e-Visa has already earned Cameroon over 40 million euros

Who'd have thought it? Cameroon has just unveiled some head-turning figures. The e-Visa, that digital sesame so decried in its early days, has turned into a veritable goose that lays golden eggs for the state coffers, if we are to believe it. Lejeune Mbella MbellaMinister of Foreign Affairs.

In just 18 months, this system has generated a staggering 29 billion CFA francs, or over 40 million euros.. It's a staggering sum that proves, if proof were still needed, that digitalization is not just a buzzword, but a concrete growth driver.

A success that owes nothing to chance

Behind this dazzling success lies a well-oiled machine. The Cameroonian government, often criticized for its administrative slowness, was surprisingly responsive this time. From January 2023, the e-Visa system has been deployedNow travelers from all over the world can apply for their visa in just a few clicks. Gone are the days of long queues at embassies and paper files that mysteriously get lost. From now on, you can prepare your trip to Samuel Eto'o's homeland from the comfort of your own sofa.

This simplification had an immediate effect: the number of visa applications exploded. The figures speak for themselves: 144,751 visas issued in 2023, compared with just 30,000 in 2022.

Multiple spin-offs for the Cameroonian economy

But e-Visa is more than just a cash machine for the government. A whole ecosystem benefits. Hoteliers are rubbing their hands, restaurants are packed, and even small souvenir sellers are seeing their sales soar. Tourism, long the poor relation of the Cameroonian economy, is back in the spotlight.

Foreign investors, too, appreciate this new fluidity. Gone are the administrative hassles that used to discourage the most motivated. Now, a business meeting in Douala or Yaoundé can be scheduled as easily as a weekend in Paris or New York.

Cameroon's success has not gone unnoticed. It already has, other African countries are taking a close interest in this model. There are even whispers of neighboring countries sending delegations to learn from the Cameroonian system. A source of pride for the country, which is positioning itself as a forerunner on the continent.

So, when can you apply for an e-Visa to discover the wonders of Cameroon?

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