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Diaspora
First visit
For Cameroonians around the world who maintain strong ties to their roots. The Diaspora space aims to mobilize all Cameroonians abroad to amplify the development and influence of Alou by leveraging the skills and networks of Cameroonians living abroad.
Bring together
The driving forces of the diaspora, transcending all divisions, united around a common cause: developing Alou and its region!
Convince
You represent a force for energizing local development. Who better than you to drive this change?
Move forward
Let's build a win-win agreement, mobilizing you to invest in, develop, and enhance the city of Alou subdivision.
Investment opportunities
Opportunities for the diaspora
27
Feb, 2026
27
Feb, 2026
27
Feb, 2026
15
Dec, 2017
Work begins for the construction of the new Alou Council Townhall.
On 22 December, the Alou Community Radio will be installed, meanwhile...
Invest / Get involved
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Please describe your project for the city of Alou here.
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Any questions?
FAQ
Below you will find answers to all your questions.
What administrative procedures are necessary to settle in Cameroon?
To enter Cameroon, a passport valid for at least three months is required. French nationals and foreigners of Cameroonian origin must also obtain a visa. A long-stay visa (three to six months) can be issued by the embassy of the host country. Once this period has expired, a residence permit becomes mandatory. The application is made locally and takes around 2 months. However, the receipt issued when a complete application is submitted (including an employment contract or proof of investment) serves as a temporary residence permit.
What are the taxes and fees in Cameroon?
The Cameroonian tax system comprises several taxes and duties, divided into different categories:
Direct taxes: These relate to the income and profits of individuals and businesses. They include:
Personal income tax (IRPP), applied to salaries, pensions, and property income.
Corporate income tax (IS), levied on corporate profits at a rate of 30%, plus additional cents.
Indirect taxes: These apply to transactions and consumption, including:
Value added tax (VAT), set at 19.25% on most goods and services.
Registration fees, which vary depending on the transaction (public contracts, notarial deeds, etc.).
Specific taxes: Certain activities are subject to special taxes, such as:
Business tax, levied on companies based on their turnover.
Property tax, applied to owners of land and buildings.
Annual forestry tax, for operators in the forestry sector.
How is the school system organized in Cameroon?
The Cameroonian school system is structured into several levels of education, influenced by the country’s colonial heritage and bilingualism:
Preschool education: Available from age 4, it lasts two years and prepares children for primary school.
Primary education: Compulsory from age 6, it lasts six years in the French-speaking subsystem and seven years in the English-speaking subsystem. At the end, students obtain the Certificat d’Études Primaires (CEP) or the First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC).
Secondary education: This comprises two cycles:
Lower secondary (four years in French-speaking schools, five years in English-speaking schools), leading to the BEPC or GCE Ordinary Level.
Upper secondary (three years in French-speaking schools, two years in English-speaking schools), leading to the Baccalaureate or GCE Advanced Level.
Technical and vocational education: This offers specialized training with diplomas such as the CAP, the Probatoire technique, and the Baccalauréat technique.
Higher education: This includes public and private universities, with programs ranging from bachelor’s degrees to doctorates.
Cameroon has a bilingual education system (French and English), with assessment and certification methods specific to each subsystem.
How much does it cost to live in Alou?
In Cameroon, as in Alou, it is customary to sign a one-year lease. The landlord may require rent to be paid in advance, which should be seen as an opportunity to negotiate the lease price.
In Alou, there are also many housing options. As a guide, prices vary widely depending on the standard of the neighborhood and the accommodation.
Energy, mobile, and internet subscriptions: how does it work?
To sign up for energy, mobile phone, or internet service in Cameroon, here are the main steps to follow:
Energy
Electricity subscriptions are generally managed by ENEO Cameroon. You must provide proof of identity, proof of residence, and fill out an application form.
Companies such as Elecnor offer renewable energy and electrical infrastructure solutions.
Mobile phone service
The main operators are MTN Cameroon, Orange Cameroon, and Camtel.
To obtain a SIM card, you must present proof of identity and register the line with the operator.
Mobile plans vary according to your needs: calls, text messages, and internet.
What level of health insurance coverage?
Social security coverage in Cameroon remains limited, although efforts are being made to expand it. Currently, approximately 22.7% of the population benefits from social protection.
Main social security schemes
Compulsory social security: Managed by the CNPS (Caisse Nationale de Prévoyance Sociale), it covers workers in the formal sector for retirement, family benefits, and occupational risks.
Mutual health insurance schemes: Increasingly encouraged, these schemes enable workers in the informal sector to access social protection.
Government initiatives: In 2025, measures are being put in place to expand social security coverage, particularly for workers in the informal sector.
Despite these advances, only 8.7% of Cameroonians benefit from social protection covering at least one area (health, retirement, unemployment, etc.).
How do I open a bank account?
To open a bank account in Cameroon, here are the main steps:
1. Choose a bank
There are several banks in Cameroon. It is important to compare offers and fees before making your choice.
2. Prepare the required documents
The documents generally requested are:
A valid ID (national ID card or passport)
Proof of address (water or electricity bill)
Two passport photos
A Unique Identification Number (NIU), mandatory since the 2020 finance law
An initial deposit (varies depending on the bank)
3. Visit a branch
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you must visit a bank branch to fill out an account opening form. Some banks also allow you to pre-register online.
4. Activate the account
Once your application has been approved, the bank will provide you with your bank details and, depending on the account you have chosen, a bank card. Some banks also offer online banking services.
What assistance is available for starting a business?
Setting up a company in Cameroon is relatively straightforward. Within a few days, a business can be registered at the CFCE (Business Creation Formalities Center). Furthermore, several mechanisms exist to support business creation:
1. Financing and Grants
Youth Entrepreneurship Promotion Program (PEA-Jeune): Funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), it supports young entrepreneurs in sectors such as agriculture and livestock.
Venture Capital Funds: Although still in the early stages of development, certain funds finance high-potential startups during the seed phase.
Banks and Microfinance Institutions: They offer credit to entrepreneurs based on specific criteria, notably project viability and the existence of solvent clients.
2. Tax and Regulatory Incentives
Industrial Free Zones: Companies established within these zones benefit from a total tax and duty exemption for 10 years.
Tax Benefits for Exporters: Businesses that export at least 80% of their production benefit from specific tax and customs incentives.
Exemptions for Major Projects: Companies involved in large-scale infrastructure construction projects are eligible for tax reductions.
3. Support and Simplified Formalities
Business Creation Formalities Center (CFCE): Enables the registration of a company in just a few hours through an online platform.
Support Programs: Various schemes provide guidance in strategy, governance, and financial management.
How to get a national identity card (CNI)
To obtain a National Identity Card (CNI) in Cameroon, here are the main steps:
1. Online pre-registration
The Cameroonian government has set up an official platform, portal.idcam.cm, where you can start the process online. You need to create an account, fill out a form, and upload the required documents.
2. Physical registration
After pre-registration, you must go to an identification center to finalize the application. The documents generally required are:
A copy of your birth certificate
A certificate of nationality
A previous identity document (if renewing)
The pre-enrollment receipt
3. Issuance of the card
Once the application has been validated, a receipt is issued, allowing you to wait for the card to be produced. Thanks to the new accelerated procedure, it is possible to obtain the CNI in 48 hours via idcam.cm.
Email us
infos@alou.cm
Make a call
+237 (670) 000 00
About
Alou is a municipality in Cameroon located in the South West Region and the Lebialem Department.
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