primary and secondary wood processing; and the introduction by OLAM of tertiary wood 
processing in the Nkok Special Economic Zone.  
2.7.  The tertiary sector  resumed positive growth in 2021, after two consecutive years of recession. 
This sector has benefited greatly from the gradual relaxation of barrier measures aimed at containing 
the spread of COVID -19. As a result, activity has picked up in all branches of the sector, including 
transport (0.2 points), telecommunications (0.2 points) a nd commerce (0.8 points). However, the 
weak activity of non -tradable services, following the decline in primary current expenditure, has 
impaired the tertiary sector's contribution to growth. In 2021, this branch continued its negative 
contribution to grow th, which began in 2018, with a contribution of -0.8 points.  
2.8.  On the demand side , growth in 2021 was underpinned by both domestic and net external 
demand. Domestic demand made a positive contribution to growth in 2021 (0.8 points), benefiting 
from the good performance of non -oil private investment, which contributed 1.7 points. The 
dynamism of non -oil private investment has been boosted by the launch of the first phase of the 
"Transgabonaise" project, which is being conducted as a PPP, and by the good perfor mance of foreign 
direct investment, in this case in Special Economic Zones. The large number of lockdown measures 
maintained throughout 2021 did not facilitate the revival of other domestic demand components, 
such as private consumption, which contributed just 0.4 points to growth in 2021. Public 
consumption, meanwhile, slowed growth down by 1.8 points as a result of the continuing decline in 
the supply of public services.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  2.9.  Net external demand also made a positive contribution to growth in 2021, contributing  0.7 
points as a result of a fall in import volumes, which was more pronounced than the fall in export 
volumes.  
2.2  Price trends  
2.10.  In 2021, inflation remained under control in Gabon at 1.1 %, while strong government policies 
sought to address the issue of high li ving costs. These included a freeze on the pump prices of 
petroleum products from April  2021, the adoption of a very cautious policy of gradual re -taxation in 
line with inflation on products that seek to combat high living costs, and the introduction of a price 
approval policy for goods and services. Inflation control is also linked to the gradual rebalancing of 
national supply and demand in certain sectors, notably those pertaining to agricultural products, 
fisheries, energy and transport.  
2.3  Public finances  
2.11.  The execution of public finances in 2021 took place in a context marked by the implementation 
of the 2021 -23 Transformation Acceleration Plan, the conclusion of a second -generation economic 
and financial programme with the IMF, and a fall in oil production . The fiscal balance, commitments 
basis, including grants, improved in 2021, although it will still be in deficit, as has been the case 
since the oil crisis, except for in 2019, which was marked by a substantial increase in oil production. 
It stood at -1.7% of GDP in 2021, compared to -2.2% of GDP in 2020. However, in 2021, the primary 
fiscal balance remained in surplus for the fourth consecutive year, clearly demonstrating the weight 
of payments related to the settlement of interest on public debt in the m anagement of public 
finances. However, the surplus on this balance has shrunk to 1.0 % of GDP in 2021, compared to 
1.4% of GDP in 2020, as a result of the more pronounced rise in budget revenues than in primary 
expenditure.  
2.12.  Overall, budgetary revenues rose by 4.4 % to 1,756.1  billion, driven mainly by a substantial 
increase in non -tax revenues (108.9 %), despite a 2.4 % fall in non -oil tax revenues and a 
0.2% decline in oil revenues. Non -tax revenues rose sharply as a result of the exceptional revenues 
generate d by the renewal of Assala Gabon's four operating licences and the amendments to two oil 
contracts concluded by the State with Perenco in November  2021. Non -oil tax revenues fell in 2021 
due to a substantial 27.2 % drop in IRPP receipts, following a 32.3 % fall in 2020 as a result of 
government measures to support households in the face of the crisis caused by the COVID -19 
pandemic.  
2.13.  Oil revenues fell slightly by 0.2 % in 2021 as a result of the sharp 7.0 % drop in oil production, 
which was unable to offset the good performance of crude oil prices.  
2.14.  Budget expenditure  rose by 3.4 % to 1,932.1  billion in 2019, driven by increases in both 
current and capital expenditure. Current expenditure rose in 2021, as it did in 2019 and 2020, after 
falling continuously since th e beginning of the oil crisis. This increase in current expenditure follows 
a substantial rise in spending on goods and services from 2019 onwards. However, the fall in the 
wage bill and spending on transfers and subsidies curbed growth in current expendit ure in 2021.  
2.15.  Expenditure on transfers and subsidies fell by 4.5 % in 2021, despite the freezing, in 
April 2021, of the mechanism for indexing fuel prices at the pump to preserve household purchasing 
power, following a drastic reduction in state subsidies to  the Société Gabonaise de Raffinage 
(SOGARA).  
2.16.  The wage bill, for its part, fell in 2021 for the fourth year running, dropping to 682.4  billion 
compared to 683.2  billion in 2020 and 732.5  billion in 2017. This downward trend in the wage bill 
has been helped  by: (i) placing all civil servants and state employees on savings bonds from 
July 2018, (ii) reducing the size of the presidential and ministerial cabinets, (iii) freezing the financial 
effects of promotions and reclassifications, and (iv) systematically suspending the pay file of state 
employees who have reached retirement age.  
2.17.  Public debt stood at 6,800.1  billion at 31  December  2021, broken down into 62.3 % external 
debt and 37.7 % domestic debt. Debt with the international financial market accounts for 35 .3% of 
total outstanding external debt, while debt with the regional financial market accounts for half of WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
- 108 - 
  domestic debt. Thus, market debt, totalling a volume of 2,777.9  billion at the end of December  2021, 
represents a significant proportion (40.8 %) of G abon's public debt, which means more stress in debt 
servicing, given the country's current budgetary situation. In 2021, this stress resulted in an 
accumulation of arrears of 50.8  billion on external debt servicing, with arrears most notably recorded 
on ex ternal commercial debt servicing. The stock of Gabonese public debt was estimated at 
7,008.6  billion at 31  December  2021, representing a debt ratio of 70.5 %. 
2.18.  Total public debt also rose sharply in 2021 to 1,247.1  billion, or 71.0 % of total budget 
revenue. It was broken down into 59.2 % for external debt and 40.8 % for domestic debt. In 2021, 
the servicing of debt with the international and regional financial markets alone accounted for 59.3 % 
of total debt servicing and 42.2 % of total budget revenue, corrobora ting the stress induced by this 
type of commitment on the settlement of total public debt servicing.  
2.4  Balance of payments  
2.19.  On the foreign trade front, the current account  returned to surplus in 2021 after 
two consecutive years in deficit . This new upturn is the result of a 37.4 % improvement in the terms 
of trade and the resilience of the production of manganese, timber, palm oil and other exports, which 
led to a 76.7 % increase in the trade balance surplus, despite a deterioration in the services and 
income ba lances.  
2.20.  The services balance, which is structurally in deficit, deteriorated in 2021 after improving in 
2020, mainly due to the deterioration in the deficit on the " other business services " item, marked 
by the resumption of investment in the oil sector after a deep slump in 2020 following restrictive 
travel measures aimed at containing the spread of COVID -19. 
2.21.  The income balance, which is also structurally in deficit, deteriorated in 2021 after improving 
in 2020. It continues to bear the brunt of f oreign direct investment dividends and interest on public 
debt. 
2.22.  Net capital inflows returned to negative territory in 2021, as has been the case since the 
devaluation of the CFA franc in 1994, with the exception of 2017, 2019 and 2020. This further 
deterio ration in net capital inflows was due to the fall in portfolio investment. As net capital outflows 
were not offset by the current account surplus, the overall balance of payments was in deficit in 
2021, as it was in 2020, albeit with an accentuation. In fa ct, the overall deficit amounted to 
336.8  billion in 2021, after reaching 249.0  billion in 2020. It was financed by a reduction in official 
reserves and an accumulation of arrears on foreign debt servicing of 50.8  billion.  
3  TRADE POLICY  
3.1  Trade policy objecti ves and instruments  
3.1.  Gabon continues to deal with structural constraints. It is a net importer of food products, 
exports are concentrated and limited in terms of diversity, the cost of living is high, the economy is 
not very competitive, and the local marke t is narrow. To remedy these constraints, the Government's 
trade policy pursues the following general objectives:  
• to adequately supply domestic markets and satisfy domestic needs;  
• to ensure regulation of and competition in domestic and foreign markets;  
• to promote the services sector (e.g. financial services, telecommunications, ecological 
services, business services);  
• to promote a policy of industrialization, tourism and crafts;  
• to effectively protect Gabonese consumers;  
• to increase subregional and continental integration; and  
• to develop a strategy aimed at making better use of the multilateral trading system.  
3.2.  All importers must have a unique identification number issued by the tax authorities, while the 
trader's card,  arrangements for which are currently being finalized, will be issued by the 
Directorate -General for Trade. Certain goods may be subject to special authorization or restrictions. 
This may require prior import authorization or a certificate of conformity. For goods eligible for 
prefer ences, the operator must obtain the certificates of origin from the supplier.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  3.3.  For products of CEMAC origin, the certificate of origin gives entitlement to exemption from 
customs duties upon importation.  
3.4.  All imported goods are subject to a detailed import d eclaration, known as a "DPI", which is 
issued by the services of the Directorate -General for Trade. Depending on the nature of the goods, 
it is possible to make a simplified declaration allowing for rapid customs clearance. The customs 
authorities allow ac cess to this procedure on an annual renewable basis.1 Under this procedure, 
goods can be cleared upon submission of the simplified import declaration (DSI). The DSI must be 
supplemented by the definitive declaration within 15 days. This procedure is possi ble for perishable 
goods.  
3.5.  There are no private preshipment inspection companies. Inspections are carried out by customs 
officers in accordance with the CEMAC Customs Code and national regulations. The Gabonese 
Standards Agency (AGANOR) has set up the Gabon  Conformity Assessment Programme (PROGEC) 
to protect local consumers by ensuring that all raw materials and regulated products imported into 
the country comply with the relevant approved standards and technical regulations. The products 
subject to conformi ty assessment in respect of standards are subdivided into three market 
segments: construction materials; electrical and electronic appliances; and cosmetics, medical and 
surgical devices, and toys.  
3.6.  The Electronic Cargo Identification and Tracking Note (BIE TC) is compulsory. The purpose of 
the BIETC is to accompany imports in multiple modes (sea, road, rail, river and air). The cost varies 
according to the region of shipment as follows:  
• upon importation, by shipment or bill of lading: CFAF  20,000 for the CFA  zone; EUR  100 
for the euro zone, and USD  150 for the dollar zone.  
• upon exportation: CFAF  2,500 per shipment or bill of lading, regardless of the zone for 
which the goods are destined.  
3.7.  In addition, the export procedures are those set out in the CEMAC custo ms regulations:  
• simple exports with the EX1 declaration form;  
• re-export for goods that are to re -enter the territory with the EX2 declaration form; and  
• re-export under suspensive arrangements with the EX3 declaration form.  
3.8.  All exports must be covered by a detailed declaration, accompanied by a health certificate and 
a certificate of origin, where required by the importing country. A rapid customs clearance system 
is available to certain exporters through the Simplified Export Declaration (DESE). A document 
showing the foreign exchange commitment, endorsed by the bank with which the transaction is 
domiciled, is required for all export transactions.  
3.2  Gabon's participation in international trade negotiations  
3.9.  As a founding Member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Gabon is taking part in the 
ongoing WTO negotiations under the Doha Development Agenda (DDA). In these negotiations, 
Gabon supports the positions of the African Group and the Group of Developing Countries (G77).  
3.10.  Like other CEMAC member countries, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Sao Tome 
and Principe, Gabon also participates in economic partnership agreement (EPA) negotiations with 
the European Union (EU). These negotiations, jointly conducted by ECCAS and CEMAC, should, 
eventua lly, lead to the finalization of the EPA, an agreement which is consistent with WTO rules and 
which should replace the non -reciprocal preferential trade regime of the Cotonou Agreement.  
3.11.  In addition, since September  2010, Gabon has been negotiating a volunt ary partnership 
agreement (VPA) with the EU. This participatory process, which aims to eradicate illegal logging, is 
the concrete outcome of a long phase of information and preparation, initiated in 2007, concerning 
the Action Plan for Forest Law Enforceme nt, Governance and Trade (FLEGT).  
 
1 Order No. 362/MFBP/DG.DDI/DG of 29 October 1987.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  3.12.  As a country which has been eligible for AGOA (US  African Growth and Opportunity Act) 
benefits since 2001, Gabon has had a strategy in place since 22  November  2022 to facilitate, and 
take full advantage of, access to the U S market for local products.  
3.3  Tariff policy  
3.13.  The customs regime has not fundamentally changed since the last Trade Policy Review in 
2013. Customs duties are governed by the CEMAC Customs Code and Customs Tariff, the customs 
regulations of the Central African  Customs and Economic Union (UDEAC), national legislation and 
international agreements. Gabon applies the CEMAC CET. It uses additional codes to regulate specific 
cases linked to government policy. Most notably:  
• the fight against the high cost of living (f rom 23 to 17 tariff headings);  
• medicines and medical equipment;  
• sectoral laws to promote certain sectors of activity (timber, large industrial complexes, 
social housing, tourist investments, agriculture and sports federations).  
3.14.  The exceptions therefore cov er a wider range of products, most of which are subject to lower 
rates than the CET. The 2021 Revised Budget  Law abolished all sectoral provisions and reduced the 
rates of duty for the following sectors to 5 %: 
• wood; 
• social housing;  
• agricultural sector;  
• SME-SMI; 
• tourism;  
• agricultural;  
• cement (exemption during the plant construction phase).  
3.15.  Exemptions from customs duties and taxes are still granted to approved enterprises under 
the special SME/SMI regime, the Forestry Code and the regime applicable to investm ent in tourism, 
as well as to companies engaged in oil prospecting and exploration operations, and to various 
companies under customs taxation agreements, in order to:  
• encourage entrepreneurship by implementing a policy to promote and facilitate a special 
regime for SMEs;  
• promote and encourage investment and business expansion without discrimination;  
• develop certain sectors of activity (industrial, agricultural, forestry, housing, tourism).  
3.16.  Law No.  15/98 establishing the investment charter, adopted in 1998, is still in force pending 
parliamentary approval of the investment code.  
3.17.  The exemptions granted are in conformity with the CEMAC Customs Code. Exceptional 
exemptions are not permitted. Only exemptions with a legal basis remain. Article 42 of Law No.  2/92 
provides that: "exemptions granted on an exceptional  basis by Ministers of Finance or National 
Directors of Customs shall be abolished".  
3.18.  At the customs level, Gabon does not have any de -categorized products. The four product 
categories of the CEMAC Cu stoms Code are in effect:  
• Category I: essential goods: 5 %; 
• Category II: raw materials and capital goods: 10 %; 
• Category III: intermediate and miscellaneous goods: 20 %; 
• Category IV: everyday consumer goods: 30 %. 
3.19.  The change in categories concerns products that seek to combat the high cost of living. While 
changes were first made in 2008 under the social truce, the scale of the change peaked in 2012 in 
view of the level of inflation recorded at the international level. Nine product groups (correspon ding 
to 192 tariff lines) were selected for tariff changes. This list of product groups was revised pursuant 
to Order No.  051.22/MER/MCPME/MAA/MT establishing the list of essential food products imported WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  at the overall reduced rate of 5 % and with the price  cap of 15  September  2022. To date, 
seven  product groups corresponding to 48 tariff lines are concerned.  
3.20.  The seven product groups are:  
• 1st category: meat, poultry, fish;  
• 2nd category: canned fish;  
• 3rd category: canned vegetables;  
• 4th category: pasta;  
• 5th category: dairy products;  
• 6th category: baby food;  
• 7th category: rice.  
3.21.  The rates of excise duty applied in Gabon are as follows: 30 % on local or imported beer; 
30% on local or imported wine; 32 % on champagne and other alcoholic beverages (alcoholic 
beverage s with an alcoholic strength by metric volume of more than 12 %); 25% on perfumery and 
cosmetic products; 25 % on caviar, foie gras and salmon; 32 % on cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos and 
tobacco ( Budget  Law No.  022/2014 of 19  January  2015). The 2018 Budget  Law proposed solutions 
to distortions in relation to the rates proposed by CEMAC for excise duties. The following rates are 
thus applied: local and imported beer (22 %), local and imported wines (22 %), champagne (22 %), 
other beverages with a metric volume of more than 12 (22 %) and less than 12 %; cigarettes, cigars 
and cigarillos (25 %); games of chance (5 %); second -hand cars (22 %); perfumery and cosmetic 
products (25 %); caviar (25 %); and mobile telephony activities (5 %). 
3.22.  Although the 2018 Budget  Law reduced the excise duty rates, it also introduced a specific tax 
on products, and the total sum meant community excise duty rates were exceeded.  
3.4  Renegotiation of WTO tariff concessions under Article XXVIII of the GATT  
3.23.  Since 1995, Gabon had been facing  a serious compliance problem regarding its WTO tariff 
concessions. On more than 2,400 tariff lines (40 % of NAMA lines), the applied rates were higher 
than the WTO bound rates. The last Trade Policy Review raised this issue again in 2007.  
3.24.  As a gesture of g ood faith with a view to definitively settling this compliance issue, in 2008 
the Government began the process of renegotiating its tariff concessions under Article XXVIII of the 
GATT.  
3.25.  Begun within the framework of the Doha Round, this ongoing renegotiatio n process has 
already allowed Gabon to benefit from an exception contained in the revised draft (3) of the NAMA 
modalities of 10  July 2008, which was consolidated on 10  December  2008.  
3.26.  This exception grants Gabon small, vulnerable economy (SVE) status, ther eby exempting it 
from new tariff reductions and granting it a possible increase in the level of its binding commitments 
(NAMA) to an average ceiling rate of 20 %. 
3.27.  On this basis, Gabon prepared new schedules of tariff concessions submitted to the WTO, and 
the renegotiation procedures for tariffs bound by Gabon have not yet been completed.  
3.28.  Raising the average bound tariffs to 20 % will enable Gabon, inter alia : 
• to cover all the tariff lines on which the rates were found to be in excess (raise the bound 
tariffs to at least the rate of the applied tariffs);  
• to fully apply the current CEMAC CET without changing its current structure; and  
• to benefit from a very useful margin with a view to addressing future tariff cuts.  
3.5  Export taxes  
3.29.  Gabon has abolished most of its e xport duties and taxes. However, manganese is subject to 
an export tax of 3.5 % of its reference value. With regard to gold exports, a new mining code has 
been adopted and the export duty rate varies from 0 % to 3% depending on the level to which the WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  gold ha s been processed. The felling tax was abolished by Revised Budget  Law No.  019/2020 of 
17 July 2020 (Articles 9 and 10) and replaced by export exit duties on processed wood products:  
3.30.  The export exit duty scale for processed wood products is as follows:  
• rate of 7.50 % for products that have undergone initial processing;  
• rate of 3 % for products that have undergone secondary processing;  
• 0% rate for products that have undergone tertiary processing.  
3.31.  It should be noted that on 3  February  2018, the Council of Ministers decided to ban kevazingo 
logging. This decision came into force via Decree No.  00099/PR/MFE of 19  March  2018 on the 
safeguarding of the kevazingo population.  
3.6  Trade facilitation  
3.32.  As regards  trade facilitation, the following measures have recently been taken:  
• in July  2008, with the assistance of a number of development partners, Gabon carried out 
a self -assessment of its trade facilitation needs. This exercise, which was carried out with 
the participation of all national stakeholders, enabled Gabon to take stock of its trade 
facilitation situation and establish its priorities within the framework of an action plan 
drawn up by the national committee set up for this purpose;  
• UNCTAD and Annex D o rganizations (OECD, World Bank, WCO, IMF) provided support 
within the framework of the 2012 review of needs, with the active participation of the 
various stakeholders;  
• material -handling cranes were installed at Port Owendo in 2012;  
• the project to install i mport and export scanners in 2013 was developed;  
• the project for the establishment of a single window to facilitate import -export operations 
was prepared;  
• Category A, B and C measures were categorized and notified;  
• the National Trade Facilitation Committee  was created and set up in April  2018. Order 
No. 0272 PM/MCMPMEI on the creation, remit, organization and operation of the National 
Trade Facilitation Committee entered into force on 3  May 2021;  
• the national trade facilitation roadmap was validated in May  2022;  
• the revision of the categorization of B and C measures was notified to the WTO in 
April 2023.  
3.7  Updated trade regulations  
3.33.  In July  2008, Gabon completed an important project involving the codification of its trade 
regulations. This provided Gabon with a  single Trade Code that incorporates the OHADA Uniform 
Acts and all legislative texts governing trade activities in a progressive and effective manner 
conducive to the development of the private sector.  
3.34.  The Trade Code aims to be:  
• comprehensive, in that it incorporates the OHADA Uniform Acts, the CEMAC regional 
regulations and other international agreements, and the various legislative texts relating 
to commercial activities;  
• consistent, in that it takes into account the repealing effect of the OHADA Uniform  Acts 
and excludes contrary and/or repealed provisions; and  
• widely available, in that it is compiled in a single document easily accessible to all economic 
operators.  
3.35.  Work is under way to update the Trade Code in accordance with the requirements of a 
const antly changing business world. A new Trade Code was drawn up in 2021.  
3.36.  Work is under way to update the Trade Code in accordance with the requirements of a 
constantly changing business world. This updated text will ultimately make it possible to respond 
efficiently to the expectations of economic operators, users and consumers, while helping to improve 
the business environment within the operational framework of the Transformation Acceleration Plan.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  3.8  Investment  
3.37.  Law No.  15/98 of 23  July 1998 establishing the In vestment Charter in Gabon offers the 
following benefits:  
• a zero VAT rate for exported products, allowing VAT on investments and operating 
expenses to be refunded to exporting companies;  
• the application of moderate customs duties, harmonized within the framework of the 
CEMAC CET;  
• the suspension of customs duties f or temporary admission or duty -free entry for natural 
resource research activities under specific codes;  
• the suspension of customs duties for temporary admission or duty -free entry and 
inward -processing mechanisms for export -oriented activities.  
3.38.  The new In vestment Code is awaiting ratification by Parliament.  
3.39.  In Gabon, the sectoral investment codes are being revised. With regard to the Mining Code 
and the Hydrocarbons Code, benefits vary depending on the phase:  
• during the research phase, the company benefits from either exemptions or regular 
temporary admission;  
• during the operational phase, it benefits from either a reduced rate of 5 % or special 
temporary admission.  
3.40.  The forestry and agricultural sectors are governed by Law No.  11/2012 of 8  January  2013 
determining the resources and expenditure of the State for the year. The benefits are as follows: 
companies' inputs are exempt for a period of five years from the first import transaction. Large items 
of equipment are subject to temporary admission.  
3.41.  There are also benefits for start -up companies. During the first five years of activity, such 
companies can benefit from:  
• an exemption from the minimum levy for two loss -making years during the five -year 
period;  
• an exemption from income tax for the first prof itable year;  
• a 50% income tax rebate for the second profitable year;  
• accelerated depreciation corresponding to two straight -line depreciations on capital goods 
acquired in accordance with the provisions of Article 11 of subsection 5 on depreciation.  
4  BUSINE SS ENVIRONMENT  
4.1.  The goal of the Strategic Plan for an Emerging Gabon (PSGE) is to make Gabon a country with 
a world -class business environment. This vision will materialize most notably through the ranking of 
Gabon in the top ten African countries in the Do ing Business report by 2020. By then, the country 
should consistently be among the top five reforming countries in the world.  
4.1  Streamlining the private sector support system  
4.2.  The objective is to streamline the private sector support system by enabling busine ss 
development without administrative obstacles, ensuring proper guidance of businesses by 
intermediary organizations, and implementing mechanisms which ensure good business governance. 
More specifically, this entails:  
• making the Chamber of Commerce an att ractive organization that offers its members 
high-quality services (e.g. establishment of certified management centres, an arbitration 
centre, a business formalities centre to facilitate the creation of enterprises);  
• the creation of the National Investment  Promotion Agency on 14  September  2014;  
• establishing a strong investment and export promotion agency;  
• creating the Business Development Centre (CDE), which includes one -stop service for 
business development, formerly the responsibility of the now -defunct P rivate Investment 
Promotion Agency (APIP);  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  • simplifying the institutional structure and grouping together the support organizations 
involved in financing the private sector;  
• strengthening the operational capacities of support structures such as the Espace P ME, 
which assists businesses in implementing their projects; and  
• the creation of a commercial court on 5  July 2019, as part of the drive to improve the 
business environment.  
4.2  Updating of the legal and judicial framework  
4.3.  The establishment of an environment f avourable to the private sector requires an in -depth 
reform of the legal and judicial framework.  
4.4.  To this end, the following measures are planned:  
• the establishment of a legal reform commission authorized to amend legal texts, ensuring 
their consistency and  compliance with strategic guidelines;  
• the promotion of domestic and international arbitration to offer private operators and 
international investors a business dispute settlement system that conforms to international 
best practices; and  
• the establishment of commercial courts in nine provinces to ensure reliability and efficiency 
in the judicial processing of trade disputes.  
4.3  Improvement of public -private dialogue  
4.5.  The aim of government authorities is to promote a framework for private sector consultation 
that is effective and focused on national priorities. The idea is to inspire international best practices 
in the field and ensure that both current and potential investors are fully involved in the reforms 
planned.  
4.6.  To make this vision a realit y, the High Investment Council, a platform for public -private 
dialogue on reforms to improve the business climate, is now operational.  
4.4  Tax reform  
4.7.  Gabon has a new General Tax Code (CGI), which entered into force in February  2021. This 
Code takes up and inco rporates the requirements of community law (CEMAC and OHADA), the 
recommendations of development partners (the IMF in particular) and the tax provisions contained 
in successive budget  laws. 
4.8.  The objectives of the new CGI are: harmonization, accessibility, a nd simplification in respect of 
both wording and procedures. The major innovations resulting from tax reform concern all kinds of 
duties and taxes, procedures, structures, and the forestry sector.  
4.9.  Duties and taxes:  
• the clarification of tax regimes in respe ct of profits and income tax (basic regime, simplified 
tax regime, and tax on actual income);  
• the establishment of tax credits for new employment and for tourism investment;  
• the definition of specific tax regimes for new businesses, corporate families, and  the 
remuneration of company executives;  
• personal income tax (IRPP) reform which aims to lower the maximum tax rate from 50 % 
to 30%; 
• the reassertion of the principle according to which parafiscal taxes are within the scope 
of the law (LF2004 and Article 2 of the CGI);  
• the reorganization of local taxation (streamlining existing taxes by eliminating double 
taxation between state taxes and local taxes).  
4.10.  Tax procedures:  
• the establishment of a handbook on tax procedures;  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  • the transfer of jurisdiction over matters  of tax collection from the Treasury to the 
Directorate -General of Taxation;  
• the harmonization and unification of procedural rules;  
• the establishment of a distinction between disputes regarding tax assessment and disputes 
regarding tax collection; and  
• the development of procedures in respect of deferment of payment, compensation, and 
settlement as regards tax issues.  
4.11.  Overall, these provisions aim to update the tax system by clarifying the relationship between 
the administration and the taxpayer, and, conseq uently, to improve the business environment and 
tax governance in Gabon.  
4.12.  Structural reforms:  
• the establishment of the Directorate of Large Enterprises (DGE) and of tax centres to make 
the administration more accessible to the taxpayer;  
• the establishment of  a single tax contact (IFU) per sector of activity;  
• the implementation of tax expenditure assessment software; and  
• the acquisition of e -procedure software (tax filing and payment).  
4.13.  Forestry taxes:  
• In terms of the surface area tax, the reform aims for greater simplification with the 
establishment of a single tax, regardless of the nature or degree of forestry development. 
To that effect, the new Article 316 of the General Tax Code (LF 2013) extends t he scope 
of the tax to holders of permits by private agreement. Article 318 of the new Code has 
simplified and harmonized surface area tax rates. Under this law, the surface area tax has 
a single rate of CFAF  400 per hectare, whether or not the concession has been developed 
or is temporarily closed to development.  
4.14.  The felling tax was abolished by Revised Budget  Law No.  019/2020 of 17  July 2020 (Articles  9 
and 10) and replaced by export exit duties on processed wood products:  
• The export exit duty scale for processed wood products is as follows:  
− rate of 7.50 % for products that have undergone initial processing;  
− rate of 3 % for products that have undergone secondary processing;  
− 0% rate for products that have undergone tertiary processing.  
4.15.  In respect of othe r duties and taxes, the Forestry Code provides for additional upstream and 
downstream taxes. Forestry charges are added to these additional taxes.  
4.16.  Tax assessment and tax collection operations, as well as the revenue generated by these 
taxes, are unpredicta ble. This chiefly concerns:  
• the renewal tax: payable upon concession renewal by the holder of an Associated Forestry 
Permit (PFA) or of a Sustainable Forest Concession (CFAD) at the rate of CFAF  300 per 
hectare;  
• the transfer tax: collected upon the transfe r of a concession to a third party by the holder 
of a PFA at the rate of CFAF  1,000 per hectare;  
• the chainsaw processing tax: set at 5 % of the market value of the species sawn;  
• the leasing tax: set at 5 % of the royalties paid to the permit holder;  
• forestry  charges (Article 326 et seq.): forestry charges relate to technical services 
rendered to holders by the forest and water departments; these services entail the 
following fees:  
• CFAF 1,000 per foot of timber marking;  
• CFAF 2,500 per hectare under exploration ; and  
• CFAF 2,500 per kilometre of trails opened.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  4.5  An improved environment for standardization  
4.17.  The Gabonese Government had hitherto entrusted the National Agency for Technology 
Transfer (ANTT) with, inter alia , standardization, accreditation, certification, the promotion of quality 
in productive activities, and the establishment of a framework suitable for the development of 
metrology. The Government had also tasked the ANTT with the promotion of national policy on 
standardization, quality management, and tec hnology transfer. On  4 April 2013, the Government 
adopted a draft law on the establishment and powers of the  Gabonese Standards Agency (AGANOR), 
which supersedes the ANTT.  
4.18.  The Government also adopted Decree No.  0341/PR/MIM of 28  February  2013, which 
establ ishes the national standards conformity assessment system, and a draft law establishing the 
national standardization system. The law on the national metrology system is  under review by the 
Government.  
4.19.  In Gabon, the initiative to develop a standard may come  from the public authorities, consumer 
associations or economic operators (producers).  
4.20.  AGANOR is a public industrial and administrative establishment under the technical 
supervision of the Minister for Industry. It is endowed with legal personality and adm inistrative and 
financial management autonomy. Its mission is to: promote quality in Gabon; train and support 
Gabonese companies in respect of quality; draw up, approve and disseminate Gabonese standards; 
manage the national conformity assessment system an d the national metrology system; manage 
the WTO national enquiry point for technical barriers to trade; manage the CEMAC focal point for 
metrology; and represent Gabon in international standardization bodies. AGANOR comprises a board 
of directors, a genera l directorate and an accounting agency.  
4.21.  In 2015, AGANOR set up the Gabon Conformity Assessment Programme (PROGEC) to protect 
local consumers by ensuring that all raw materials and regulated products imported into the country 
comply with the relevant approv ed standards and technical regulations.2 The key elements of 
PROGEC are: physical inspection prior to shipment; sampling, testing and analysis in accredited 
laboratories; auditing of product manufacturing processes; documentary control of compliance with 
standards; and assessment of compliance with standards. The products subject to conformity 
assessment in respect of standards are subdivided into three market segments: construction 
materials; electrical and electronic appliances; and cosmetics, medical an d surgical devices, and 
toys. 
4.22.  AGANOR has designated INTERTEK,  Bureau Veritas, SGS Inspection and COTECNA as the 
bodies responsible for the PROGEC programme in all supplier countries. All shipments are subject to 
PROGEC and must obtain a certificate of conf ormity issued by the INTERTEK certification offices. The 
certificate is required for customs clearance in Gabon; consignments arriving in Gabon without it will 
be refused entry.  
4.23.  AGANOR coordinates all activities related to the adoption of standards/technic al regulations. 
On receipt of a request for the introduction of a standard, it forwards the files to the relevant 
technical committee. In 2019, there were four technical committees, dealing with agri -foods, 
construction and civil engineering, forestry -timber, and tourism and related activities. In fields where 
there is no technical committee, AGANOR can set up an ad hoc  technical committee to deal with a 
request for the development of a standard. The technical committees are responsible not only for 
develop ing standards, but also for withdrawing them should the need arise. Draft standards undergo 
a public enquiry stage, during which amendments are sought from the relevant stakeholders. They 
are, in principle, published on the AGANOR website. Following this s tage, the standards are adopted 
by the technical committees. Lastly, they are published in the Official Journal in an order issued by 
the Minister responsible for industry.  
4.24.  In Gabon, the following products are subject to specific standards: (i) building ma terials (in 
accordance with chapters 28/29/31/32/35/38/39/40/44/45/46/68/69/70/72 to 83 of the customs 
classification); (ii) electrical and electronic appliances (in accordance with chapters 84/85/94 of the 
 
2 Order No. 17/MMIT of 18 March 2015 establishing the conditions for the applica tion of conformity 
assessment.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  customs classification); and (iii) cosmetics, med ical and surgical devices and toys (in accordance 
with chapters 33/34/90/95 of the customs classification).  
4.25.  From 2019 to 2022, Gabon had 915 standards in force, of which 28 were mandatory and 
884 voluntary. These standards were drawn up by the relevant technical committees: 332 standards 
in the field of electrotechnology; 85 standards in the field of food; 34 standards pertaining to 
construction and civil engineering; 23 standards relating to touri sm and related activities; 
6 standards in the field of education, training and administration; 3 4 standards in the field of health 
and social care; 26 standards in the field of forestry and timber; 6 3 standards pertaining to 
sustainable development; 51 standards in the field of fundamental standards and terminology; 
49 standards in the field of chemistry and packaging; 35 standards in the field of management and 
quality of services; 2 2 standards relating to cosmetics; 15 standards in the field of 
telecommun ications and information technology; 8 standards in the field of oil, gas and lubricants; 
28 standards in the field of conformity assessment; 4 standards in the field of transport; 
21 standards in the field of mining and extractive industries; 1 8 standards  pertaining to security and 
resilience; 4 standards relating to halal products; 15 standards in the field of technology, 
manufacturing and metal; 11 standards in the field of textiles and fashion accessories; and 
10 standards pertaining to social, cultural and labour issues. All of them are based on international 
standards. Gabon has been a member of regional and international standardization bodies, including 
the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO), the Réseau de Normalisation Francopho ne 
(RNF) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) since 1  January  2012.  
4.6  Government procurement: greater transparency  
4.26.  Gabon's government procurement regime has evolved considerably since 2002, with the 
June 2012 adoption of Decree No.  0254/PR/MEEDD establishing the new Government Procurement 
Code. This new code entered into force on 26  June 2012.  
4.27.  Government procurement is currently governed by:  
• Decree No.  278/PR/MEP of 22  August  2014 on the organization of the Government 
Procurement Regul atory Agency;  
• Decree No.  00027/PR/MEPPDD of 17  January  2018 establishing the Government 
Procurement Code; and  
• Decree No.  00026/PR/MEF of 18  March  2020 on the creation, remit and organization of 
the Directorate -General of Government Procurement.  
4.28.  This Code d etermines the awarding, monitoring and regulatory bodies. It also specifies the 
tendering procedures and payment and delivery terms. The Code sets out the general principles for 
government procurement, as well as the legal thresholds. Procurement is conduc ted in accordance 
with the Government Procurement Code: invitations to tender, restricted tenders, competitive 
tenders and direct agreement. Within the regional framework, a regional preference may be granted 
to all bidders residing within CEMAC.  
4.29.  The Gover nment Procurement Code makes a distinction between awarding, monitoring and 
regulatory bodies. The person responsible for the procurement (designated by the representative of 
the contracting body), assisted by a commission for the assessment of bids, condu cts the procedure 
for the award of the contract up to the designation of the successful bidder and the final approval of 
the award.  
4.30.  Where monitoring is concerned, the Directorate -General of Government Procurement (DGMP) 
is responsible for monitoring the aw ard and performance of procurement contracts; the Award of 
Contracts Unit examines all contract award operations from the planning phase to the award of the 
contract; and, subject to authorization from the Director -General of Government Procurement, 
provin cial procurement delegations monitor the procedures for awarding contracts within the limits 
of their territorial competence.  
4.31.  The Government Procurement Regulatory Agency (ARMP) is responsible for regulating the 
government procurement framework. Its remit includes: independent technical audit and the 
penalizing of any irregularities uncovered; non -judicial settlement of disputes arising out of the WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  contract award procedures; and participation in the framing of laws and regulations on government 
procurement.  
4.32.  Provision is made for national and community preference. In the case of procurement by 
invitation to tender or direct negotiation, priority is given, when bids are equivalent, to enterprises 
which have one of the following statuses: incorporated under Gabo nese law; engaged in economic 
activity on Gabonese territory; an SME whose share capital is owned wholly by Gabonese nationals 
or persons incorporated under Gabonese law; a group of companies with which Gabonese enterprises 
are associated or which provides  considerable subcontracting to Gabonese nationals. There is a 10 % 
national preference margin for works contracts, and a 15 % preference margin for supplies contracts.  
4.33.  In the regional context, community preference may be granted to any bidder whose fiscal 
residence is within CEMAC, where, in the case of suppliers, manufactured goods containing at least 
30% of value added in a CEMAC country will be supplied; in the case of building, public works and 
industrial facilities contractors, at least 30 % of the input s or 30 % of the personnel employed are of 
community origin; and in the case of service providers and consultants, at least 50 % of the value of 
the service supplied is of community origin.  
4.7  Competitiveness, innovation, and promotion of national entrepreneurs hip 
4.34.  The public authorities aim to update the platform for business expression, the promotion of 
which should make it possible to increase competitiveness and the inclusion of Gabonese interests 
in the development of SMEs.  
4.35.  The following projects serve to me et this ambitious goal:  
• a programme for the upgrading of Gabonese businesses, under which a group of 
companies in a given industry (such as the wood sector) receive public funds in order to 
improve all essential business functions and enhance business perf ormance.  
• the proposed establishment of a subcontracting exchange the objectives of which would 
be, on the one hand, to establish a dynamic platform for recording the needs of large 
contracting enterprises and offers by potential SME subcontractors, and on the other hand, 
to develop a critical mass of SMEs able to take on the "outsourceable" activities of the 
large enterprises located in Gabon.  
• the establishment of a National Fund for Vocational Training to provide optimum and 
prompt financing for companies'  training needs.  
4.36.  A proactive strategy to develop national entrepreneurship and Gabonese participation in stock 
ownership, particularly through the Stock Exchange.  
5  NEW SECTOR DYNAMICS TO DIVERSIFY THE ECONOMY  
5.1  Forestry and timber3 
5.1.  The timber sector is Gabon 's second largest economic sector after oil, in terms of its 
contribution to GDP (8 %) and employment. However, the country does not yet earn enough revenue 
from its forests, as a result of an insufficient processing rate and poor control over the value -added 
chain. Up to now, the vast majority of Gabon's wood has been exported in the form of  undressed 
timber and only a very limited number of species (some ten varieties, including  Okoumé, the most 
developed, Moabi, Padouk, and Kevazingo), recognized for thei r value on the market, have been 
exploited. Forestry operations in Gabon, as in other Central  African countries, apply selective felling 
practices, leaving undeveloped most of the forest's wood resources (between 200 and 300 species), 
the value of which re mains largely unknown. The wood industry, aside from being of limited size, 
focuses on primary processing (e.g., sawing, splitting, peeling, and  laminating) of products exported 
to the international market.  
5.2.  Since 1  January  2010, the Gabonese Government has  banned the export of rough wood . This 
decision prompted an urgent need to redefine the industry's strategy. In general terms, this 
reorientation applies to all the wood industries of tropical forests, given climate change and the need 
 
3 The forestry sector comprises: forests, wildlife, wood processing, and aquatic ecosystems.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  to protect these for ests. The question involves reconciling two different, but related, issues: (i) 
protection of tropical forests' function as carbon sinks; and (ii) the right of a country and  of its people 
to exploit their forest resources and, more specifically, to exploit  and export tropical wood to 
international wood and construction material markets.  
5.3.  Reconciliation of these two issues is possible only if the exploitation of Gabon's forest heritage 
is optimally organized, in compliance with the principles of sustainable a nd effective management, 
to combat massive deforestation practices, forest degradation and illegal trade in wood, wildlife, and 
other non -timber forest products (NTFPs).  
5.1.1   Objectives  
5.4.  The overall objective which Gabon seeks to meet by 2016 through the Ministry of Water and  
Forestry is to increase the sector's contribution to GDP by means of sustainable management  of 
forests and aquatic ecosystems; more intensive industrialization of the wood subsector; conservation 
and promotion of biodiversity; sectora l capacity building; and  research and development  training.  
5.5.  The intent underlying this objective is "to make Gabon a world leader in certified tropical wood, 
driven by an industry which fully develops the resource and exploits a sustainably managed forest 
that fully plays its role as a carbon sink and a sanctuary of biodiversity in the service of  humanity".  
5.6.  The implementation of this vision is based on better governance of the forest and requires the 
reorganization of forest exploitation. The wood -processin g subsectors need a thorough overhaul 
through industrial centres that will put shared infrastructure and services within the reach of the 
operators involved. Lastly, improved management of the cost of logistics (particularly transport and 
port fees) is ess ential.  
5.7.  This general objective gives rise to the following specific objectives:  
(1) To increase knowledge of the diverse resources of the forestry sector, particularly those 
which can be exploited, taking into account: (i) the abundance of species, their i ndustrial 
value, and their exploitation potential; (ii) the abundance of non -timber forest products and  
their properties, active ingredients, and appeal; and (iii) plant and animal biodiversity. This 
requires a forest -resource inventory which is as exhaust ive as possible, using geomatics and 
satellite observation (e.g. the AGEOS project, which seeks to obtain regular satellite images 
to monitor forest evolution; on -the-ground inventory of the forest using GPS, etc.).  
 
This exhaustive on -the-ground inventory  will also make it possible to take stock of the 
various types of forest exploitation, forest populations, forestry companies, and forest 
activities. The objective is to determine the economic value of the forest (i.e.,  the number 
and value of woody specie s, of non -timber forest products (NTFPs), and  of the flora and 
fauna). The issuance of logging permits, carried out through a  tendering process, will thus 
be based on the knowledge and value of the forest's resources. This economic value is added 
to the fo rest's value as a carbon sink, which is  ensured by widespread sustainable 
management of forests and protected areas.  
(2) To combat illegal forest practices in order to protect forestry resources and ensure 
unhindered access of Gabonese wood to the European  Union (EU) and other international  
markets.  
(3) To foster the competitiveness of the Gabonese wood industry by promoting more intensive 
wood processing and establishing the industrial and logistical infrastructure of the wood 
subsector through: (i) the establishment of five wood -subsector industrial zones 
(Lambaréné, Lastourville, Mouila, Mitzic, and Ndjolé); (ii) the establishment of  
two economic centres for furniture and wood crafts in the outskirts of Libreville; (iii)  the 
development of two new speci al economic zones (Port -Gentil and Mayumba); and  (iv) the 
development of port areas for the export of processed wood products (expansion of the port 
of Owendo, deep -water ports of Port -Gentil and Mayumba).  
4) To strengthen the capacity of stakeholders in t he forestry and wood industry by supporting 
the private sector through: (i) upgrading the wood processing industry from the current WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  20% to 30 % recovery rate for felled timber to a minimum recovery rate of 80 %. This 
involves making full use of logging waste  (forest slash, wood processing waste); 
(ii) strengthening professional timber organi zations and public -private collaboration around 
the "Maison du Bois", a body for inter -professional consultation and promotion of Gabonese 
timber; (iii) enhancing the valu e of NTFPs and forestry by -products, by training and 
integrating people living in forestry areas in the relevant trades; and (iv) promoting a 
national, regional and international market for Gabonese timber by developing the local 
market and conquering cons umer markets for tropical woods.  
(5) To develop vocational training through the reorganization of the National School of Water 
and Forests, with new institutions (Makokou) and new programmes in advanced training 
and wood -processing occupations.  
(6) To upda te the Forestry Code in collaboration with the various partners concerned, by  
developing a legal framework for all the measures which will be taken in the various sectors 
(water, forest, wood, wildlife, and protected areas) with a view to promoting sustain able 
management and adapting the tax system to the current economic context by  taking into 
account NTFPs.  
5.2  Mining, hydrocarbons and industry  
5.2.1   Mining  
5.8.  The mining sector is mostly centred on the exploitation of manganese. This sector accounts for 
4% of GDP and 6% of the country's exports.  
5.9.  The Gabonese subsoil contains vast resources, such as iron (the world's largest supply of  
untapped resources). The mining sector is thus set to become more important to the  
Gabonese  economy.  
5.10.  The diversification of the mining se ctor is a priority for the Government, which, as is the case 
for the wood sector, intends to promote ore processing in Gabon. Within this framework, the  
COMILOG company began work on the Moanda hydro -metallurgical complex, comprising  a 
hydro -metallurgical plant for metallic manganese and a pyrometallurgical plant for  
silico-manganese.  
5.11.  Inaugurated on 12  June 2015 and built in compliance with international standards, this 
complex has enabled Gabon to move from raw mining to raw material processing.  
5.12.  The first factory should produce an annual 20,000 tonnes of metallic manganese for the steel 
and aluminium industries and for specific applications in the fine chemistry of  manganese. The latter 
should produce an annual 65,000 tonnes of silico -manganese primarily fo r the steel industry.  
5.13.  The cost of this investment, which will create 400 direct jobs, is CFAF  135 billion 
(over  €200 million).  
5.14.  Gabon adopted a new Mining Code in 2019 with the aim of clarifying mining rules and 
providing a more stable framework for investors.  
5.2.2   Hydrocarbons  
5.15.  Gabon's sedimentary basin covers an area of 247,000 km², of which 30 % is onshore and 70 % 
offshore. Approximately 47 % of the surface allotted is open to exploration.  
5.16.  Since oil development began in Gabon in the 1950s, oil production r eached its peak in 1997 
with a record high of 18.56  million tonnes. Since 2006, oil production in Gabon stabilized thanks to 
investment in marginal fields made possible by the high price of oil. Since 2009, production has 
gradually increased, reaching  12.5 million tonnes in 2011.  
5.17.  Today, Gabon is the sixth largest oil producer in sub -Saharan Africa, after Nigeria, Angola, 
and Equatorial Guinea. The exploitable reserves of crude oil should enable continued production for WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  approximately 40 years at the current pace. Maintenance of the historically high price per exported 
barrel (US D 113.8 at the end of  June 2012) resulted in the oil sector's high contribution to the 
Gabonese State budget (approximately 60 %). 
5.18.  In 2011, the oil sector accounted for 49 % of GDP, 83 % of export revenues, and 54 % of 
budget revenues.  
5.19.  Asia and the United States account for more than 51 % of exports of Gabonese crude oil; 
Europe, 15 %; and Australia, 5 %. 
5.20.  The Strategic Plan for an Emerging Gabon focuses on two strategic avenues in the 
hydrocar bons sector:  
• optimization of oil revenues; and  
• promotion of the industrial fabric of the hydrocarbons sector.  
5.21.  As regards the optimization of oil revenues, the objective is to attract investors to the sector. 
With the finali zation of the Hydrocarbons Code, we are confident that we will meet the expectations 
of the oil industry and investors who wish to support Gabon in the exploration and exploitation of its 
oil resources.  
5.22.  This will require Gabon to be equipped with new mechanisms for supporting the regulato ry 
and legislative framework, such as the Agency for Regulation and Control of the Hydrocarbons 
Sector. The objective of this agency will be to strengthen governance of the sector, ensure  
regulation, and provide the Ministry with the necessary adjustment i ndicators.  
5.23.  Finally, with a view to optimizing oil revenues, Gabon has committed to reducing greenhouse 
gases. The objective is to reduce by 60 % the volume of flared gas by the year 2015, while the 
long-term goal is to achieve a reduction rate of 90 %. The v olume of non -flared gas will  be used for 
industry purposes, such as generation of electricity, and subsequently for  petrochemicals and 
processing of fertilizer.  
5.24.  As regards the promotion of the industrial fabric of the hydrocarbons sector, Gabon has 
committed to raising the profile of national companies in the sector and to fostering the  development 
of national SMEs which provide services to the sector's large enterprises.  
5.25.  The establishment of the Gabon Oil Company (GOC) in 2011 was part of these prom otional 
efforts. The GOC aims to increase Gabonese State holdings in the oil sector. Its objective is  to 
contribute to the establishment of a true, integrated oil and gas economy by the following  means:  
• the holding, management and acquisition of shares on behalf of the State in all activities 
relating to research, exploration, exploitation, distribution, transport, storage, marketing, 
and refining;  
• the holding of State shares in hydrocarbons deposits and in the capital of companies which 
have signed framewo rk agreements and production -sharing contracts;  
• the marketing, import, export, and distribution of products extracted from hydrocarbons 
deposits and industrial hydrocarbons processing facilities;  
• management or investment operations, on behalf of the State,  relating to responsibility 
No. 1; 
• research and exploitation of deposits of hydrocarbons or other mineral substances;  
• the performance of all financial operations directly or indirectly related to the hydrocarbons 
industry.  
5.26.  The role of the GOC is to develop  new perspectives in the oil industry based on the discoveries 
made in recent years off the coast of Gabon, and to envisage a new future for Gabon's  oil operations.  
5.2.3   Industry  
5.27.  The Gabon Industrial pillar reflects par excellence Gabon's new development model,  designed 
to ensure the country's transition from a raw materials economy to one based on industriali zation.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  5.28.  By adopting the National Industriali zation Strategy (SNI) on 28  April 2013 at the 1st Industry 
Forum, Gabon aims to increase local value added by m oving up the value chain from:  
• agriculture and fishing to agribusiness;  
• forest to wood processing;  
• mining to metallurgy;  
• oil production to petrochemicals;  
• and finally, the production of building materials.  
5.29.  Gabon adopted a national industrialization strategy on 28  April 2013, as an outcome of  the 
first National Industry Forum. The goal of this strategy is to ensure Gabon's transition from being a 
simple oil -exporting economy to being a diversified and sustainable economy focused both  on the 
mining and metallurgical sectors and on Gabon as an environmentally friendly country 
(Green  Gabon) (forestry, agriculture, fishing, aquaculture, and agro -industry). It focuses on the local 
processing of Gabon's natural resources into semi -finished or finished products. This should generate 
325,000 jobs, 2/3 of which will be skilled. The SNI has identified 116 projects, including 54 industrial 
projects in the 5 priority sectors listed above and 62 industriali zation support projects.  
5.30.  The Gabonese indu strial development project, which requires a total investment of  
CFAF 17,000  billion, 28 % of which will be government investment and 40 % private or public -private 
partnership investment, will make it possible to accelerate growth, promote  national 
entrepre neurship, and also to create approximately 13,000 SMEs. The  17,000  billion in investment 
thus encompasses all projects in all industry -related sectors (energy, roadways, ports, railways,  
etc.).  
5.31.  There are also plans to redraw Gabon's economic map with the c reation of 10 economic hubs, 
including three extractive industry hubs: the Manganese City at Moanda -Franceville, the Iron City 
at Belinga and the Hydrocarbons City at Port -Gentil; and four Green Gabon hubs: Oyem, 
Mouila -Ndendé, Mayumba, Lastourville -Koulam outou; and three diversified centres in Estuaire, 
Booué and Lambaréné.  
5.32.  To support this vision of an Industrial Gabon, a number of legislative and regulatory texts 
have been adopted:  
• Decree No. 607/PR/MIM of 25  June 2013 created the Directorate -General for Industry and 
Competitiveness;  
• Ordinance No. 10/PR/2016 of 11  February  2016 on industrial activities;  
• Law No.  022/2016 of 15  December  2016 ratifying Ordinance No.  10/PR/2016 of 
11 February  2016 on industrial activities in the Republic of Gabon;  
• Law No. 035/ 2020 of 30  March  2021, supplementing and amending certain provisions of 
Law No. 022/2016 of 15  December  2016 ratifying Ordinance No. 10/PR/2016 of 
11 February  2016 on industrial activities in the Republic of Gabon;  
• Decree No. 000295/PR/MCAPMEI of 14  August  2020 setting out the conditions for issuing 
administrative authori zations for industrial activities;  
• Decree No. 000297/PR/MCAPMEI of 14  August  2020 regulating the monitoring and control 
of industrial activities in the Republic of Gabon;  
• Decree No. 0120/PR /MI of 12  May 2022 on the powers and organi zation of the Ministry of 
Industry;  
• Decree No. 0369/PR/MI of 30  December  2022 on the creation, remit and organi zation of 
the Directorate -General  for Industry, Coordination and Promotion of Industrial Activities;  
• Decree No. 0371/PR/MI of 30  December  2022 on the creation, remit and organi zation of 
the Directorate -General for Competitiveness and Innovation.  
• These attractive regulations would provide economic operators with better support in the 
day-to-day running of their industrial activities in the Republic of Gabon.  
5.3  Fishing, aquaculture, and the Blue Gabon Project  
5.33.  With a view to promoting the exploitation and development of fishery resources, the  PSGE's  
fishing and aquaculture sectoral programme seeks to expand nat ional production by  developing 
landing and product processing infrastructure and building up a national fishing fleet. The objective WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  is to improve the sector's contribution to GDP by increasing national production from 40,000  tonnes 
to 100,000  tonnes by 20 16. 
5.34.  To this end, fishing and aquaculture policy will revolve around the following measures:  
• the implementation of a sustainable management framework for fishery resources;  
• the Directorate -General for Fisheries and Aquaculture is the national authority for fisheries 
and aquaculture management;  
• the establishment of the Monitoring Centre for Fishing Activities;  
• the establishment of the National Fishing and Aquaculture Authority;  
• the establishment of the Monitoring Centre for Fishing Activities;  
• the establishme nt of a fishing trades centre equipped with a port of landing;  
• the creation of landing and fishing product processing infrastructure;  
• the creation of a national fishing fleet;  
• the restructuring of the Industrial Refrigeration Corporation of Gabon (SIFRIGAB ); 
• the development of aquaculture;  
• the renegotiation of fishing agreements; and  
• the fight against marine overfishing and illegal and unregulated fishing.  
5.35.  To ensure sustainable management of the exceptional submarine biodiversity of  the 
Gabonese  coastline, the Government has established the Blue Gabon Project, which is  a participatory 
framework aimed at preserving this ecosystem by putting into place a system of  rational 
management and exploitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and  the continental  shelf.  
5.36.  With a view to the strategic management of Gabon's fishery resources, the National Fishing 
and Aquaculture Authority, which is in the process of being set up, will implement the Government's 
policy on sustainable management of fishing and aq uaculture.  
5.37.  The National Fishing and Aquaculture Authority will accordingly be equipped and staffed so  
that it has scientific data to facilitate efficient management of EEZ stocks which are not well known. 
Partnerships with internationally recognized resear ch institutes will thus be established in  order to 
effectively promote skills and technology transfer.  
5.38.  The Training Centre for Fishing and Nautical Trades (CMPA) will provide training for 
Gabonese  fishermen in order to progressively increase the number of Gabonese fishermen currently 
accounting for 20 % of small -scale fishermen.  
5.39.  The various marine resource surveys carried out show a decrease in resources in the area 
north of Cape Lopez and under exploitation in the area south of Cape Lopez because of the fis hing 
ban in the oil exclusion zone and in the marine park of Mayumba. Fishing south of  Cape Lopez is  
governed by strict regulations banning fishing in protected areas.  
5.40.  The introduction of the Community Centres for Small -Scale Fishing in Libreville, Port -Gentil, 
Lambaréné and Omboué, built with support from the Japanese cooperation agency, have reduced 
post-capture losses in small -scale fishing. These centres are accessible areas where fishermen can 
market their products and be supplied with ice.  
5.4  An ambitiou s agriculture and livestock programme  
5.41.  Gabon is part of the Group of net food -importing countries at the WTO. Nearly 70 % of the 
food products consumed in Gabon are imported.  
5.42.  The clearly established goal is to achieve, by 2020, a fourfold reduction in Gabon' s food 
imports, to re -establish the country's self -sufficiency as regards food, fishery, and livestock products, 
and to make Gabon a net exporter of agro -industrial products, all while complying with the principles 
of integrated farming and sustainable dev elopment.  
5.43.  Gabon is aiming for greater food self -sufficiency, a 50 % reduction in food imports, a shift from 
traditional to industrial agriculture, and the diversification of its economy. To this end, plans have 
been developed to: develop agricultural basins  by sector, promote and support agricultural 
entrepreneurs, promote a return to the land, promote agribusiness and agro -industry, create WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  high-productivity agricultural zones (ZAP), and mobili ze funds to carry out these projects. The 
strategy is being imple mented through targeted programmes such as the Agricultural Development 
and Investment Project (PRODIAG) and the Gabonese Programme for Agricultural Achievements and 
Initiatives by Committed Nationals (GRAINE). These programmes receive substantial support from 
international donors and partners.  
5.44.  The clear objective is to halve Gabon's food imports by 2025, restore self -sufficiency in food 
products4, fish and livestock products5 and become a net exporter of agro -industrial products6, while 
respecting the p rinciples of sustainable agriculture and sustainable development.  
5.45.  To achieve this goal, the Government has introduced a strategy rooted in  an incentives -based 
regulatory arrangement. The strategy aims to reduce imports of food products by one quarter by 
the end of 2016 and to improve the sector's contribution to GDP. The  adoption, currently under way, 
of implementing regulations for the laws establishing an  agriculture code and the extension of the 
preferential tax and customs regime for farmer s provides the latter with an incentives -based 
regulatory framework which secures their investments. In addition to these incentives, the 
development of farmland is a decisive factor in  that it will ensure that activities begin immediately 
and will spare o perators the high costs of  servicing lots in dense and hard -to-reach tropical rainforest 
areas.  
5.46.  To achieve this goal, the Government has introduced a strategy rooted in  an incentives -based 
regulatory arrangement. One of the aims of the strategy is to impro ve the sector's contribution to 
GDP.7 The adoption of implementing regulations for the laws establishing an  agriculture code and 
the extension of the preferential tax and customs regime for farmers provides the latter with an 
incentives -based regulatory f ramework which secures their investments.8 In addition to incentive 
measures, as part of the implementation of the PSGE, the Agricultural Development Agency of Gabon 
(ADAG) was created to mobili ze and secure agricultural land, through 
Decree  No. 0574/PR/M AEACMOPG of 23  November  2015 creating and organi zing the Agricultural 
Development Agency of Gabon, together with subsequent amending texts.  
5.47.  Since 2019, the Transformation Acceleration Plan (PAT) provides for the implementation of 
several initiatives, namel y: 
(a) support for the development of priority sectors;  
(b) development of training: (i) Work is underway to rehabilitate the National School for Rural 
Development (ENDR) in Oyem, with a project to launch the Agricultural Technology 
Extension Base (BVTA); (ii) a project to open the Agriculture Technical College in Lébamba;  
(c) launch of the ZAP land programme9 (64 million ha of land): (i) land regulation, 
eco-responsible development and grouping of activities (e.g. production, processing, 
logistics, etc.);  (ii) marketing, training and research; (iii) effective launch subject to seed 
availability (seed multiplication centres);  
(d) other. 
 
4 Definition of a target of 100% coverage of local demand for products with an already high coverage 
rate and strong potential: (i) for cassava and plantain: coverage rate of 100% due to positive feedback 
following the experience of the "GRAINE Programme" demonstrating the existence of high potential; (ii) sugar: 
coverage of 66% and potential to move to 100% with the support of SUCAF. See Transformation Acceleration 
Plan (PAT), page 130.  
5 Objective of improving the coverage rate by 20 points for poultry farming and fisheries, both of which 
have potential but a low current coverage rate: (i) poultry farming: production with a low entry cost (compared 
with other types of meat); (ii) fisheries: current production far from the potential observed in the past 
(20k tonnes compared with 60k tonnes in the 2000s). See Transformation Acceleration Plan (PAT), page 130.  
6 Target production of 90,000  tonnes of palm oil by 2025. See Transformation Acceleration Plan (PAT), 
page 131.  
7 According to forecasts, the agricultural sector could account for between CFAF 750 billion and 
CFAF 1,000 billion of GDP by 2025, i.e. between 1.5 and 2 times the value of current GDP (agricultural GDP 
represented 4.4% of GDP in 2019, with average annual growth of 7% between 2010 and 2019). See 
Transformation Acceleration Plan (PAT), page 115.  
8 Decree No. 01495/PR/MAEPDR of 29/12/2011 establishing the legal status of farmers and agricultural 
holdings in the Republic of Gabon; Order No. 038.22/MER/MAA of 25 July 2022 granting exemption from 
import duties and taxes on agricultural inputs, materials and equipment.  
9 Highly productive agricultural area.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  5.48.  Specifically, Gabon aims to:  
• Food security:  
 
• Implement the Agricultural Investment Development Project (PRODIAG), which will 
introduce short -cycle crop and livestock farming belts on the outskirts of the provincial 
capitals;  
• Between 2010 and 2016, PRODIAG promoted food and market gardening, livestock 
farming and cassava processing in suburban areas. This programme has  provided 
technical and management support for farmers, support for the restructuring of 
professional organi zations, support for the processing of agricultural products, and has 
developed educational leaflets for producers on alternatives to existing crops in suburban 
areas. Backed to 80 % by a loan from the French Development Agency (AFD), this 
programme generated additional production of 8,000 tonnes of food products in 2016 
(equivalent to CFAF  3.5 billion), as well as creating more than 2,00 0 direct jobs and over 
1,000 new farms. Given the encouraging results of PRODIAG, the launch of a second phase 
of this programme was announced for 2019. This second phase will be supported by the 
Development Bank of Central African States (BDEAC) and the A FD. 
• Launched at the end of 2014, the GRAINE programme aims to encourage agricultural 
entrepreneurship through the formation and reactivation of producers' cooperatives. 
Technical training is offered to farmers and the programme promotes the development of 
new crops such as oil palm, with a view to local industriali zation. The programme is 
supported by the Agricultural Transformation and Rural Development Company 
(SOTRADER), a partnership between the Gabonese Government and Olam International. 
The target set  for 2019 was to have 62,000 hectares of oil palm and 8,000 hectares of 
food crops (plantains, cassava, peppers and tomatoes). The aim is for these producers to 
provide the raw material for local processing, so that Gabon can become an exporter of 
high val ue-added products. Despite the large number of small farmers (over 15,000) 
enrolled in the programme, these production targets have not yet been met. A second 
phase of the programme is also being financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB).  
• Industria l export agriculture:  
 
• Within the framework of diversification of Gabon's economy, agriculture is considered an 
engine of  growth for increasing the sector's contribution to GDP, creating jobs, and fighting 
poverty.  
• With a view to improving production level s of crops such as rubber and diversifying 
national production towards new crops, Gabon has established public -private partnerships 
with investors, including the Olam International group. Under this partnership, 40 % of 
which is owned by the Gabonese Govern ment, the focus is on two crops: rubber and palm 
oil. More than 136,000 hectares on two sites have been allocated as concessions for oil 
palm plantations, and 36,000 hectares for rubber plantations. SIAT Gabon's rubber and 
oil palm investments have been ta ken over by the OLAM group.  
• In the case of rubber, there is little potential for increasing production in the sector, given 
that yields are similar to those of international players thanks to favourable climatic 
conditions. According to the 2020 TBE, the n atural rubber industry will see a decline in 
activity in 2020. National production of cup lump natural rubber fell by 9.9 % to 
17,566  tonnes due to a slowdown in activity. Similarly, rubber production in 50  kg 
granules fell by 8.8 % to 7,324 tonnes. In trade  terms, the 8.8 % fall in granule exports 
led to a 5.8 % decline in turnover to CFAF  7.4 billion. Investment in 2020, although down 
8.2% on 2019, was mainly in agricultural equipment and vehicles.  
• Palm oil production has risen sharply as the palms in batches  2 and 3 of the 
Mouila  plantations (in the province of Ngounié) reach maturity. Olam's production began 
in 2015 with a harvest of 4,924 tonnes of palm kernels and will reach 449,748 tonnes in 
2021. The Group has two processing plants at its production site s in Kango (in 
Estuaire  province) and Mouila. In 2021, production of red palm oil was 107,336 tonnes 
and palm kernel oil (extracted from the kernels) was 6,035 tonnes. In the same year, 
exports of crude palm oil (red palm and kernel combined) reached 56,12 3 tonnes; exports 
amounted to CFAF  40.4 billion in 2021, with Cameroon as the main destination for these 
flows. According to the daily L'Union , the Association of Refiners of Cameroon (ASROC) 
has announced that it will import 120,000 tonnes of palm oil fro m Gabon in 2021. By 2021, 
five thousand jobs were directly generated by the industry. A customs duty of 30 % (under WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
- 126 - 
  the CEMAC CET) is applied to imports of refined palm oil; domestic production is exempt 
from VAT and imported products are subject to a reduc ed rate of 10 % (Table 3.2). 
Between 2012 and 2018, edible oil imports halved ( -52%), mainly refined palm oil ( -91%). 
The Economic Dashboard (TBE) for 2020 showed that the number of employees fell by 
25.1% to 5,724, for a total wage bill of CFAF 12.4  billion. In addition, Lot 3 of the 
Mouilaplantation  received RSPO certification in 2019 for sustainable social management. 
It should be remembered that some of SIAT's assets were bought by Olam, including the 
oil palm plantation. On 2  May 2019, Olam Palm Gabon ( OPG) announced that its Lot 3 oil 
palm plantation at Moutassou in Ngounié province had been awarded Roundtable on 
Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification.  
• Gabon aims to be self -sufficient in sugar. With this in mind, in 2020 the Gabonese 
Government award ed Sucrerie africaine du Gabon (Sucaf), Somdiaa's Gabonese 
subsidiary, 8,751 hectares of land in the province of Haut -Ogooué. This additional area 
should enable an increase in the country's sugar cane production not only to satisfy local 
demand, but also t o boost exports of by -products. Sucrerie africaine du Gabon aims to 
increase its production in order to expand in the subregion. According to TBE data, sugar 
production performed well in 2021. Production of 50  kg granulated sugar totalled 
26,004  tonnes, up  14.9% on the previous year, due to favourable weather conditions.  
• Oil palm development in large industrial units covering several  thousand  hectares in  the 
regions of  Estuaire, Moyen Ogooué, and Nyanga;  
• Development of rubber tree cultivation in the provinc es of Estuaire and Woleu -Ntem;  
• Development of coffee and cocoa plantations throughout the country and establishment 
of a coffee processing plant in the province of Haut Ogooué; and  
• Establishment of the Franceville special agricultural economic zone, where both cash and  
food crops will be developed.  
• Operational strengthening of the agricultural sector:  
 
• The Government has set up a number of public institutions, including the Gabonese Food 
Safety Agency (AGASA), to provide farmers with effective support and guarantee optimum 
yields.  
• In line with its agricultural development strategy, in 2015 Gabon adopted decrees laying 
down health conditions for both the sale and production of foodstuffs, including animal 
feed. Standards relating to the  shelf life and storage conditions of products, as well as 
health and hygiene conditions, and the packaging and labelling of animal products, are in 
force.  
• More recently, Law No.  040/2018 of 28  December  2018 establishes rational management 
and use of plant  protection products and lays down a related legal framework. AGASA 
grants administrative authori zations to producers, sellers and distributors of plant 
protection products in the country. It is also responsible for drawing up the national list of 
approved  plant protection products, carrying out risk assessments and publishing guides 
to good practice in agricultural production. Otherwise, pesticides and hazardous chemicals 
listed in Annex III to the Rotterdam Convention, together with most of the persistent  
organic pollutants in Annex A to the Stockholm Convention, remain banned from import 
for agricultural purposes.  
• The Plant Material Introduction, Adaptation, and Propagation Board (ORIAM);  
• The Agency for the Collection and Marketing of Food Products (ACCOP A); and  
• The National Agricultural Laboratory Board (ONALA).  
5.49.  In addition to setting up these public institutions, the Government has restructured the  
National Rural Development Board (ONADER), now the National Agency for Agricultural 
Development, which will  oversee major land -use, infrastructure, and agricultural -sector 
development projects.  
5.50.  In addition, the Government plans to create:  
• a skills centre aiming to strengthen the agricultural training and research system;  
• a food technology institute, aimed at, i nter alia, better organizing the value chain in terms 
of post-harvest techniques, processing technology, and packaging techniques; and  
• an agricultural development fund.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  5.5  Sustainable development and the National Climate Plan  
5.51.  Gabon ranks second in the world i n terms of the percentage of national territory allocated  for 
conservation. Almost 11 % of its territory, or 29,400 km2, is reserved for 13 national parks.  
5.52.  The Gabonese forest is part of the Congo Basin forest, which is the 2nd largest tropical forest 
and the 2nd largest carbon sink in the world after the Amazon.  
5.53.  Gabon is ranked 9th in Africa in the Environmental Performance Index.  
5.54.  Through a participatory process, Gabon has sought to increase its environmental protection 
efforts and include the issue of clim ate change in the implementation of its social project.  
5.55.  Thus, in December  2011, a National Climate Plan was adopted and presented at  the 
17th Conference of the parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 
(COP 17), held in Durban, S outh Africa. The objective of this Climate Plan is to reconcile 
environmental protection with sustainable economic development.  
5.6  Tourism and ecotourism: A fast -growing industry  
5.56.  To promote ecotourism, which today accounts for 20 % of international travel, Gab on is home 
to a wealth of diverse natural resources.  
5.57.  The Gabonese landscape has multiple tourist assets. Gabon has some of the world's most 
diverse flora and fauna. Numerous species can be found there, including elephants, gorillas, 
chimpanzees, hippopotam uses, crocodiles, humpback whales, dolphins, and turtles.  
5.58.  Gabon aims to develop a high -quality tourism industry based on protection of nature, 
conservation of biodiversity, and respect for local traditions.  
5.59.  The tourism and ecotourism sector is growing rapi dly. More than 90,000  foreign  tourists 
visited Gabon in 2011, spending an estimated CFAF  214 billion (approximately US D 411.5  million).  
5.6.1   Vision and objective for the sector  
5.60.  According to the forecast of the Minister Responsible for Tourism, the sector should  contribute 
some CFAF  1,000  billion to GDP by 2025, in comparison with 218  billion in 2009. Two  leading 
international investors have already made a commitment to Gabon: Aman Resorts and SFM Africa.  
5.61.  The authorities are working to develop physical and social infrastructure and the necessary 
institutions to welcome as many tourists as possible in a way which is both respectful of  the 
environment and economically and socially sustainable.  
5.62.  Gabon strives to become, by 2015, the number one African destinatio n for rainforest tourism 
and a model for national parks in the 21st century . 
5.7  Trade -related technical assistance needs  
5.63.  Although Gabon is not eligible for most trade -related technical assistance programmes, it  still 
has needs in the following areas:  
• regional trade agreements;  
• rules of origin;  
• Agreements on Trade -Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS);  
• Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures  
• safeguard measures;  
• electronic commerce;  
• the Fisheries Agreement.  
• increased participa tion of Gabonese civil servants in the capacity -building activities of the 
WTO and of other technical partners (training and assorted seminars);  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  • implementation of certain WTO agreements, particularly those relating to sanitary and  
phytosanitary measures (S PS), technical barriers to trade (TBT), TRIPS, and  customs  
valuation;  
• expansion of the country's commitments under the General Agreement on Trade in  
Services (GATS) to support the changes deriving from the PSGE;  
• support for the development of a national tr ade strategy; and  
• support for an investor -targeting policy.  
6  CONCLUSION  
6.1.  Regarding the economic outlook for 2022 and 2023,  national economic activity should evolve 
in a context of continued implementation of the Transformation Acceleration Plan 2021 -23 coupl ed 
with Gabon's Second Generation Economic and Financial Programme with the IMF, which would be 
severely tested by the repercussions of the Russia -Ukraine conflict on the global economy in general 
and the Gabonese economy in particular. Against this backdr op, economic activity in Gabon is 
expected to remain buoyant, growing by 3.1 % in 2022 before consolidating at 2.9 % in 2023. This 
growth is expected to be underpinned by both the oil sector, which is expected to post positive 
growth over the period followin g two consecutive years of decline, and the non -oil sector.  
6.2.  The oil sector is expected to be boosted by the resumption of investment following the gradual 
lifting of COVID -19 measures around the world, coupled with firm prices. It would also benefit from 
the end of the OPEC+ production quota policy, the production of new fields and the drilling of new 
oil wells. This sector is expected to grow by 4.8 % in 2022 and 4.5 % in 2023. The non -oil sector is 
expected to remain buoyant, albeit with growth slowing over  the period to 2.7 % in 2022 and 2.5 % 
in 2023.  
6.3.  The non -oil sector is set to benefit from the continuation of major infrastructure projects and 
the implementation of reforms aimed at boosting productivity in the agricultural and fishing sectors, 
moderni zing the forestry sector, enhancing mining activity and promoting other processing 
industries. It could also be boosted by the start of production from new manganese deposits at 
OKOUMA and LEBAYE, rail and sea transport benefiting from the good performance of m anganese 
production, and the establishment of new special economic zones (LAMBARENE and FRANCEVILLE), 
which would consolidate the buoyancy of the timber industries.  
6.4.  In addition, inflationary pressures are likely to increase as a result of the post -COVID -19 
economic stimulus measures, coupled with the supply chain malfunctions that have exacerbated 
global inflation and the effects of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. As a result, the 
Gabonese  economy is likely to see an acceleration in inflation to 4. 6% in 2022 (from 1.1 % in 2021), 
before falling back to 3.3 % in 2023.  
6.5.  With regard to the management of public finances,  the overall budget balance on an accruals 
basis, including grants, is expected to return to a surplus in 2022 and 2023 after having recor ded a 
deficit in 2020 and 2021. It is expected to reach 1.8 % of GDP in 2022 and 2.1 % of GDP in 2023, 
after -1.7% of GDP in 2021. The improvement in this balance would be mainly due to steady crude 
oil prices, combined with an increase in oil production. In  terms of foreign trade, the current account 
balance, including public transfers, is expected to remain in surplus in 2022 and 2023, boosted by 
buoyant oil prices and oil production. However, the surplus on this balance is set to shrink to 4.0 % 
of GDP in 2 022 and 2.4 % of GDP in 2023.  
6.6.  Net capital inflows will be negative in 2022, 2023 and 2021. They will not be offset in 2023, 
unlike in 2022, by the current account surplus. As a corollary, the overall balance of payments should 
be positive in 2022 before ret urning to a deficit in 2023. As a result, net foreign assets should return 
to positive territory in 2022, before falling again in 2023. They are set to rise by 26.2 % in 2022, 
after declining for three consecutive years, and to fall by 15.7 % in 2023. Lendin g to the economy is 
expected to maintain its upward trend in 2022 and 2023, while net claims on the State will contract 
by 4.2 % in 2022, followed by a 12.3 % increase in 2023. As a result of the changes in its 
counterparties, the money supply is set to rise  by 3.7 % in 2022 and 10.4 % in 2023.  
 WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  REPORT OF THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC  
1  INTRODUCTION  
1.1.  The Government of the Central African Republic underwent its first Trade Policy Review at the 
WTO in June  2007. This exercise enabled it to gauge the level of its multilateral commitments. 
Following the comments made  by WTO Members, the Central African Government undertook to 
improve its trade policy, taking account of the regional and  multilateral  dimensions. This report has 
been prepared as part o f the third Trade Policy Review of the Central African Republic and the second 
joint Trade Policy Review of the CEMAC countries. It outlines the status of the reforms and the 
commitments undertaken by the country at the bilateral, regional and multilateral  levels.  
1.2.  In 2019, the recovery of economic activity was consolidated thanks to the renewed confidence 
of economic agents following the signing of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation 
(APPR), the implementation of projects under the National  Recovery and Peacebuilding Plan (RCPCA) 
and the continued efforts by the authorities to settle domestic arrears.  
1.3.  In 2021, the country's economic situation was marked by a slight upturn in growth, linked to 
the continuation of operations to secure the enti re national territory, combined with the decline in 
the COVID -19 pandemic at both the international and national levels. This economic recovery is 
being driven by the renewed confidence of economic agents following the signing in 2019 and 
implementation of  the APPR, the implementation of projects under the RCPCA and the pursuit of 
economic and financial reforms supported by technical and financial partners.  
1.4.  These results are based, at the internal level, on the increase in the production and exportation 
of the main exports: diamonds (which rose by 105.6 % to 103,600 carats in 2021 from 50,400 carats 
in 2020) and gold (which increased by 113.9 % to 857.9 kg in 2021 from 401.1 kg). Similarly, the 
gradual settlement of the State's domestic arrears is having a sig nificant impact on the 
macroeconomic framework.  
2  ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  
2.1  Real sector  
2.1.  Real GDP growth was 1.1 % in 2021, compared to 0.6 % in 2020. This was mainly due to a good 
performance in the mining, food -producing agriculture, transport, telecommunications and hotel and 
restaurant subsectors.  
2.2.  In terms of supply, growth was driven solely by the primary sector, with a contribution of 
1.5 percentage points. By contrast, the tertiary sector made a negative contribution to growth of 
around -0.6 percentage points,  while the secondary sector made no contribution in 2021. The 
primary sector's positive 1.5 -point contribution to growth in 2021 was mainly due to the dynamism 
of food -producing agriculture and mining, which contributed 0.7 points and 1.6 points respective ly 
in 2021.  
2.3.  Food crops are still, by volume, the mainstay of agricultural production in the Central African 
Republic, providing an alternative for producers of cash crops such as coffee and cotton. The main 
crops are cassava, maize, groundnuts, sorghum, mi llet, sesame, yams, sweet bananas, plantain, 
rice, taro, beans and onions. Cassava crops occupy around 40 % of cultivated land and account for 
almost 60 % of agricultural food production by volume. For the 2020/21 season, the most recent 
estimates from the M inistry of Agriculture and Rural Development put production at 
1,199,048  tonnes, compared to 1,152,471 tonnes in the previous season, representing an increase 
of 4.0 %. This growth was linked to the continued implementation of the project to support 
agricul tural revival and the development of commercial agriculture, the project for livestock 
rehabilitation and agricultural production in the savannahs and the project to support the 
development of agricultural value chains in the savannahs.  
2.4.  In 2021, log produc tion reached a volume of 525,933 m³, compared to 593,856 m³ in 2020, 
representing a fall of 11.4 %. This development was the consequence of the rise in insecurity in the 
production zones of the south -west during the first quarter of 2021. At the same time, exports 
controlled by the customs services fell by 25.6 % in volume to 239,692 m³, compared to 322,177  m³ WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  at the end of December  2020, due to the fact that the country's main trade route, the Bangui -Beloko 
corridor, was blocked between January and March  2021. These exports generated CFAF  44.2 billion 
for forestry companies, compared to CFAF  50.7 billion a year earlier, representing a fall of 12.8 %. 
2.5.  In the mining sector, rough diamond production stood at 103,647.5 carats at the end of 
December  2021, compared to 50,410.6 carats a year earlier, representing an increase of 105.6 %. 
This exceptional performance was attributable to improved security conditions in the mining 
production areas in the west of the country, combined with the activities of the new mining c ompany, 
Compagnie Commerciale de l'Oubangui, CCO (Oubangui Commercial Company). All output was 
exported, totalling CFAF  6,391.1  million, compared to CFAF  4,024.4  million the previous year. Taxes 
levied on these exports therefore rose by 58.8 % to CFAF  255.6  million, compared to 
CFAF 161.0  million at the end of August  2020.  
2.6.  In the secondary sector, growth was underpinned by the strong performance of the 
construction and public works  and energy  sectors, each contributing 0.1 points in 2021. However, 
the contri bution of the manufacturing industries sector reduced growth by around 0.2 points in 2021. 
Sawn timber production fell to 50,518 m³ in 2021, a 0.9 % drop compared to 2020. The timber 
industry is still facing structural difficulties that are preventing it fr om developing, in particular the 
lack of investment in processing equipment. The rate of conversion of rough wood  into sawn timber 
was 9.6 % in 2021, whereas the Forestry Code provides for a floor rate of 70 %. In addition, only 
four forestry companies (SEFC A, IFB, CENTRABOIS and SOFOKAD) out of 12 are able to carry out 
primary processing of their rough wood  into sawn timber.  
2.7.  In 2021, the output of the main local industrial companies fell overall. In the agri -food sector, 
there was a drop in the production of  aerated beverages ( -20.2%), syrup ( -29.9%), palm oil 
(-54.1%), maize flour ( -30.8%) and sugar ( -3.8%), while production of beer (+1.6 %), soap 
(+26.9 %) and cigarettes (3.7 %) rose during the period under review. In the metal industry, 
production of aluminium household articles and metal sheets rose by 227.7 % and 103.0 % 
respectively.  
2.8.  The structural difficulties faced by the Central African manufacturing industry include financing 
constraints, sudden power cuts, dilapidated roads and transport infrastr ucture, heavy tax pressure 
on already formalized units, unfair competition from the informal sector and road and administrative 
issues caused by the constant stoppage of vehicles transporting materials and other products.  
2.9.  Electricity production in 2021 inc reased slightly by 1.8 % on 2020, due to the completion in 
August  2021 of work to double the capacity of the Boali 2 hydroelectric power station, financed by 
the African Development Bank, and the increase in the production capacity of the Bangui thermal 
power station. Drinking water production also rose slightly by 1.7 % as a result of an improved supply 
of water treatment chemicals and the provision of nine electric pumps to the Société de distribution 
d'eau centrafricaine, SODECA (Central African Water Supp ly Company) by the World Bank under the 
Water and Electricity Upgrading Project. The difficulties faced by Énergie Centrafricaine, ENERCA 
(Central African Energy Company) and SODECA continue to be the dilapidated state of network 
equipment, delays in the d elivery of chemicals ordered, the numerous losses due to fraud on the 
distribution network and cash flow problems caused by delays in the payment of invoices, particularly 
by government agencies.  
2.10.  The construction and public works sector saw a revival in ac tivity in 2021, thanks to the 
continued implementation of projects under the RCPCA and the dynamism of private investment. 
This performance was confirmed by a 6.7 % increase in turnover for the sector's leading companies.  
2.11.  The negative contribution of the te rtiary sector to growth stemmed mainly from government 
services, which saw a fall in external financing in 2021, with a contribution of -0.8 points, compared 
to +2.7 points in 2020. Trade sector activities fell by 6.9 %, reflecting the impact of the deterio ration 
in the national security climate during the first half of 2021, which led to difficulties affecting the 
supply and sale of goods within the country. This situation also had an impact on the road transport 
sector. The telecommunications sector contri buted 0.2 percentage points to growth, thanks to the 
strong performance of all companies in this sector and to the 16.6 % increase in the number of 
subscribers from 1,719,289 in December  2020 to 2,003,847 in December  2021.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  2.12.  With regard to demand , growth in 2 021 was stimulated by a revival in public consumption , 
which contributed 1.5 points in 2021, compared to -0.5 points a year earlier, in a context marked 
by an increase in military spending with a view to consolidating the progress made in terms of 
security . The growth in private consumption , with a contribution of 1.9 points in 2021 compared to 
a negative contribution of 1.2 points in 2020, was the result of the continued settlement of domestic 
arrears (social and commercial arrears) combined with spending as part of the elections at the 
beginning of the year. However, gross investment  hampered growth in 2021, with a contribution 
of -3.0 points compared to +1.2 points a year earlier, due to the slowdown in external financing and 
the blockage of the Bangui -Beloko corridor during the first quarter of the year.  
2.13.  Inflationary pressures increased in 2021, due to continuing security tensions in the hinterland 
and the blocking of the Bangui -Beloko trade corridor in the first quarter of 2021, which led to a surge 
in food prices. By the end of December  2021, the inflation rate had risen to an annual average of 
4.3%, compared with 1.6 % a year earlier.  
2.2  Price trends  
2.14.  By the end of December  2021, the inflation rate had risen to an annual average of 4.3 %, 
compared to 1.6 % a year earlier. Inflation was underpinned by continuing security tensions in the 
hinterland and the blocking of the Bangui -Beloko trade corridor in the first quarter of 2021, which 
led to a surge in food prices.  
2.3  Public finances  
2.15.  The Government has opted to pursue a prudent fiscal policy and to strengthen the treasury 
single account. Under these conditions, the 2021 Budget  Law has incorporated the measures 
prescribed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as part of the public fi nance reforms.  
2.16.  In 2021, the budget deficit (commitments basis, excluding grants ) fell slightly to 11.9 % of 
GDP (CFAF  164.9  billion), compared to 12.4 % of GDP (CFAF  164.8  billion) in 2020, thanks to the 
improved mobilization of tax revenue and enhanced moni toring of budget expenditure in a context 
of a lack of budgetary support.  
2.17.  Indeed, domestic revenue rose by 5.7 % in 2021 to reach CFAF  125.1  billion, compared to 
CFAF 118.3  billion in 2020, thanks to the remarkable performance of the customs administrations  
since April  2021, which have benefited from Russian technical assistance. Expenditure rose by 2.4 % 
to CFAF  290.8  billion in 2021, up from CFAF  283.1  billion a year earlier, mainly as a result of a sharp 
increase in security spending.  
2.18.  Overall, the manageme nt of public finances in 2021 resulted in an improvement in the primary 
deficit, from 6.6 % of GDP in 2020 to 5.9 % of GDP in 2021; in a slight decline in the basic budget 
deficit to 6.3 % of GDP in 2021, compared to 6.9 % a year earlier; and in a deterioratio n in the 
baseline fiscal balance to -6.9% of GDP in 2021, compared to -2.5% of GDP a year earlier. The 
State's expenditure needs rose to CFAF  182.6  billion in 2021. These needs were absorbed thanks to 
donations of CFAF  69.6 billion, project loans of CFAF  8.8 billion, external debt relief of 
CFAF 5.4 billion, bank financing of CFAF  20.4 billion and non -bank financing of CFAF  78.4 billion.  
2.4  Balance of payments  
2.19.  The current account deficit, excluding official donations, stood at 13.6 % of GDP in 2020 and 
11.6% of GDP in 2021, attributable mainly to developments in the income balance and transfers. 
Indeed, the trade deficit fell in 2021 to CFAF  160.9  billion, compared to CFAF  182.7  billion in 2020, 
due to the drop in the volume of imports of petroleum products.  
2.20.  In addition, the deficit of the services balance widened in 2021 to CFAF  65.2 billion, compared 
to CFAF  36.4 billion in 2020. This was essentially attributable to an increase in the services received 
by companies and government agencies, particularly in the m ilitary field. On the other hand, the 
income balance surplus fell to CFAF  71.2 billion in 2021 from CFAF  127.2  billion in 2020.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  2.21.  With regard to current transfers, the surplus balance fell considerably, from CFAF  127.2  billion 
in 2020 to CFAF  71.2 billion a year later, following the decline in current grants in the form of 
budgetary support.  
2.22.  The overall balance of payments deteriorated significantly in 2021, with a deficit of 
CFAF 65.7 billion, compared to a surplus of CFAF  5.0 billion the previous year. This  deficit was due 
to a reduction in official reserves of CFAF  60.3 billion and exceptional financing in the form of debt 
relief of CFAF  5.4 billion.  
2.5  Monetary situation  
2.23.  On 31  December  2021, the Central African Republic's monetary situation  was marked by a 
decrease in net foreign assets, an increase in lending to the economy and money supply and a 
comfortable external currency coverage ratio. Net foreign assets fell by 24.2 % to CFAF  67.2 billion 
at the end of December  2021, mainly as a result of the decline in  foreign capital inflows. At the same 
time, the external currency coverage ratio rose to 97.4 % at 31 December  2021, compared to 84.2 % 
in 2020.  
2.24.  Lending to the economy increased by 13.6 % to CFAF  185.7  billion in 2021, in line with the 
growth in economic acti vity. As a result, money supply rose by 13.5 % to CFAF  493.4  billion at 
31 December  2021. External reserves rose to amount to seven months' worth of imports of goods 
and services in 2021, compared to 5.9 months' worth in 2020.  
2.6  Situation in the banking secto r 
2.25.  Overall, the Central African banking system, which comprises four banks, continued to 
perform well in 2021, as a result of the improved economic outlook and renewed confidence among 
economic agents. The growth of the banking sector in 2021 involved a 12. 6% rise in the balance 
sheet, an 11.2 % increase in customer deposits and a 23 % rise in gross loans. The quality of the 
loan portfolio improved as a result of prudential easing. The rate of overdue debt fell from 17.5 % at 
the end of December  2020 to 14.1 % at 31 December  2021.  
2.26.  With regard to the prudential analysis, at the end of Dece mber 2021, two out of the four 
banks had sufficient net equity to meet all prudential standards based on this aggregate, compared 
to three banks on the same date the previous year. The prudential standards most complied with 
are those relating to the conve rsion coefficient, the coverage of fixed assets by permanent resources, 
the overall limit for major risks, the coverage of risks by net equity and the minimum capital 
representation. The standards on commitments concerning related parties and the reserve r atio are 
those of which the greatest number of banks are in breach.  
3  TRADE POLICY  
3.1  Trade policy objectives and instruments  
3.1.  The Commercial Code guarantees the freedom to import, subject to compliance with the 
conditions set out in the legislation in force. It  stipulates that: "Any natural or legal person who 
imports goods from a foreign country to be marketed or processed in the Central African Republic is 
required to prepare a commercial import declaration (DIC)." The person must first be registered on 
the co mmercial and personal property credit register and obtain a tax identification number by 
paying a sum of between CFAF  18,000 and CFAF  36,000, depending on the legal nature of the 
business.  
3.2.  The person must meet the following conditions in order to carry out  their activities: 
(i) authorization must be obtained from the relevant ministry and approval must be obtained from 
the Ministry of Trade and Industry; (ii) they must hold a professional trader's card.  
3.3.  Any natural or legal person marketing goods originatin g in the Central African Republic abroad 
is required to prepare a commercial export declaration (DEC).  
3.4.  The import procedure is now as follows: For all requests concerning imports with a value of 
CFAF 500,000 or more, a DIC must be submitted to the Director ate-General of Customs; the WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  importer must provide their pro forma  invoice and pay CFAF  140,000 to Customs before submission 
of the DIC. However, imports and exports with a value of less than CFAF  500,000 must be declared 
to the Chamber of Commerce, Industr y, Mines and Crafts.  
3.5.  The provisions of Decree No.  20333 apply to all sectors of the national economy, to all 
operations involving the production and/or marketing of products and services and to all distribution 
activities carried out on national territory by natural or legal persons, whether public, semi -public or 
private.  
3.6.  Decree No.  20.335 defines the conditions for working as a trader, with regard to activities 
involving trade in goods and services. The rules relating to trader status and commercial trans actions 
are set out in the provisions of the Uniform Act of the Organization for the Harmonization of Business 
Law in Africa (OHADA) relating to general commercial law.  
3.7.  A draft law on the organization of foreign trade is currently being examined by the Nat ional 
Assembly and clearly sets out the conditions under which import and export operations are carried 
out, improving the clarity of the legal framework governing foreign trade.  
Preshipment inspection  
3.8.  Between 2003 and 2018, the Central African Republic had a contract with Bureau Veritas 
(BIVAC), a private French company, to combat undervaluation, in particular through the use of 
reference values. BIVAC was mandated to carry out the physical identification of all goods or 
products intended for im portation into the Central African Republic at the place of production, 
storage or dispatch. It determined the scale of each of its interventions based on the type of products 
to be checked and the production processes and checks carried out by the manufac turers, in 
compliance with the WTO Agreement on Preshipment Inspection.  
3.9.  Specifically, BIVAC was required to apply the following procedures:  
• mandatory preshipment inspection for all imports;  
• issuance of a compulsory verification certificate for customs clea rance operations, which 
must be a requirement for customs dossiers;  
• requirement to submit DICs and requirement for DICs and inspection verification 
certificates at border crossings;  
• depending on the contract, BIVAC's inspection covered the verification of documents and 
of the quality, quantity, price, origin, tariff position and customs value of goods imported 
into the Central African Republic, in addition to verification of the sealing of containers, 
the eligibility of goods for a particular customs proced ure and other specific aspects (for 
example, checking that pharmaceuticals showed the dates of manufacture and the expiry 
dates).  
3.10.  The contract with BIVAC was terminated at the end of April  2019. This company's 
responsibilities have now been transferred to the SGS.  
3.11.  Order No.  0432 requires all importing natural or legal persons to submit a DIC for imports 
with an f.o.b value of CFAF  500,000 or more. To obtain the DIC, a virtual transaction dossier is 
completed online by the importer on the portal of the Direc torate -General of Customs, which, once 
validated by Ministry of Trade and Industry officials, becomes valid. The validated pre -import 
declaration is a compulsory document that must be attached to all customs declarations with a value 
of CFAF  1,000,000 or m ore. It is prepared by the company Web Fontaine via the Directorate -General 
of Customs platform, within a maximum of three days after confirmation of the order by the importer 
and the study of the values and tariff headings mentioned on the DIC. The fee ch arged by Web 
Fontaine is 1 % of the f.o.b value of the import, plus VAT. The customs declaration prepared by the 
operator must include the declaration number. A DIC may group together several declarations or 
T1s. Failure to comply with the above procedure e xposes offenders to a fine equal to 20 % of the 
c.i.f value of the goods in question.  
3.12.  Since 2008, all imports (and exports) of non -exempt goods have been subject to an electronic 
cargo tracking note (ECTN), the aim of which is to guarantee the traceability of goods imported into 
the Central African Republic. The ECTN was implemented under a contract between the company WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  Antaser and the Government that came into force in 2008. Importers must pay the following fees 
for the issuance of the ECTN:  
• used vehicle: EU R 50 to 100, depending on tonnage;  
• 20-foot container: EUR  50; 
• 40-foot container: EUR  100; 
• less-than-container -load cargo: EUR  5 per metric tonne for each individual bill of lading. 
Minimum EUR  50 per ECTN.  
3.13.  Export charges are as follows:  
• coffee/bag: EUR  5 W/M; 
• cotton/ball: EUR  5 W/M;  
• gold: 2.5 % of the value;  
• diamond: 2.5 % of the value;  
• tobacco: EUR  5 W/M;  
• wood: EUR  15/tonne;  
• miscellaneous goods: EUR  5 W/M;  
• 20-foot container: EUR  50; 
• 40-foot container: EUR  100. 
3.14.  This privilege has been extended to exports sinc e 1 March  2018. If goods are unloaded in the 
Central African Republic without advance payment of this fee, a fine of CFAF  80,000 (EUR  122) is 
levied for each declaration.  
3.2  Tariff and customs policy, including rules of origin  
3.15.  According to Article 26.1 of the  CEMAC Customs Code, the customs value of imported goods 
is their transaction value, that is, the price actually paid or payable for these goods when sold for 
export to the member State of importation, adjusted in accordance with the provisions of Article 27. 
For the determination of the cost of insurance to be incorporated in the customs value, the 2017 
Budget  Law provides that, under the last recourse method, in the event that an invoice is 
unavailable, the insurance value is set as follows:  
• for imports b y air, the insurance value is equal to 2.5 % of the cost and freight value;  
• in the case of imports by land via a port in the subregion, the insurance value is equal to 
3% of the cost and freight value.  
3.16.  The Central African Republic continues to comply with the provisions of Article VII of the GATT: 
Elimination of reference values.  
3.17.  As a CEMAC member State, the Central African Republic applies its common external tariff 
(CET) to imports of goods not originating in CEMAC. The CET comprises five product cat egories 
defined as follows:  
• certain cultural and aviation -related products are taxed at zero;  
• essential goods are taxed at 5 %; 
• raw materials and capital goods are taxed at 10 %; 
• intermediate and miscellaneous goods are taxed at 20 %; 
• daily consumer goods are  taxed at 30 %. 
3.18.  An interministerial committee responsible for tax and customs exemptions has been set up 
by order. This committee has put an end to all exemptions on tobacco; alcohol; fuels and lubricants; 
IT consumables; office supplies; spare parts for mo tor vehicles; motorbikes; perfumes and toilet 
waters; body deodorants and anti -perspirants; beauty and make -up products; hair preparations 
(shampoos and hairsprays); pre -shave, shaving and aftershave preparations; and wristwatches. In 
order to prevent the non-renewal of their exemption, all beneficiaries of a customs exemption are 
required to provide the Directorate -General of Customs and Indirect Taxation with annual proof of 
the use and consumption of all goods for which they benefited from these privileg es during the 
previous year.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  3.19.  The Central African Republic grants duty and tax exemptions to authorized companies under 
the National Investment Charter, the Forestry Code, the Mining Code and the Oil Code. Duty  and 
tax exemptions also apply to goods importe d by State structures and public entities.  
3.20.  Some of the products exempted originate from CEMAC and some from third countries. An 
exemption committee has been set up at the Ministry of Finance and Budget to examine exemption 
requests. Article 42 of Act No.  2/92 states: "exemptions granted on an exceptional  basis  by 
Ministers of Finance or National Directors of Customs shall be abolished".  
3.21.  The following products have been reclassified:  
• frozen fish: 20 % of the customs value;  
• wheat flour: 5 % of the customs value ; 
• oil: 30 % of the customs value . 
3.22.  The Central African Republic grants tariff preferences to imports from other CEMAC member 
countries. The CEMAC rules of origin apply nationally in the Central African Republic. Depending on 
the procedure, the national appro val committee receives applications for approval from industrial 
companies operating in the Central African Republic for examination. If the application is declared 
admissible by the national committee, it is forwarded to CEMAC, which submits it to the Reg ional 
Origin Committee. The National Committee for the Approval of Industrial Products Originating in 
CEMAC was set up by Order No.  0039/MCI/DIR -CAB of 14  February  2011, but is not yet operational.  
3.23.  The national committee meets when convened by its members and decides on the products 
presented for examination. Approved applications are forwarded to CEMAC for approval. The Central 
African Republic submitted files on 14 products for two companies at the Regional Origin Committee 
meeting held in Douala from 20 to 24  February  2020, with a view to obtaining CEMAC origin 
approval.  
3.24.  On 22  September  2020, the National Committee for the Approval of Industrial Products 
Originating in CEMAC held a meeting to raise awareness among representatives of national industrial 
companies of the Committee's activities, and informed them about preparations for the second 
statutory meeting of the Regional Origin Committee concerning products approved under the CEMAC 
Generalized Preferential Tariff, which was scheduled for November  2020 in Ndjamena.  
3.25.  With regard to VAT, the rates applied in the Central African Republic are as follows:  
• a general rate of 19 % applicable to all taxable transactions and to transactions carried out 
by persons referred to in paragraph 9 of Article 247 of the Ge neral Tax Code;  
• the 0% rate applicable to exports, their accessories and related international transport;  
• a reduced rate of 5 % applicable to the following products:  
• milk and cream, not concentrated, containing added sugar or other imported 
sweeteners;  
• imported edible vegetables, plants, roots and tubers;  
• imported insecticides and pesticides;  
• other removables for medicine and surgery;  
• books other than school books;  
• imported meat and poultry;  
• dentists' chairs.  
3.26.  VAT is  levied on goods for home consumption irrespective of their origin (including goods of  
CEMAC  origin). Some staple goods, whether imported or produced locally, are in principle exempt 
from VAT.  
3.27.  Exports, their accessories and international transport are subject to the zero rate regim e. 
3.28.  The 2018 Budget  Law exempts the following essential goods from VAT: locally produced meat 
and poultry; locally produced fish; milk and cream, not concentrated, containing added sugar or 
other sweeteners; bread; edible vegetables, plants, roots and tuber s; locally produced fruit and 
vegetables; infant food preparations; quinine and its salts; insulin and its salts; antibiotics; WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  pharmaceutical products; triple combination drugs; dental wax; photographic film for X-ray; 
insecticides and pesticides; hygiene or pharmaceutical articles, of rubber (including teats of 
vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber, with or without fittings of hard rubber); condoms; other 
hygiene articles; surgical gloves; books; glasses for spectacles; medical, surgical or laboratory 
sterilizers; carriages for disabled persons; spectacles and the like (corrective, protective or other); 
medical apparatus for ophthalmic analysis; dentists' chairs; other removables for medicine and 
surgery; first consumption tier; glands and other organs f or organo -therapeutic uses; fertilizers; 
soaps; organic surface -active agents; photographic or cinematographic goods; miscellaneous 
chemical products; rubber and articles thereof; paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, of 
paper or of paperboard; pri nted books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing 
industry; manuscripts or typescripts; glasses for medical spectacles; spark -ignition reciprocating or 
rotary internal combustion piston engines; wheelchairs and others; aircraft and spacec raft; and 
optical instruments and apparatus.  
3.29.  Exemptions under the 2008 Budget  Law: milk and cream, not concentrated, containing added 
sugar or other imported sweeteners; imported vegetables, plants, roots and tubers; imported 
insecticides and pesticides; o ther removables for medicine and surgery; books other than school 
books; imported meat and poultry; and dentists' chairs.  
3.30.  List of products subject to excise duty (2008 Budget  Law): beverages (alcoholic and 
non-alcoholic); cigarettes and tobacco; perfumes a nd cosmetics; jewellery; precious stones; arms 
and ammunition; frozen Pacific salmon; livers, roes and milt of fish, dried or smoked; caviar and 
foie gras.  
3.31.  The Central African Republic levies an excise duty of 30 % on cigarettes and tobacco and 25 % 
on alcoh olic beverages; motor vehicles and motorbikes; arms and ammunition; jewellery and 
precious stones; perfumes and cosmetics, including toothpaste and dental floss; and televisions and 
cameras (2020 Budget  Law). A rate of 10 % is applied to non -alcoholic beverages; however, the 
taxes on alcoholic beverages produced locally are not being paid, which is  inconsistent with the 
principle of national treatment. The exemption from VAT also applies to excise duty.  
3.32.  An additional specifi c excise duty has been levied since 2018 on alcohol and tobacco, as 
follows:  
• beer: CFAF  30/litre;  
• champagne: CFAF  1,000/litre;  
• other sparkling wines: CFAF  600/litre;  
• red, white and rosé wine (bottled): CFAF  600/litre;  
• red, white and rosé wine (boxed): CFAF  300/litre;  
• brandy, whisky, rum, gin and vodka: CFAF  1,500/litre;  
• cigars: CFAF  600/cigar;  
• cigarillos: CFAF  250/unit;  
• cigarettes: CFAF  30 per pack of 20 cigarettes.  
3.3  Export taxes  
3.33.  The registration formalities applicable to the import of goods for commercial p urposes also 
apply to export. The export of precious stones, as well as forest products, is  subject to specific 
conditions of approval. Only mining companies, authorized purchasing offices and organized and 
approved mining cooperatives (for exports of at l east CFAF  20 million, about EUR  31,000) may 
export precious stones and precious and semi -precious metals. The Bureau for the Valuation and 
Control of Diamonds and Gold, a state body, values gold and diamonds for the purpose of  applying 
export duties and ta xes. The preshipment inspection regime, entrusted to BIVAC, applies  to exports 
as well as imports. All exports require an export declaration, as well as  a customs declaration. A 
document showing the foreign currency committed, endorsed by the bank with whi ch the transaction 
is domiciled, is also required for all export transactions. The foreign exchange undertaking consists 
in the obligation to repatriate export earnings from countries outside CEMAC, and convert them into 
CFA francs within 30 days of the go ods being shipped.  
3.34.  The various taxes applied to diamonds for export are set out in the Mining Code, which the 
Ministry of Mines and Geology plans to revise in order to make it more incentivizing and attractive WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  to foreign investment, in line with the recomm endations of the private sector promotion forum held 
in 2015. In practice, the budget  laws set the rates for exports of precious stones and metals.  
3.35.  Exports of goods are subject to a number of exit duties and taxes, with the exception of VAT. 
These duties a nd taxes include:  
• the 0.50 % levy on computer equipment for finance (REIF);  
• a levy in the form of a 3 % advance on income tax or corporation tax for exports of a 
commercial nature ; 
• economic operators not subject to income tax or corporation tax pay the minim um flat 
rate tax of 3 %, with the exception of coffee exporters.  
3.36.  Gold, diamonds, wood, livestock and live wild animals are subject to special export duty and 
tax regimes.  
For gold:  
 
• the exit duty is 1.25 %; 
• the minimum flat rate tax is 3 %; 
• the Mining Industry Development Project (PDSM) fee is 0.5 %; 
• the REIF is 0.50 %. 
For diamonds:  
 
• the exit duty is 2 %; 
• the minimum flat rate tax is 3 %; 
• the PDSM fee is 0.75 %; 
• the REIF is 0.50 %; 
• the Permanent Secretariat of the Kimberley Process fee is 0.5 %. 
3.37.  As a founding  member of the Kimberly Process since 2003, the Central African Republic 
complies with the operational framework for the diamond export regime. The exit duty is subject to 
the issuance of a certificate of conformity issued by the Kimberly Process after ver ification of the 
traceability document. With the crisis in the Central African Republic in 2013, rough diamond exports 
were suspended. The partial lifting of the ban in June  2016 means that the country can only export 
products from five sub -prefectures in the south -west that have been declared compliant zones.  
3.38.  Export duty is 8 % on rough wood  and 4 % on sawn wood, based on the f.o.b. value determined 
twice yearly in  a joint order issued by the Ministers responsible for forests and for finance. Livestock 
is subject to  an export tax (CFAF  1,000/head of cattle; CFAF  500/head of small livestock).  
3.39.  A DEC must be filed for all goods being exported or re -exported. However, Article 14 of the 
draft law governing foreign trade prohibits the re -exportation of products intended for local 
consumption that benefit from tax and customs exemptions or reductions, unless the customs duties 
and taxes payable on entry into the country are paid at the time of re -exportation.  
3.40.  The export of rough wood  is subject to clea rance by the Ministry of Water, Forestry, Hunting 
and Fishing.  
3.4  Standardization, quality, sanitary and phytosanitary measures  
3.41.  The Ministry of Trade and Industry has a Directorate for Standardization and Quality, which 
is responsible for developing and imple menting government policy on standardization, accreditation 
and the promotion of quality. Law No.  19.354 sets out the legal framework for the organization of 
standardization and quality promotion activities, in accordance with the CEMAC regulations on 
quality policy in Central Africa. The draft law establishing the National Standardization Agency is 
currently before the National Assembly for adoption. Law No.  19.004 on standardization, certification 
and quality promotion was adopted on 10  May 2019, and Law No. 19.008 establishing the metrology 
system in the Central African Republic was adopted on 24  May 2019.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
- 138 - 
  3.42.  Since its last Trade Policy Review in 2013, the Central African Republic has notified the 
WTO SPS Committee of three measures: two ordinary and one eme rgency. However, an SPS enquiry 
point, a notification authority and a national SPS Committee were set up by Interministerial Order 
No. 005 of  13 March  2012. The lack of an operational SPS system and inadequate infrastructure are 
two of the main constraints  on the development of trade and the quality of local products. Another 
notification to the WTO relates to a ban on the import of certain products containing mercury.  
3.43.  The production, import and sale of iodized salt for human and animal consumption are subj ect 
to controls in order to protect human and animal health. The import and marketing of saccharine 
are controlled in order to protect human health. It is forbidden to collect, or trade in, ivory.  
3.44.  The import and marketing of cellular telephones require pri or authorization by the Minister 
responsible for telecommunications. However, the 1996 law on the liberalization of the 
telecommunications sector allows licensed operators to import and market such telephones. 
However, the regulator may intervene for safet y reasons and to ensure state security.  
3.45.  The law regulating livestock farming in the Central African Republic covers a number of points, 
including technical standards. It continues to be applied. The Ministry of Health is responsible for 
applying sanitary m easures in relation to human health and food, and the Ministry of Agriculture is 
responsible for phytosanitary measures. It  is also responsible for safeguarding animal health. All 
such activities are carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Trade an d Industry. There is a 
National Codex Alimentarius Committee created by  Interministerial Order No.  0045 of 
18 March  2011.  
3.46.  Law No.  20.017 aims to eliminate the spread in the natural environment of plastic waste 
generated by the non -rational use of non -biode gradable plastic packaging and bags; further protect 
public health and hygiene; preserve the quality of soil, water and air; improve the living environment 
of the population; and promote the use of biodegradable plastic packaging and bags.  
3.47.  Law No.  19.004 o f 10 May 2019 sets out the legal framework for the organization of 
standardization and quality promotion activities, in accordance with international and community 
provisions, including the CEMAC regulations on quality policy in Central Africa. Law No.  19.008 of 
24 June 2019 establishes the national metrology system in the Central African Republic, in 
accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of 30  March  2016, international trade 
agreements, the Metre Convention and the Convention establishing the International Organization 
of Legal Metrology.  
3.5  Competition and consumer protection  
3.48.  In addition to the CEMAC competition regulations, the provisions of which are in principle 
directly applicable in all member States, the Central African Republic has a natio nal competition 
regime contained in Law No.  16.006 of 30  December  2016 establishing the country's Commercial 
Code. The regulatory framework in place covers several relevant aspects: pricing regimes for basic 
necessities, goods and services of all kinds; ma rket transparency; certain anti -competitive practices; 
standards governing commercial transactions (with a view to protecting consumers); the 
suppression of economic fraud; stockholding; recording, etc. The decree implementing the law has 
been drafted and signed and the National Competition Commission is in the process of being set up. 
Decree No.  20.333 setting out the terms and conditions for the application of certain provisions of 
Law No.  16.006 of 30  December  2016 establishing the Commercial Code in the  Central African 
Republic, relating to competition, was signed on 10  September  2020. Decree No.  20.332 setting out 
the operating procedures of the National Competition Commission was also signed on 
10 September  2020.  
3.49.  Consumer protection is also one of the objectives of the law establishing the Commercial Code 
in the Central African Republic. It focuses on market transparency and consumer product quality. 
Traders are thus obliged to inform consumers of the prices of the goods or services on offer and to 
provide an invoice at the customer's request. The following are in the process of being adopted:  
• the law on standardization;  
• the law on metrology . WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  3.50.  Decree No.  20.336 setting out the operating procedures of the National Consumption 
Commission was signed on 10 September  2020.  
3.6  Investment  
3.51.  The Investment Charter is the main regulatory framework for investments at the national 
level. It was adopted in  2001 and is a transposition of community provisions in this field. It covers 
companies active in the following ar eas: processing of products of plant or animal origin; 
manufacturing or processing; energy production; construction of buildings of an economic, social 
and industrial nature; public works and civil engineering; collection, storage, packaging and  
processing  of agricultural and food products; study and research; merchandise transport; laboratory 
analysis, testing or production of chemicals and pharmaceutical products; book production and  
printing; assembly and maintenance of industrial, transport, telecommuni cations and  electronics 
equipment; and manufacture of chemical and food products to be used as inputs by other industrial 
companies.  
3.52.  A new Investment Charter was instituted by Law No.  18.006 of 11  January  2018, and has 
been promulgated. It contains a numbe r of innovations in terms of tax and customs benefits to make 
the Charter much more attractive. The scope of application has been extended. The issue of land 
has been taken into account, as well as VAT deduction.  
3.53.  Several sectoral investment codes are in fo rce. These include: (i) the Electricity Code, which 
sets out common rules for the production, transmission, distribution, import, export and sale of 
electricity in the Central African Republic. It also defines the procedures for the organization and 
operat ion of the electricity sector, access to the market, the criteria and procedures applicable to 
calls for tender and the granting of authorizations, as well as the operation of networks. (ii) The 
Crafts Code sets out the rules applicable to the crafts secto r and particularly activities such as the 
extraction, production, processing, maintenance and repair of goods, as well as the various services 
provided, excluding agricultural, fishing, transport, purchasing and resale activities; (iii) The 
SME/SMI Code ai ms to regulate and promote the activities of SMEs/SMIs in the Central African 
Republic. It applies to SMEs/SMIs operating in the primary sector (agriculture, livestock, hunting, 
fishing, mining, etc.), the secondary sector (processing and manufacturing ind ustries) and the 
tertiary sector (trade in services, etc.).  
3.54.  It is also worth mentioning the Mining Code, the Forestry Code, the Code for the Protection 
of Wild Fauna and Regulating Hunting Activities, the Environment Code and the Water Code.  
3.7  Services  
3.55.  Overa ll, regulations governing the services sector are diverse and sparse, except as pertains 
to the telecommunications sector and lawyers' services, both of which are governed by new laws. 
Several sectors (banking, insurance, transport), as well as certain lib eral professions, are partly 
regulated at the community level.  
3.56.  With regard to telecommunications, the Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ART), 
operational since 2004, manages frequencies, grants licences and levies fees and  other charges for 
various tel ecommunications services. It acts as an arbitrator for interconnections, for which the 
agreements are negotiated among operators; the ART intervenes only in cases of anti -competitive 
practices. Telecommunications services are subject to a system of licensi ng or authorization, except  
for some services (mainly private) subject to a system of simple declaration. The  Ministry  of 
Telecommunications and New Information Technologies formulates the sectoral telecommunications 
policy, in particular with respect to p rivatization and opening up to new providers. The Ministry 
awards provider licenses by means of an Order. The ART allocates radio frequency bands.  
3.57.  The provision of domestic air transport services is regulated by Law No.  65.063 
of 29 July 1965, which in pri nciple prohibits cabotage by foreign companies. The regulatory 
framework for river transport includes the CEMAC/DRC Internal Navigation Code (1999) and various 
memorandums of understanding with the DRC and the Republic of the Congo; Decree No.  12.113 of 
5 June 2012 organizing the river and maritime professions and auxiliary transport professions; and 
Decree No.  09.184 of 19  June 2009 and its subsequent texts organizing water transport in the WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  Central African Republic. There is no law governing subsectors suc h as maintenance, cabotage and 
piloting.  
3.58.  Under Article 10 of  Decree No.  09.036 of 23  June 2009, foreign transport companies may only 
provide commercial services in the Central African Republic if they are authorized to do so and 
designated by their countri es of origin and approved by the aviation authorities of the Central African 
Republic. The Directorate -General of Civil Aviation and Meteorology is responsible for managing 
airports.  
3.59.  The Law on the status of lawyers' profession creates a bar at each Court of Appeal in order to  
encourage lawyers to open practices in the hinterland so that the justice system can be  more 
accessible to all citizens; it introduces a National Council of Bars, stipulates that the  
Certificat  d'aptitude à la profession d'avocat  (a postgraduate legal qualification needed to  practice 
as a solicitor or barrister) must be awarded by a professional centre for the training of  Central African 
lawyers, the organization and functioning of which are laid down by decree, though that decree has 
not yet been made public. Article 111 prescribes that a lawyer who is  elected to  the office of President 
of the country or appointed to the post of Minister or to any other government position is removed 
from the roster for the duration of the term of offi ce. That law does not limit market access or 
national treatment for foreign nationals.  
3.60.  Opening a lawyer's office requires, in addition to the technical approval of the Ministry of 
Justice, an approval issued by the single window for business formalities. U nder an old order issued 
by the Ministry  of Justice, the opening of new law firms is still suspended.  
3.61.  The Law governing tourism activities requires tourist activities to be authorized by the Minister 
responsible for tourism. The authorization required to s et up an enterprise is free of cost; at the 
operational stage, travel agencies must obtain a license (for a fee of CFAF  500,000, or the equivalent 
of EUR  762), and  approval is required for other activities (for a fee ranging from CFAF  100,000 for 
unclassif ied establishments to CFAF  2 million for classified establishments).  
3.8  Government procurement  
3.62.  The law establishing the Government Procurement Code in the Central African Republic sets 
out government procurement and public service concession procedures, irres pective of the value 
involved. These procedures are subject to the following principles: free access to government 
procurement, equal treatment of candidates, cost effectiveness and efficiency of the procurement 
process and transparency of procedures. The law also applies to procedures for awarding, executing 
and settling public contracts and to public service concession procedures in the country, 
implemented by the contracting authorities referred to in Articles 4 and 5 of the Government 
Procurement Code. This law strengthens the role of contracting authorities in the government 
procurement process. It also deals with subcontracting, specifying that a candidate for the contract 
who plans to subcontract at least 30 % of the total value of the contract to a co mpany from a CEMAC 
member State may benefit from a margin of preference. However, subcontracting more than 40 % 
of the total value of a contract is prohibited.  
3.63.  The law provides for a national and community preference for companies with their registered 
office in a CEMAC member State, which may benefit from the following preference rules:  
• less than 15 % for national companies;  
• less than 10 % for companies based in CEMAC countries.  
3.64.  It also provides for a dispute resolution mechanism in the event of an appeal bef ore: 
• the contracting authority;  
• the non -jurisdictional authority;  
• the dispute resolution committee within the Government Procurement Regulatory 
Authority.  
3.65.  The dispute resolution committee has been gradually set up since 2017, following the events 
the count ry has experienced.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  3.9  Trade facilitation  
3.66.  The Central African Republic is an original member of the WTO. Between 1995 and 2010 and 
since 2013 it has been subject to "administrative measures" regarding sanctions against countries 
that have remained in arrears in the payment of their contributions, and this is limiting its 
participation in WTO decision -making bodies.  
3.67.  With regard to the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), it should be noted that: (i) the 
Central African Republic has set up its national TFA co mmittee; (ii) it ratified the TFA in 
January  2018; (iii) and finally that it notified category A measures in 2017, and category B and C 
measures in 2019. Awareness -raising and training workshops for committee members and managers 
of institutions responsibl e for implementing the TFA were organized by the WTO, the International 
Trade Centre, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and the World Customs 
Organization respectively, both virtually (through online courses) and in person.  
3.10  Trade defen ce 
3.68.  The Central African Republic has no specific trade defence measures. However, it applies 
WTO rules on safeguards and unfair competition (anti -dumping). All these measures have been 
taken into account in the draft law on foreign trade, currently before the National Assembly for 
adoption.  
3.11  Other information  
3.69.  Interconnection is an important pillar of the Multiannual Strategic Plan for Central African 
Customs. It is a major concern for both the customs and supervisory authorities. In this connection, 
the ASYCUDA World System project was implemented and the migration from the ASYCUDA++ 
system to ASYCUDA World became effective at the end of May  2023.  
3.70.  Thanks to this system, all services in Bangui are interconnected, as are the Béloko revenue 
office and the  single window, which, in turn, is connected to Cameroonian Customs. The vision of 
the Director -General of Customs and Indirect Duties is to extend this privilege to all customs services 
throughout the Central African Republic and beyond to other sister cu stoms services in 
CEMAC  countries.  
3.71.  Central African Customs is facing enormous difficulties with regard to past customs statistics. 
Indeed, it is worth noting that this institution has not been spared the consequences of the multiple 
military and political crises that the country has experienced. Following the vandalism orchestrated 
against the customs services, all previous data was taken. However, with the consolidation of 
security and peace, Central African Customs has been restored between 2016  and the present day 
through several structural reforms and the modernization of procedures. The IT and statistics 
department, which has been able to recover certain data and has recent data at its disposal, will 
shortly be making all information relating to tax revenue available for all useful purposes.  
4  CONCLUSION  
4.1.  The macroeconomic outlook for 2022 and 2023 is generally favourable. The economic, 
socio-political, health and security environment is likely to be more stable than in 2020 and 2021, 
and therefor e more favourable to growth and economic development. Against this backdrop, the 
Central African economy is expected to pick up again, with growth  continuing to recover, reaching 
1.8% in 2022 and 2.2 % in 2023. The boom in primary sector activities, the pur suit of structural 
economic reforms supported by the government authorities and the effective launch of the 
multimodal Corridor 13 project aimed at diversifying supply routes to the Central African Republic, 
particularly from Congo and the Democratic Repub lic of the  Congo, should contribute to this growth.  
4.2.  As far as the general level of consumer prices is concerned, strong inflationary pressures are 
expected to be seen in 2022 and 2023, due to the rise in the price of petroleum products and its 
impact on th e basic basket. The inflation rate is set to rise significantly to 4.3 % in 2022 and 5.2 % 
in 2023.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
- 142 - 
  4.3.  The execution of public finances should result in an improvement in the budget balance 
(commitments basis, including grants), with the deficit contracting in 2022 to 1.9 % of GDP, before 
returning to a surplus of 0.2 % of GDP in 2023. The improvement in this balance is expected to be 
linked to the successful mobilization of domestic revenues and the rationalization of expenditure in 
the context of the implementat ion of an IMF -supported programme.  
4.4.  In terms of foreign trade, the current account deficit, including public transfers, is expected to 
deteriorate slightly to 10.6 % of GDP in 2022, before contracting again to 10.4 % of GDP in 2023. 
Finally, the monetary situ ation is expected to strengthen in 2022 and 2023. Net foreign assets are 
expected to grow by 3.9 % in 2022 and 64.5 % in 2023. Net domestic credit is expected to grow by 
7.8% in 2022 before contracting by 1.2 % in 2023. These trends would result in money supp ly growth 
of 8.5 % in 2022 and 7.0 % in 2023.  
 WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
- 143 - 
  REPORT OF CHAD  
1  INTRODUCTION  
1.1.  As part of the grouped Trade Policy Review of Member States of the Central African Economic 
and Monetary Community (CEMAC), Chad is to undergo its third Trade Policy Review.  
1.2.  Located in the centre of Africa, Chad has an area of 1,284,000 km2. It is entirely landlocked, 
and is bounded in the north by Libya, south by the Central African Republic, east by the Sudan, and 
west by Cameroon, Nigeria and the Niger. The closest seaport is the port of Douala, Cameroon,  
1,700  kilometres from N'Djamena. Chad achieved independence on 11  August  1960.  
1.3.  Its political system is governed by the Constitution of 31  March  1996. The country is divided 
into 23 administrative regions, including  N'Djamena, the capital, 67 departments and 
271 sub-prefectures. The decentralization characteristic of the Chadian State is in progress. Chad 
had an estimated population of 16.9  million inhabitants in 2021, with an average density of 
13.2 inhabitants per k m2. 
1.4.  Chad comprises several sedimentary basins of which most have yet to  be explored. The country 
is divided into three climatic zones – the Sudanian zone, the Sahelian zone, and the Saharan  zone 
– and has two seasons: a rainy season and a dry season. Avera ge annual rainfall varies from one 
zone to the next: 800 to 1,200 mm for the Sudanian zone, 400 to 800 mm for the Sahelian zone, 
and less than 300 mm for the Saharan zone.  
1.5.  Chad is a member of several international, regional and subregional organizations, i ncluding 
the United Nations (UN), the African Union (AU), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the  
Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA), the African Intellectual 
Property Organization (AIPO), the World Intellectual Property O rganization (WIPO), the  New 
Economic Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), the Central African Economic and  Monetary 
Community (CEMAC), the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the  Permanent 
Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS), and the  Community of  
Sahelan -Saharan States (CEN -SAD). It also has bilateral agreements with several countries.  
1.6.  Chad's foremost trading partner is the European Union, with which it is negotiating an  economic 
partnership agreem ent in the context of CEMAC. Chad also has trade relations with the United  States 
of America in the framework of the AGOA.  
1.7.  The Chadian economy experienced another recession in 2021, after that of 2020, as a result of 
the continuing decline in oil productio n and the virtual stagnation of activity in the non -oil sector. In 
2021, growth was -0.6%, compared to -2.2% in 2020. This new recession in 2021 was not 
accompanied, as was the case in 2020, by an increase in the general level of consumer prices. The 
avera ge annual inflation rate fell to -0.8% in 2021, from 4.5 % in 2020, despite the poor crop year. 
Public finance management has been part of the ongoing process of fiscal consolidation, which has 
been reinvigorated by the second -generation economic and financ ial programme agreed with the 
IMF in December  2021. However, it resulted in a deterioration in the overall fiscal balance on the 
basis of commitments, including grants, which stood at -1.1% of GDP in 2021, after a surplus of 
1.2% of GDP a year earlier.  
1.8.  Despite improved terms of trade, which led to a substantial increase in the trade surplus, the 
current account balance, including public transfers, saw its surplus shrink to 0.6 % of GDP in 2021, 
compared to 3.0 % of GDP in 2020.  
2  MACROECONOMIC POLICY  
2.1  Economic situation  
2.1.  The Chadian economy experienced a further contraction in its GDP in 2021, as it did in 2020, 
after two consecutive years of positive growth. This new recession resulted from the poor crop year 
due to rainfall problems, the resurgence of security tensions and the continuing fall in oil production.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
- 144 - 
  2.2.  On the supply side , growth was driven by the tertiary sector, while the primary and secondary 
sectors rather weighed it down. Apart from industrial crops and livestock, all the other branches of 
the primary sector made either a negative contribution or an almost non -existent contribution to 
growth in 2021. The sector's contribution to growth was -1.4 points, having been 0.5 points in 2020. 
Oil production continued to fall in 2021, registering a de cline of 4.6 %, compared to 3.6 % in 2020, 
following the cessation of activity of operator Glencore. As a result of rainfall levels, food crops had 
a negative impact on growth in 2021, as in 2019 and 2020, with a contribution of -1.3 points, 
compared to -0.7 points in 2020. Industrial crops benefited greatly from the cotton sector, with 
production up by 8.5 % in 2021, following exponential growth of 631.6 % in 2020. In 2021, the cotton 
sector continued to benefit from the participation of the group OLAM Interna tional in the share capital 
of Coton Tchad Société Nouvelle with a majority stake (60 %), the objective being to increase cotton 
production from 15,500 tonnes in 2019 to 300,000 tonnes by 2024.  
Table 2.1 : Trend in agricultural production by season, 2013 -22 
(Thousands of tonnes)  
Year 2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  2022  
Cereals  3,161.2  2,622.4  2,748.7  2,452.5  2,873.7  2,716.9  2,925.3  2,882.3  2,620.3  2,798.64  
Millet  847.1  555.6  694.8  592.1  725.7  660.2  717.6  686.6  621.4  694.20  
Sorghum  1,171.6  799.2  921.7  835.4  991 946.3  972.5  970.2  895.8  966.57  
Maize  456 418 332.9  349.5  443.8  396.5  414.6  407.4  364.6  363.99  
Rice 177.7  378.2  304.1  243.5  257.7  263.6  290.6  278.1  242.6  231.97  
Berbere  500.1  469.6  494.4  431.1  453.7  448.5  528.4  538.2  494.4  540.72  
Wheat  8.8 1.8 0.8 1 1.7 1.9 1.6 1,815  1.5 1.20 
Oilseeds  2,312.2  1,777.8  1,424.1  1,301.9  1,888.4  1,734.6  1,817.4  1,753.4  1,695.9  1,757.39  
Groundnuts  1,297.7  965.2  791.1  720.1  871.2  870.1  873.2  840 798 829.43  
Sesame  124.6  125.9  204.8  152.6  153.6  158.7  217.7  202.1  196.9  201.91  
Cowpeas  124.1  121.1  113.9  138.1  144.1  152 152.9  154.6  151.7  159.01  
Bambara 
beans  24.7 28 0.4 33.1 37.6 34.7 34.1 31.7 32.3 33.08  
Cassava  222.6  224 166.9  141 492.5  290.6  297 293.9  295.1  290.32  
Sweet 
potatoes  518.4  290.1  142.7  97.1 170.4  199.9  217.3  206.2  195.8  218.01  
Dasheen   23.6 4.3 20.3 19 28.7 25.1 24.9 26.2 25.62  
Source:  Department of Agricultural Production and Statistics, Ministry of Production, Irrigation and 
Agricultural Equipment ( MPIEA).  
Table 2.2 : Trend in livestock numbers, 2013 -22 
Number of  
2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  2022  
Bovine 
animals  22,446,215  23,637,542  24,892,098  26,213,239  27,604,500  29,069,601  30,612,461  32,237,210  33,948,191  35,751,618  
Sheep  22,697,074  24,495,381  26,436,170  28,530,729  30,791,242  33,230,856  35,863,764  38,705,279  41,771,929  45,080,417  
Goats  27,070,013  28,742,985  30,519,349  32,405,495  34,408,208  36,534,693  38,792,597  41,190,044  43,735,656  46,438,592  
Camels  5,645,776  6,017,416  6,413,521  6,835,700  7,285,669  7,765,258  8,276,416  8,821,223  9,401,892  10,020,784  
Equine 
animals  987,482  1,029,592  1,073,498  1,119,276  1,167,006  1,216,772  1,268,660  1,322,760  1,379,167  1,437,980  
Asses  2,467,670  2,630,564  2,804,210  2,989,319  3,186,647  3,397,001  3,621,240  3,860,282  4,115,103  4,386,746  
Swine  1,323,171  1,483,986  1,664,346  1,866,627  2,093,492  2,347,112  2,633,293  2,953,337  3,312,279  3,714,846  
Total 82,637,401  88,037,466  93,803,192  99,960,385  106,536,764  113,561,293  121,068,432  129,090,134  137,664,217  146,830,983  
Source:  Ministry of Livestock and Animal Production (MEPA), 2023.  
2.3.  The secondary sector  made a negative contribution to growth of 0.1 points in 2021, despite 
buoyant activity in manufacturing and the water and electricity sector, owing to sluggish activity in 
the construction and public works sector. Manufacturing, with a contribution to growth of 0.2 points 
in 2021, has benefited from the dynamism of the refining sector. Activity in the constructi on and 
public works sector suffered in 2021 from the substantial 38.2 % fall in public investment 
expenditure, due to the sharp rise in military security spending.  
2.4.  The secondary sector weighed on growth in 2021 with a negative contribution of 0.1 points, 
owing to sluggish activity in the construction and public works  branch. This situation is attributable 
to a substantial 38.2 % reduction in public investment expendit ure on account of a sharp rise in 
military security expenditure.  
2.5.  The tertiary sector experienced an increase in its volume of activity in 2021 after 
two consecutive years of recession. Its 0.7 percentage point contribution to GDP was due mainly to 
renewed activity in the telecommunications subsector and the strong performance of non -market 
services. Telecommunications, with a contribution to growth of 0.5 percentage points in 2021, WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  benefited from the growing impact of the lifting of restrictions on social m edia, the installation of a 
fibre-optic network linking N'Djaména to Adré on the border with the Sudan, the abolition in the 
2020 Finance Act of excise duties on fixed, wired and Internet communications and the growing 
popularity of teleworking and remote training and meetings. Non -market services, which contributed 
0.2 percentage points to growth, benefited from the implementation of the social pact signed with 
social partners, which led to an increase in current operating expenditure.  
2.6.  On the demand side , growth in 2021, as in 2020, was driven by net exports, as domestic 
demand weighed it down over this period. Domestic demand suffered from the adverse effects of 
the restrictive measures put in place to contain the spread of COVID -19, some of which remained  in 
force in 2021. It weighed on growth by 3.2 percentage points in 2021 and 5.2 percentage points in 
2022. At the component level, only public consumption made a positive contribution to growth in 
2021 (1.4 percentage points), as it did in 2020 (1.0 perce ntage points), thanks to the payment of 
arrears on transport premiums and civil servants' salaries.  
2.7.  Net exports made a positive contribution to growth of 2.6 percentage points in 2021. They 
benefited from a sharp reduction in the volume of imports of non -factor goods and services (23.1 %), 
mainly as a result of the drastic cut in public capital expenditure, which contributed 2.6 percentage 
points to growth. They also benefited from a slight increase in export volumes.  
2.2  Public finances  
2.8.  In 2021, as in the previ ous two years, public financial management continued to be focused on 
fiscal consolidation, with the conclusion of a new IMF programme in December  2021. However, it 
was greatly and adversely affected by the resurgence of security tensions and the induced e ffects 
of the COVID -19 pandemic. The management of public finances also took place in a context of 
continued implementation of plans to recapitalize and finance two struggling public sector banks, 
continued negotiations to restructure Chad's debt under the  aegis of the G20 Common Framework 
for Debt Treatments, and the operationalization of the social pact signed with social partners. Against 
this backdrop, budget implementation in 2021 resulted in a deficit in the overall fiscal balance on 
the basis of comm itments, including grants, which stood at -1.1% of GDP in 2021, after a surplus 
of 1.2 % of GDP a year earlier.  
2.9.  On the back of a substantial 20.6 % increase in oil revenues as a result of buoyant oil prices, 
fiscal revenue rose for the fifth consecutive year, boosted also by a rise in non -oil revenues. Fiscal 
revenue rose by 10.8 % in 2021 to CFAF  1,015.0  billion. In 2021, non -oil revenues continued t he 
upward trend that began in 2019, with an increase of 3.2 %, owing to: (i) the efforts made to secure 
revenue through the 2019 opening by the Treasury of four different accounts for tax, customs, 
property and non -tax revenue, (ii) the new tax measures int roduced in the 2020 and 2021 Budget  
Laws, (iii) the full implementation of the increase in the IRPP withholding tax on imports from 4 % 
to 15% for companies not on the file of the Directorate -General of Taxation, and (iv) the continued 
modernization of the tax and customs administrations.  
2.10.  Budgetary outlays rose in 2021, as they did in 2019 and 2020, after almost four years of 
strong fiscal consolidation. Total budgetary outlays rose by 1.8 % in 2021 to CFAF  1,139.0  billion, 
reflecting a considerable increase in current expenditure, despite a drastic fall in capital expenditure. 
As a result of heightened security tensions, the Government's strong support for households 
following the floods and poor crop year, the adoption of a new military statute and the 
opera tionalization of the social pact concluded with social partners, current expenditure grew by 
26.2% in 2021, owing to the increase in all its components. Consequently, capital expenditure fell 
by 38.2 % in 2021 after four consecutive years of increases, foll owing a decline in capital expenditure 
from both domestic and external resources. Capital expenditure from domestic resources, which fell 
by 4.7 % in 2021, was weighed down by the freezing of some items due to increased security 
expenditure. Capital expendi ture on external financing fell sharply by 60.6 % in 2021, as a result of 
lower disbursements of external loans in the context of debt restructuring negotiations.  
2.11.  Public debt was managed in a context marked by ongoing debt restructuring negotiations 
linked to Chad's accession to the G20 Common Framework for Debt Treatment. Debt restructuring 
negotiations also continued with non -G20 bilateral creditors (Libya, Congo and Equatorial Guinea) 
and with oil trader Glencore. Against this backdrop, the stock of publi c debt at 31  December  2021 
fell slightly to 49.7 % of GDP, compared with 52.5 % of GDP at the end of December  2020, in WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  connection with a subsequent decline in drawings. The ratio of external debt servicing to fiscal 
revenue rose to 18.0 % in 2021 from 13.6 % in 2020.  
2.12.  Following the abandonment in 2021 of the rollover mechanism introduced in 2018, domestic 
debt servicing began to be covered by part of the State's own resources.  
2.3  Price trends  
2.13.  In 2021, the Chadian economy experienced deflation once again, having don e so in 2016, 
2017 and 2019. The average annual inflation rate was -0.8% in 2021, compared to 4.5 % in 2020, 
in response to a fall in food and drink prices. The decline in beverage prices was due to an increase 
in local supply following the lifting of barri ers to the importation of such products. The fall in food 
prices was also helped by the gradual reopening of borders, which led to an increase in the local 
supply of products despite the poor crop year, and by tax exemption measures for certain staple 
foods. 
2.4  Monetary situation  
2.14.  The performance was uneven in 2021 after three consecutive years of strengthening. Net 
foreign assets fell sharply by 103.1 % in 2021, having risen steadily since the conclusion of an 
IMF programme in July  2017. As a result, the extern al currency coverage ratio plummeted to 18.3 % 
in 2021 from 33.1 % in 2020.  
2.15.  In 2021, lending to the economy continued the upward trend that began in 2018, rising by 
17.1%, compared to 8.1 % in 2020, boosted by the continued implementation of exceptional 
budge tary, monetary and prudential measures designed to curb the effects of the crisis caused by 
the COVID -19 pandemic. Net claims on the State rose substantially by 34.8 % in 2021, following an 
increase in the issue of government securities. The stock of govern ment securities increased by 
almost 200  billion in 2021 to 570  billion at the end of December  2021. As a result of changes in its 
counterparties, the money supply grew by 18.4 % in 2021, compared to 10.4 % in 2020.  
2.5  External accounts  
2.16.  The current account balan ce, including public transfers, remained in surplus in 2021, as has 
been the case since the launch of the Regional Crisis Recovery Strategy in December  2016. However, 
the surplus in this balance shrank to 0.6 % of GDP in 2021 from 3.0 % of GDP in 2020, owing  to a 
sharp deterioration in the services balance despite a substantial increase in the trade surplus. The 
strong performance of crude oil prices led to a tripling of the trade balance surplus in 2021, benefiting 
from a 46.7 % rise in the value of exports a nd a stagnation of imports.  
2.17.  The balance of services, which is structurally in deficit, recorded a threefold increase in the 
deficit in 2021 owing to the sharp rise in services provided by foreign service providers to companies 
following an increase in inve stment in the oil sector. The income balance, which is also structurally 
in deficit, recorded a reduction in the deficit in 2021 for the second year running, driven by an 
increase in interest and commissions paid on foreign debt.  
2.18.  Lastly, in 2021, net capit al inflows continued the negative trend that began with the advent 
of the oil crisis. As these net capital outflows absorbed the current account surplus, the overall 
balance of payments showed a deficit in 2021, as it had, albeit to a lesser extent, a year  earlier. It 
stood at -222.5  billion in 2021 compared to -86.7 billion in 2020. The balance -of-payments deficit 
was financed by a 213.5  billion change in official reserves, of which 66  billion came from the IMF, 
15 billion from a reduction in external debt  service arrears and 24  billion from debt -service relief 
obtained under the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative.  
2.6  Situation in the banking sector  
2.19.  The situation in the banking sector, which comprises 10 active banks, was marked in 2021 
by: (i) a 5.2 % increase in bank balance sheets, (ii) a 19.0 % increase in gross loans, (iii) a 13.2 % 
increase in customer deposits, (iv) an improvement in the quality of the loan portfolio, with a rate 
of outstanding loans of 26.3 % at 31  December  2022, compared to 27.3 % at th e end of 
December  2020. This favourable trend in the banking sector was attributable largely to the monetary WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  and prudential easing measures taken to deal with the crisis arising from the COVID -19 pandemic. 
With regard to the prudential analysis, at 31  December 2021, 6 of the 10 banks had sufficient net 
equity to meet all prudential standards based on this aggregate, compared to two banks on the 
same date the previous year. The prudential standards that were complied with the most were those 
relating to liab ilities to affiliated enterprises, the overall risk sharing limit and minimum capital 
representation. The standards relating to the individual risk sharing limit and to risk coverage were 
those in respect of which the greatest number of banks were observed  to be in breach.  
3  TRADE POLICY  
3.1.  For more than a decade, Chad has been introducing major reforms in the trade sector in order 
to take greater advantage of the growth of international trade flows and participate on a sustainable 
basis in the world economy. Th e principle of free trade prevails for both imports and exports, as well 
as on the domestic market, and restrictions concern only a limited list of products on grounds of 
consumer health or  safety.  
3.2.  Chad has thus endeavoured to comply with the main prescriptions of the WTO and the 
regulations of CEMAC, which are now the guiding frameworks of  its trade policy. In this context, the 
primary role of the State is henceforth firstly to guarantee economic op erators a favourable business 
environment and at the same time to provide the foundations for speeding up poverty reduction for 
the population.  
3.3.  Chad has a Permanent Mission to the United Nations Office at Geneva in Switzerland. This 
mission is also respons ible for matters relating to the WTO, UNCTAD, the International Trade Centre 
(ITC) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This Mission has played a key role 
in conducting the negotiations on cotton, of which Chad is a co -sponsor.  
3.1  Trade po licy implementation  
3.4.  With the support of several sectoral ministerial departments, the Ministry of Industry and Trade 
is primarily responsible for the implementation of both domestic and foreign trade policy.  
3.1.1   Trade policy objectives and instruments  
3.5.  Only eco nomic operators with commercial exporter/importer status may import goods for 
commercial purposes. The formalities for obtaining this status are identical to those for setting up a 
business. Once the economic operator has completed the procedure, the Natio nal Investment and 
Export Agency (ANIE), through a single window facility, issues it with a certificate bearing the words 
"importation/exportation". All commercial activities are open to Chadian and foreign nationals. ANIE 
is attached to the Ministry of In dustry and Trade. The preshipment and at -destination inspection 
programme introduced in 2003 and carried out by BIVAC was abolished in 2018.  
3.6.  Cargo tracking notes (CTNs) managed by the Chad Freight Forwarders Council (COC -Tchad) 
are mandatory for imports an d exports. The notes must be validated by COC -Tchad or a 
representative thereof before each shipment. For shipments made without a CTN or from places with 
no COC -Tchad office, the CTN may be issued on arrival. A CTN is one of the documents required for 
a customs declaration. CTN costs vary depending on the origin of the imported goods, the size of 
the container and the type of vehicle. An online CTN management platform has been set up to 
provide operators with information on movements of goods as part of th e monitoring of maritime 
traffic to and from Chad.  
3.7.  Chad complies with Community export regulations. As in the case of imports, only operators 
holding commercial importer/exporter status are authorized to engage in export activities for 
commercial purposes.  Export declarations may be presented only by authorized customs brokers, 
who must submit the following documents on behalf of their clients: certification of importer/exporter 
status, and proof of registration in the Commerce and Personal Property Credit Register.  
3.8.  A sanitary or phytosanitary certificate of origin must also be issued. The goods are controlled 
according to their sensitivity. For certain products such as livestock, meat, and food products of 
animal origin, additional formalities are required. In its re lationship with the EU, Chad is in the first WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  phase of implementing the Registered Exporter System (REX), which came into force in 
January  2017.  
3.9.  The principal instruments governing domestic trade are as follows:  
• Law No.  30 of 28  December  1968 on prices, eco nomic intervention and the repression of 
economic offences;  
• Law No.  20/PR/1967 of 9  July 1967 introducing a card for aliens engaged in trade, 
supplemented by Ordinance No.  31/PR/ET of 4  October  1967;  
• Decree No.  747/PR/PM/MCI/2010 of 16  September  2010 on th e organization and 
operation of the National Investment and Export Agency;  
• Decree No.  743/PR/PM/MCI/2010 establishing administrative procedures for the setting 
up of businesses;  
• the uniform Acts of OHADA;  
• the National Investment Charter of 2008 consistent with the CEMAC Community 
Investment Charter; and  
• the various CEMAC regulations, in particular those concerning anti -competitive practices 
and State practices relating to trade among member States.  
3.10.  Most prices have been liberalized since the 1990s, with the  exception of tariffs for water and 
electricity, which are distributed respectively by the Société tchadienne des Eaux (Chad Water 
Company - STE) and the Société nationale de l'électricité (National Electricity Company - SNE), 
which are set by the Governme nt; the prices of proprietary medicines, which are set on the basis of 
profit margins of 20 % for wholesalers and 30 % for dispensaries and pharmacies; and the prices of 
oil products ex -refinery and at the pump from the Djermaya refinery, and of 3kg and 6kg of butane 
gas. 
3.11.  The main laws and regulations governing foreign trade are:  
• Decree No.  452/PR/85 abrogating Decree No.  282/PR/85 on import procedures. Under this 
Decree, imports from any country may enter freely. However, the Ministry of Industry and 
Trade, for health or security reasons, may prohibit and/or restrict the import of one or 
several products;  
• Order No.  054/MCPI/DG/DC/95 abolishing import licences and establishing a negative list 
of products subject to special import authorization (sulphur and exp losives) issued by the 
sectoral Ministries concerned;  
• Decree No.  451/PR/95 of 29  July 1995 liberalizing exports of all goods, products, 
foodstuffs and other items. However, the Ministry responsible for trade may prohibit or 
restrict the exportation of a sp ecific product;  
• Decree No.  138bis/PR/MEPHP/88 regulating exports of livestock and livestock products. 
This Decree authorizes the exportation of live cattle and livestock products, with the 
exception of breeding females and calves;  
• Order No.  006/MICA/MEE/20 00 regulating the importation of certain products and/or 
materials containing or operating by means of ozone -depleting substances;  
• Order No.  010/MICA/DG/DC/2000 establishing the procedures for the granting of import 
authorization for certain products and/o r materials containing or operating by means of 
ozone -depleting substances;  
• Decree No.  521/PR/MEF/2003 of 18  December  2003 establishing a mandatory verification 
programme for goods imported into the Republic of Chad.  
3.12.  Chad's exports consist primarily of oil , cotton, live cattle, gum arabic, sesame, groundnuts, 
spirulina, hides and skins.  
3.2  Tariff and customs policy, including rules of origin  
3.13.  The customs regime applied by Chad is that of CEMAC. The common external tariff (CET) 
resulting from the tax and customs  reform seeks to ensure that the same conditions are applied to 
all enterprises in the subregion by rationalizing the classification of imports into five tariff bands, 
each with a single customs duty:  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  • 0% for the generalized preferential tariff;  
• 5% for esse ntial goods;  
• 10% for raw materials and capital goods;  
• 20% for various intermediate goods;  
• 30% for fast -moving consumer goods.  
3.14.  In addition to the above tariff bands, Chad's imports and exports are subject to a 2 % statistical 
tax, the 1 % Community Integration Tax, the Community Integration Contribution of 0.4 %, the 
African Union contribution of 0.2 %, the OHADA contribution of 0.05 %, the Community Preference 
Tax levied on the tariff lines for fish, meat, dairy and o ther animal products, the withholding tax on 
income of 4 %, the Rural Intervention Fund (FIR) duty, the information fee for goods in transit, and 
the en route assistance fee.  
Table 3.1: Duties and taxes applicable at the customs cordon in Chad in 2021  Categ ory of 
goods  
Customs duties  
Value -added tax  
Excise duty  
Statistical tax  
Withholding tax  
Community 
integration tax  
Community 
integration 
contribution  
African Union tax  
Environmental 
protection tax  
Specific tax  
1 5% 18%  2% 4% 1% 0.4%  0.2%    
2 10% 18%  2% 4% 1% 0.4%  0.2%    
3 20% 18%  2% 4% 1% 0.4%  0.2%    
4 30% 18%  2% 4% 1% 0.4%  0.2%    
Source:  Directorate -General of Customs and Indirect Taxation (DGDDI).  
• Excise duty is a fiscal duty levied on certain imported goods such as tobacco, alcohol, 
certain motor vehicles and certain motorcycles. The rate varies from 5 % to 25%; 
• The 1 % Community Integration Tax applies to imports from countries outside the CEMAC 
Community;  
• The 0.4 % Community Integration Contribution applies to imports of products from 
countries outside the ECCAS Community;  
• The African Union Tax of 0.2 % applies to imports of products from outside the African 
continent;  
• The 2 % statistical tax is applicable to all imports;  
• The IRPP withholding tax applies to imported products. The rate is 4%; 
• The Environmental Protection Tax is applicable to certain imported products that pollute 
the environment;  
• The specific tax (specific or ad valorem taxation) is levied on all luxury goods (luxury 
vehicles, cigarettes, alcohol, etc.).  
3.2.1   CET and customs value  
3.15.  Chad applies the transaction value, although the customs authorities use other values in 
certain cases (baseline, market value). Minimum values are systematically applied to imports from 
Nigeria, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, and  it has been claimed that undervaluations 
have frequently been detected.  
3.16.  With a few exceptions, introduced (or abolished) unilaterally through annual budget  laws, 
Chad applies the CEMAC  CET. The exemptions come from the annual budget  laws passed by 
Parliament. The tariff applied by Chad in 2020 contained exceptions to the CET for 46 tariff lines, up 
from 45 in 2012. Designed to reduce the cost of living, these exemptions provided 0 % tariffs 
introduced unilaterally in annual budget  laws. The exemptions are mainly for food items such as 
flour, rice, oil and pasta.  
3.17.  In Chad, the Community Preference Tax, which has been abolished in the other CEMAC 
countries, is still levied on the tariff line s for fish, meat, dairy and other animal products. It is levied 
on behalf of the Economic Commission on Cattle, Meat and Fishery Resources (CEBEVIRHA). The 
FIR duty, charged at rates varying from 0.3 % to 0.5 % on around 9 % of tariff lines (products of plant  
origin, meat and fish), is replaced by ONASA. The levy is transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  3.18.  In addition to exemptions provided for in Community texts, certain products are VAT exempt: 
inputs for livestock breeding and fishery products used by pr oducers; materials, equipment and 
services needed for producing and exporting cotton lint; materials, equipment and services needed 
for the production and distribution of water and electricity; locally made fired bricks; and interest on 
real estate loans g ranted by financial institutions.  
3.19.  Chad grants customs duty exemptions pursuant to the CEMAC Customs Code, the Investment 
Charter, the Mining Code and the Hydrocarbons Law. In the case of the mining sector, consumables 
and products destined for these activi ties are also exempt from customs duties and  import taxes. 
To benefit from this exemption, an administrative certificate is required from the minister responsible 
for mining or oil, as the case may be.  
3.20.  Regime B of the Investment Charter guarantees that imp orted construction material and 
equipment needed to produce and process products are exempt from customs duty. The exemption 
applies to new or expanding activities under an approved investment programme.  
3.21.  The tariff applied by Chad in 2012 contained excepti ons to the CET for 45 tariff lines. For 
26 lines, tariffs are higher than the CET (58 % of the exceptions). The exceptions do not introduce 
new rates: the products are mostly reclassified in another tariff category. They also do not target a 
specific group of products, apart from man -made staple fibres (HS 2007, section 55), covered by 
over half the exceptions (28 tariff lines).  
3.2.2   VAT and excise duty  
3.22.  Chad applies the Community regime in respect of VAT. Its standard VAT rate on local and 
imported goods and serv ices is 18 %. However, the following staple goods are exempt from VAT: 
milk, wheat flour, imported rice, pasta, etc. The VAT base was broadened by the 2018 Budget  Law, 
which raised the liability threshold.1 A reduced rate of 9 % was introduced in 2020. It a pplies to the 
following local products: cement, sugar, oil, soap and products and by -products of the local agrifood 
industry other than alcohol. In addition to Community -level exemptions, the following products are 
exempt from VAT2: drinking water and ele ctricity; aircraft fuelling; and material and equipment for 
the production and promotion of renewable energies.  
3.23.  In Chad, excise duty is charged on a number of local and imported products at rates of 5 %, 
10% or 25 %. These rates are within the bracket agreed  upon at the Community level. In addition 
to excise tax, a special tax was introduced in 2019, which applied to motor vehicles, alcoholic 
beverages and tobacco. The "antiretroviral charge" was abolished in 2017. The excise tax rate is as 
follows:  
• water, in cluding mineral water and sweetened carbonated water: 5 % 
• beer made from malt, with no more than a 6.5 % alcohol content by volume: 20 % 
• other beer made from malt: 25 % 
• wine of fresh grapes: 25 % 
• vermouth and other wine of fresh grapes: 25 % 
• other fermented beve rages: 25 % 
• compound alcoholic preparations: 25 % 
• cigars (including cheroots, cigarillos and cigarettes of tobacco or tobacco substitutes): 25%  
• other tobaccos and manufactured tobacco substitutes: 25 % 
• perfumes and cosmetics: 20 % 
• jewellery of precious stones:  20% 
• video recording apparatus, magnetic tape type: 20 % 
• television cameras: 20 % 
• colour TV receivers: 20 % 
• photographic apparatus: 20 % 
• video cameras: 20 % 
• slide projectors: 20 % 
• firearms and ammunition 20 % 
 
1 Law No. 037/PR /2018 of 31 December 2018 defining the 2019 General State Budget.  
2 Law No. 043/PR/2019 of 31 December 2019 defining the 2020 General State Budget.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  3.24.  Chad has complied with its commitments to bind its tariff lines on agricultural products  (80%) 
and passenger transport vehicles (75 %). The same applies to trade in services, with the opening up 
of services related to tourism, travel agencies and land and air transport.  
3.25.  Chad's agricultural exports have been  granted free access to the European Union market 
under the "Everything But Arms" Initiative, pending the conclusion of the partnership agreement 
that is being negotiated between the Central African region and the EU.  
3.26.  Like all least developed countries (LD Cs), Chad does not subsidize exports. It applies the 
CEMAC rules of origin, but a national approval committee has not been set up on account of a delay 
in implementing the new DGDDI organizational chart. At present, certificates of origin are issued by 
the Chamber of Commerce.  
3.3  Export taxes  
3.27.  An export duty is levied only on livestock. It is charged on the f.o.b. value of exported products 
at a rate of 8 % for animals. There is a 2.5 % levy on petroleum products, plus a statistical fee of 2 % 
of the f.o.b. value of exported products, irrespective of their destination. This is also applicable to 
oil exports. The Community Preference Tax is levied at a rate of 0.4 % on exports of products of 
animal origin. The FIR duty is also applied to exported products.  
3.28.  A charge o f CFAF  3 per barrel is levied on crude oil exports for issuance of the certificate of 
origin. For fuel exports, this amounts to CFAF  2.5 per litre. A charge of CFAF  2.5 per litre is also 
levied on fuel exports to finance the Downstream Petroleum Regulatory  Authority of Chad (ARSAT). 
For certain products such as livestock, meat, and food products of animal origin, additional 
formalities are required. When crossing the border, live animals must be accompanied by a livestock 
passport and an International Certi ficate of Transhumance. The fee for issuing the passport is 
CFAF 2,500 per herd. In addition, there is a livestock tax per head, charged as follows: CFAF  5,000 
for bovine animals and camels; CFAF  4,000 for equine animals; CFAF  1,000 for sheep, goats and 
asses; and CFAF  500 for swine.  
3.29.  Exports of meat and animal products are subject to a tax at the following rates: CFAF  50 per 
kilogram of meat, CFAF  100 per bovine hide, CFAF  50 per sheepskin or goatskin, and CFAF  100 per 
sheepskin or skin of another species. An extra charge of CFAF  2,500 is also levied to finance the 
Livestock Fund.  
3.4  Standardization and quality, sanitary and phytosanitary measures  
3.30.  The national standards institutions were established by Law No.  044/PR/2014 of 
31 December  2014 on standardization,  for which the implementing decrees are in the process of 
being adopted. These institutions are:  
• the Chadian Standardization Agency (ATNOR);  
• the National Quality Council (CONAQ);  
• the Interministerial Regulatory Committee (CNIR).  
3.31.  Food quality control is cur rently carried out by the Food Quality Control Centre (CECOQDA).  
3.32.  The Law aims to:  
• set the general framework for standardization in accordance with the international 
agreements to which the Republic of Chad is a party;  
• improve the quality of products, goods  and services, and technology transfer;  
• remove technical barriers to trade and promote non -discrimination;  
• encourage the participation of interested parties in standardization and ensure respect for 
the principle of transparency;  
• avoid overlap and duplicat ion of standardization work;  
• encourage mutual recognition of technical regulations, standards and assessment 
procedures with equivalent effect;  
• save resources and protect the environment;  
• achieve legitimate and useful quality -of-life objectives.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  3.33.  An accredi tation system is provided for by the Law. At the same time, a seed standardization 
service is operating in the Ministry responsible for agriculture. The import of animal products is 
subject to health checks conducted by officials of the Veterinary Services  Department in the Ministry 
responsible for livestock breeding. A sanitary certificate is issued on completion of the control.  
3.34.  The objectives of the national standardization policy are as follows:  
(1) to include a systematic reference to standards in all public procurement tenders and invite 
the private sector to adopt the same rules. The same approach will be taken to the 
certification of products and services;  
(2) to ensure that any service or product put into service in the national territory is com pliant. 
Proof of conformity must be provided by the importer, exporter or service provider;  
(3) to introduce, in education and training programmes at all levels, modules on the concept of 
quality and tools for its implementation;  
(4) to create a body respo nsible for setting up technical committees covering major development 
sectors;  
(5) to accredit and certify multifaceted skills with a view to achieving national, regional and 
international recognition in the following areas:  
i. conformity assessment;  
ii. inspection;  
iii. laboratory;  
iv. certification of persons;  
v. quality system certification;  
vi. environmental management system certification;  
vii. certification of services.  
(6) To promote quality by:  
i. developing a culture of process formalization;  
ii. introducing quality procedure  manuals throughout central government and in local 
authorities;  
iii. training managers and encouraging the private sector to set up quality promotion 
associations, in agreement with the national quality promotion body responsible for 
organizing quality promoti on events.  
3.35.  Under the plant protection law3, anyone who, for commercial or professional reasons, wishes 
to import plant material or products liable to be carriers of organisms that could harm plants or have 
an effect on crops must obtain prior authorizatio n to engage in the activity. The  products in question 
must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate issued by  the official department in the country 
of origin and drawn up according to the model of the International Plant Protection Convention 
(IPPC).  Upon entry into Chadian territory, the products (including those in transit) undergo 
phytosanitary control.  
3.36.  The Ministry of Agriculture's Department of Plant Protection and Packaging (DPVC) is 
responsible for phytosanitary protection and controls. The DPV C has some 15 phytosanitary 
checkpoints at the borders to carry out controls on imports of plant products. On completion of the 
controls, products presenting a danger to plant material, the environment, humans or animals may 
be disinfected, returned or des troyed, depending on the level of risk. A fee is charged by the DPVC. 
The DPVC is also responsible for implementing the obligations arising from the international 
conventions to which Chad is a party, including the IPPC, the Inter -African Phytosanitary Cou ncil, 
the Codex Alimentarius Commission and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).  
3.37.  A sanitary or phytosanitary certificate is required for exports of animal and plant products. 
The certificate must state the description of the goods using the scie ntific name, the origin of the 
goods, the net weight and the nature of the packaging. In relation to animal health, a law passed in 
2004 lists diseases that are "recognized in law as contagious" and establishes which hygiene, 
medical, sanitary and legal me asures the Government can take to tackle such diseases.4 The law 
authorizes the Ministry responsible for livestock to introduce "permanent measures" to protect 
 
3 Law No. 14/PR/95 of 13 July 1995 and Decree No. 010/PR/MA/99 of 7 January 1999 establishing the 
rules for implementing Law No. 14/PR/95 on plant protection.  
4 Law No. 009/PR/2004 of 19 May 2004 organizing the sanitary inspectorate and the collective 
prevention of known contagious diseases of animals on the territory of the Republic of Chad.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  national livestock herds, even when there has been no outbreak of these diseases. The measures 
can be imposed on  imports and exports of live animals and their products.  
3.38.  CECOQDA is tasked with contributing to the drafting of national standards on the hygienic and 
nutritional quality of food products and with serving as an advisory bureau for producer s and 
consumers on related issues. Since January  2020, CECOQDA has been able to certify food nationally, 
subregionally and internationally.  
3.39.  In Chad, the importation of medicines is subject to prior authorization from the Ministry of 
Health. Imports of non -iodized salt are banned. A food analysis laboratory has been set up.  
3.40.  The WTO Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) has not had a  perceptible 
impact on Chad's exports consisting basically of cotton and gum arabic.  
3.5  Competition and consumer protection  
3.41.  Law No.  43/PR/2014 was passed to organize and promote competition, define its rules, and 
establish the National Competition Board (CNC), which is attached to the Ministry of Trade and 
Industry. The Law includes provisions on anti -compet itive practices such as agreements, cartels, 
collusion, abuse of market power, mergers and acquisitions, price transparency infringements, 
restrictive pricing and loss -making or related sales. In principle, the Law applies to all natural persons 
and all pu blic and private legal persons. The decrees on the organization and functioning of the CNC 
were adopted in August  2018, and its members were appointed in March  2019. However, as of 
March  2020, the CNC was not yet operational.  
3.42.  Law No.  005/PR/2015 of 4  Febru ary 2015 provides for consumer protection in Chad. Its 
implementing decree is currently being adopted.  
3.6  Investment  
3.43.  Chad complies with the provisions of the Community Investment Charter and has a National 
Investment Charter based thereon. There are sectoral investment codes, including the Mining Code, 
the Forestry Code, the Water Code and the Hydrocarbons Code.  
3.7  Public procurement  
3.44.  A new Government Procurement Code was adopted in 2015.5 The Code establishes the rules 
applicable to the preparation, award, execu tion and oversight of government procurement for works, 
supplies and services, including intellectual services. The Code also establishes the Government 
Procurement Regulatory Authority, the mission of which is to regulate the procurement system and 
overse e reforms and modernization of these rules.  
3.45.  The Code specifies the applicable administrative sanctions and actions relating to the 
prevention and settlement of related disputes. It is applicable to all purchases made by the State, 
the decentralized authori ties, public institutions, and majority State -owned companies. However, it 
does not cover sovereignty spending, in particular military expenditure.  
3.46.  Chad is not a party to the WTO plurilateral Agreement on Government Procurement, nor is it 
an observer.  
3.8  Trade defence  
3.47.  Chad does not have national legislation on anti -dumping measures, subsidies or  countervailing 
measures.6 Although imports enter Chad duty free, the authorities may ban or restrict the 
importation of certain products for public health and/or secu rity reasons. However, when national 
companies face difficulties in selling their products because of massive imports, Chad is obliged to 
take safeguard measures to protect them: The sugar and cement markets are regulated through 
 
5 Decree No. 2417/P R/PM/2015 of 17 December 2015 establishing the Government Procurement Code.  
6 WTO documents G/ADP/N/1/TCD/1, G/SCM/N/1/TCD/1 of 25 August 1998; and G/SG/N/1/TCD/1 of 
31 July 2000.  WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  the establishment of regul atory committees and the issuance of special import authorizations to 
approved importers by the Ministry of Trade.  
3.9  Intellectual property  
3.48.  The Agreement on Trade -Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) does not 
currently require Chad to under take any significant legal work owing to the structural weakness of 
its economy. The domestic legislation is the same as that of the other AIPO member countries and 
guarantees the protection of intellectual property (patents, trademarks, inventions, innova tions, 
copyright and artistic works).  
3.49.  Chad has prepared a national intellectual property strategy with the support of WIPO. This 
strategy is consistent with the social policy and gender equality enshrined in the Constitution, and 
is in the process of being  validated.  
3.10  Trade policy capacity -building prospects and projects  
3.50.  To stimulate and diversify the Chadian economy and provide a framework for the country's 
national, regional and international trade policy, a number of laws have been passed, including the 
Competition Law, the Consumer Protection Law, the Metrology Law, the Standardization Law and 
the Public -Private Partnership Law.  
3.51.  A national trade strategy has been adopted with five main thrusts, one of which is women's 
partnerships. This strategy meets the  development requirements set out in the National 
Development Plan and the National Priority Action Plan.  
3.52.  The Government has established agencies such as ANIE, with a one -stop shop for setting up 
businesses in 72 hours rather than a month.  
3.53.  There is also co ordination of SMEs/SMIs under the Directorate of Small and Medium -Sized 
Enterprises within the Ministry of Industry and Trade, including ATNOR, not forgetting the creation 
of CECOQDA. These bodies require a great deal of domestic and international human an d material 
capacity -building support.  
3.54.  To provide a framework for Chad's exports, a specialized economic zone has just been set up 
in partnership with the OLAM International group in the south of the country to begin the process of 
diversifying the Chadian economy, countering informal trade and controlling exports.  
3.55.  Chad has just built two modern slaughterhouses to export Chadian meat through the 
LAHAM  TCHAD company. Through this project, value chains will be created, especially in the leather 
and hide sector , with help from the sustainability support phase of the Enhanced Integrated 
Framework programme.  
3.56.  Looking ahead, Chad plans to set up a project to develop dry ports and free zones in order to 
control the flow of goods, combat the high cost of living and so lve the problems faced by economic 
operators along corridors.  
3.57.  Chad and Cameroon are planning to build a railway between the two countries to speed up 
trade and transit, and ensure the safety and protection of goods and people.  
3.58.  To better control its exports  and the Doba Oil Project, Chad has just issued an order to 
nationalize the Project. The Chad Hydrocarbons Company now has a monopoly on marketing and 
subcontracting.  
3.59.  There are plans to build an international airport in Djermaya to serve Chad along with th e 
Amdjarass airfield, which will enable trade with the Middle East.  
4  CONCLUSION  
4.1.  The macroeconomic outlook for 2022 and 2023 is generally favourable. Growth is expected to 
return to positive territory in 2022, at 0.9 %, before accelerating to 3.8 % in 2023. The buoyancy of WT/TPR/G/445 • CEMAC  
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  economic activity in 2022 is projected to be dampened by a poor performance in oil production, 
which is forecast to fall by 9.8 %. In 2023, however, growth is expected to benefit from positive 
trends in the oil and non -oil sectors.  
4.2.  Oil production is projected to drop in 2022 owing to the cessation of activity of operator 
Glencore in the production of the Esso Consortium, and to the November  2021 fire in the 
Miandoum  oilfield, which destroyed four tanks. Oil production is expected to  grow by 5.2 % in 2023, 
driven by investments made by the CNPCIC Consortium to improve production facilities, the 
complete restoration of the Miandoum oilfield following the November  2021 fire, and the introduction 
of polymer technology by the Esso Consorti um, which should help to mitigate the decline in its 
production. The non -oil sector is set to benefit from the revival of cotton production thanks to the 
implementation of the Coton Tchad SN recovery plan by OLAM International. It will also be boosted 
by the strong performance of food crop and livestock farming and by the induced effects of the 
upturn in the oil sector in 2023. Growth is expected to pick up to 2.5 % in 2022 and 3.6 % in 2023.  
4.3.  Public finance management during this period is expected to be char acterized by a budget 
balance, on a commitments basis, including grants, that returns to surplus, reaching 1.9 % of GDP 
in 2022 and 0.4 % of GDP in 2023. The marked improvement in this balance in 2022 is forecast to 
be attributable to the strong performance of crude oil prices, resulting in an increase in oil revenues 
of around 41.5 %. However, the surplus in the overall fiscal balance should be maintained in 2023, 
despite a further fall in oil revenues, mainly thanks to an increase in non -oil revenues coupled  with 
a moderate rise in total budget spending as part of the implementation of an IMF programme.  
4.4.  In terms of external trade, the current account balance, including public transfers, is expected 
to remain in surplus in 2022, thanks to the strong performanc e of crude oil prices, before returning 
to deficit in 2023. It is forecast to stand at 3.0 % of GDP in 2022 and -0.6% of GDP in 2023. The 
deficit recorded in 2023 is expected to result from a reduction in the trade surplus, not offset by a 
reduction in the deficits on the services and income accounts, and an increase in the surplus in the 
transfer account.  
4.5.  As a result of the above, the monetary situation is set to strengthen in 2022, before undergoing 
further contrasting developments in 2023. Net foreign ass ets are set to rise by 93.8 % in 2022, 
before declining by 37.5 % in 2023. The external currency coverage ratio is expected to recover, 
rising to 35.4 % in 2022, before falling back to 34.8 % in 2023.  
4.6.  Net domestic credit, meanwhile, should continue to grow over the period, with relative changes 
of 5.4 % in 2022 and 12.7 % in 2023, as a result of increases in both net claims on the State and 
lending to the economy. In line with the various changes in its counterparties, the money supply is 
set to increase by 29 .0% in 2022 and 13.0 % in 2023.  
 
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