Cameroon reports billions lost to gold smuggling and rising fuel import costs

Cameroon officials disclosed that undeclared gold exports over the past five years have caused a fiscal shortfall of roughly CFAF 577.5 billion. Authorities estimate that only 1.897 tons of gold were officially recorded between 2021‑2025, while about 46.2 tons were actually shipped abroad, leaving a discrepancy of 44.3 tons. To curb further losses, the Directorate General of Taxes and Customs will now participate directly in gold collection at mining sites, working alongside the state mining corporation SONAMINES.

In the first quarter of 2026, Cameroon’s hydrocarbon imports rose to CFAF 274.3 billion, a 2.5% increase from the previous year, even as crude‑oil export revenues fell 14.4% to CFAF 152.4 billion despite higher global oil prices. The country remains heavily dependent on imported refined petroleum products following the partial shutdown of the Sonara refinery after a fire, keeping fuel imports the largest import category.

Both developments underline persistent challenges in Cameroon’s extractive sectors, prompting reforms aimed at improving revenue collection and reducing reliance on external energy supplies.