Cameroon: New Tax Incentives Aim to Boost Youth Employment Through Apprenticeships
Cameroonian businesses are being encouraged to leverage new tax benefits designed to stimulate the hiring and training of young people, particularly through vocational apprenticeships. These incentives are part of the 2026 Finance Law, introduced to support youth employment. During a meeting in Yaoundé on July 2, 2026, organized by the Directorate General of Taxes (DGI) as part of the FORMPRO 237 project, private sector stakeholders were briefed on these measures. Experts from the DGI explained how Articles 105 to 107 of the General Tax Code now extend fiscal advantages to professional apprenticeship contracts, in addition to permanent, fixed-term, and pre-employment internships. Companies that hire Cameroonian graduates under 35 for their first job or an apprenticeship can qualify for exemptions on certain tax and employer contributions. The new framework also includes a 20% tax credit for expenses related to youth training, supervision, and integration. The DGI outlined the eligibility criteria and reporting obligations for beneficiary companies, with practical examples demonstrating potential tax savings. The FORMPRO 237 initiative, supported by the French-Cameroonian cooperation and led by MINEFOP, seeks to establish an apprenticeship system better aligned with business needs. Piloted in four regions, the project aims to position the private sector as a crucial player in youth professionalization and employment.
The Cameroonian government's introduction of enhanced tax incentives for hiring young workers, particularly through apprenticeships, reflects a strategic effort to align educational outcomes with labor market demands. By offering fiscal advantages, the state aims to reduce the financial burden on businesses, thereby encouraging private sector participation in skills development and youth integration. This policy framework, supported by international cooperation, seeks to foster a more dynamic and responsive vocational training system. However, the long-term success will depend on effective implementation, robust oversight to prevent misuse, and the capacity of educational institutions to produce graduates with relevant skills. Future challenges may include ensuring these incentives translate into sustainable, quality employment rather than temporary positions, and adapting the training programs to evolving economic and technological landscapes over the next decade.
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