NGO registration in Cameroon. The steps, required documents and the various offices you have to visit to get a non-profit organization registered in Cameroon.
What Is An NGO?
Simply put, A Non – Governmental Organization (NGO) in Cameroon is an organization that has no affiliation to the government and which exists to help those in need or provide educational, scientific, religious and artistic assistance to members of the public. Under Nigerian law, all charitable foundations are also classified as NGO.
They are not registered for the purpose of making profits but rather to better the lives of people and meet the specific needs of society. NGOs in Cameroon may be funded by the United Nations agencies, corporations or any individual donors, and the donations are used to support their costs and humanitarian activities of the organization. NGO’s in Cameroon are exempted from tax .
It is always preferable for any NGO or foundation to be registered properly before carrying out its operation within Cameroon.
PROCEDURE FOR REGISTERING AN NGO, FOUNDATION, OR CHARITABLE FOUNDATION IN CAMEROON
The procedure for how to register a charitable foundation in Cameroon is complex but surmountable. The steps to register an NGO are also the same, to register a foundation or any other charitable foundation in Cameroon .The requirements for registering an NGO or foundation is regulated by law No. 99/014 of 22nd December 1999 and Law No. 90/053 of 19th December 1990 on freedom of association.
STEP ONE
Consult a lawyer/ Solicitor or a law firm
STEP TWO
After consultations with the lawyer or law firm in Cameroon you would be expected to provide the following documents.
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- Proposed Ngo’s Name
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- Draft of the association / NGO constitution
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- Draft of the minutes ( to be signed by the lawyer or notary public in Cameroon )
STEP THREE
At this stage the lawyer / solicitor would compile (put together ) all documents (letter of application , passport size photo of trustee, common seal of the association, Copies of the constitution ) for submission and filling to the relevant administrative offices.
STEP FOUR
Collection of the registration of association
STEP FIVE
Conversion of the association to a full NGO , this is the most crucial point . The administrative authorities would have to monitor the activities of the association . This monitoring process takes 2- 3 years . So we always advice clients to stay clue with their solicitors/ lawyers . Once the activity monitoring by the administrative authority is finalize and confirm , a final NGO certificate would be issued.
COST FOR REGISTRATION OF AN NGO IN CAMEROON
The cost of registering an NGO or charitable foundation in Cameroon will be differed on a case by case basis and the roles of any lawyers assisting to register such organization would take in completing the entire process. A prospective registrant may contact a lawyer for a cost. However, the total cost of registration ranges from $1500 USD to $2000 USD , including the professional fee and the paper work needed .
Above all, the process for registration of NGO or charitable foundation in Cameroon is tedious, and engaging the services of an expert for such incorporation is most advised.
In conclusion, it is worthy of note that due to the charitable purpose of NGO or foundation, some incentives are statutorily accrued to such organization.
First, tax incentives are granted to NGOs in form of exemption from most forms of taxes i.e. no tax may be levied on any money paid to an NGO such as donations, aids and grants. NGOs are also exempt from payment of import duty on certain goods meant for charitable or humanitarian purposes as approved by the Minister of Finance.
Second, registration of an NGO or charitable foundation establishes trust between the public and the organizations, which encourages the public to support the cause of the NGO through donations, foreign aid and grants.
Article by CHUO ANGABUA JUNIOR
‘’The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. We insist specialist advice be sought depending on your specific circumstance’’
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