Cameroon recently caused a stir by announcing that the revenue generated by its e-Visa system exceeds the total revenue generated by the country. 40 million euros. This digital sesame, often criticised at the time of its launch, has turned into a real source of revenue for the State, testifying to the growing importance of the digital economy. digitisation in the country's economic landscape. In just 18 months of existence, the e-Visa has proved to be an effective tool for boosting the tourism sector and attracting more visitors to Cameroon.
The Central African country of Cameroon recently recorded impressive revenues thanks to the introduction of its e-Visa system. In just 18 months, this scheme has brought together over 40 million eurosThis transforms a tool perceived as a mere administrative formality into a genuine source of revenue for the State. This situation illustrates not only the potential of digitisation for the Cameroonian economy, but also a turning point towards appreciable modernisation in the tourism sector.
High-potential economic leverage
e-Visa was launched in Cameroon in January 2023, at a time when many African countries were still trying to reap the benefits of digitalisation. By introducing this digital sesame, the Cameroonian government succeeded in simplifying the procedure for obtaining a visa, offering travellers the possibility of acquiring their vignette in just a few clicks, without going through the previous administrative hurdles. This radical change has led to a explosion in the number of visa applicationsWith 144,751 visas issued in 2023, compared with just 30,000 the previous year.
Responsive and efficient administration
Behind the success of e-Visa lies a clearly responsive administration, capable of overcoming the criticisms of slowness that are often levelled at it. By digitising the visa application process, the Cameroon government has not only made life easier for international travellers, but has also boosted its competitiveness as a tourist destination. The end of interminable queues and the elimination of paper files lost in the maze of embassies are advances that excite both tourists and professionals in the sector.
Positive impact on the local economy
The benefits of e-Visa are not limited to the State. Visit economic benefits extend to a wide range of sectors. Tourism players, including hoteliers, restaurateurs and souvenir sellers, are seeing a significant increase in their turnover. Tourism, often considered a neglected area of the Cameroonian economy, is beginning to regain its vitality, attracting foreign investment in the process.
A model for other African countries to follow
Cameroon's success has not gone unnoticed. Other African countries, from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Côte d'Ivoire, are considering adopting similar systems to reap the benefits of simplified entry formalities. Some neighbouring countries have even begun sending delegations to learn from the Cameroonian model, underlining Cameroon's leadership in the field of digitisation on the continent.
Next steps for the tourism sector
With such success, Cameroon may be tempted to take the next step by further enhancing the functionalities of its e-Visa. This could include extending the number of eligible nationalities, or setting up partnerships with international travel agencies to promote the country. At the same time, the government will have to remain vigilant in the face of the challenges that this may entail, particularly in terms of security and the management of tourist flows.
Beyond being a simple administrative tool, e-Visa has proved to be a real driver of growth for Cameroon. The country's ability to take advantage of the digitisation is a convincing example of what technological innovations can bring to the African economy. Cameroon's efforts to modernise its immigration system open up exciting prospects for the future of African tourism.
Comparison of revenues generated by e-Visa in Cameroon
| Category | Amount/Impact |
| Total revenue generated | 40 million euros |
| Collection period | 18 months |
| Visas issued in 2023 | 144 751 |
| Visas issued in 2022 | 30 000 |
| Beneficiary economic players | Hotels, restaurants, souvenir vendors |
| Impact on tourism | Significant revitalisation |
| Attracting foreign investors | Easier to put people in touch with each other |
| Examples of inspired countries | Interested African delegations |
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