11 answers, 4 from Cameroon's own official bodies, with a link to each figure.
What is the literacy rate in Cameroon?
72.6% of adults aged 15 and over in Cameroon could read and write in 2018, according to the World Bank, using UNESCO Institute for Statistics data. 2018 is the latest year in the series; the figure for 2010 was 71.2%.
No more recent official literacy figure was found online. The rate comes from household survey answers about the ability to read and write a simple statement.
How many children finish primary school in Cameroon?
The primary completion rate in Cameroon was 75.3% in 2024, up from 72.2% in 2023, according to the World Bank, using UNESCO data.
The rate compares the number of pupils entering the last grade of primary school with the number of children of the official age for that grade. It is an approximation and can be pushed up by pupils who are older than the official age. Primary schools are run by the Ministry of Basic Education, whose website could not be reached.
Cameroon's government spent the equivalent of 2.8% of GDP on education in 2023, up from 2.7% in 2022, according to the World Bank, using UNESCO data.
The figure covers public spending on all levels of education, from primary school to universities. It does not include what families pay for private schooling, fees or supplies. Spending is split between the ministries of basic, secondary and higher education.
Where is the official school calendar for Cameroon published?
The official school calendar for secondary schools is published by the Ministry of Secondary Education, and the calendar for nursery and primary schools by the Ministry of Basic Education. University calendars are set by each university under the Ministry of Higher Education.
The Ministry of Basic Education's website could not be reached on 15 October 2026, so the dates of the 2026-2027 school year are not given here.
The figures below use one definition for every country, so they can differ from national figures.
What share of children in Cameroon go to primary school?
According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, net primary school enrolment in Cameroon was 92.9% in 2017. Its high point since 2008 was 2016, at 94.5%; its low point was 2008, at 83.1%. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 85.4%, and Cameroon placed 8th highest of 28. World rank, highest first: 84th of 134.
How many children in Cameroon go to secondary school?
The UNESCO Institute for Statistics puts gross secondary school enrolment in Cameroon at 44.8% in 2023. The peak was 61.4% in 2016 and the low 24.4% in 2006. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 46.9%; Cameroon is 12th highest of 19. Worldwide: 129th of 138.
What is university enrolment in Cameroon?
16.7%: that is gross tertiary enrolment in Cameroon for 2024, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. The peak was 17.3% in 2015 and the low 6.0% in 2005. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 12.9%, and Cameroon placed 4th highest of 14. Of 90 countries with 2024 data, 75th highest.
How many adults in Cameroon can read?
The latest figure from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, for 2018, is 72.6%. That compares with 71.2% in 2010. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 71.1%, and Cameroon placed 7th highest of 15. Of 48 countries with 2018 data, 39th highest.
What is Cameroon's education spending?
2.8% of GDP: that is government spending on education in Cameroon for 2023, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. The peak was 3.1% of GDP in 2020 and the low 2.5% of GDP in 2008. It is 24th highest of 35 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 3.3% of GDP. World rank, highest first: 81st of 112.
How many students does each teacher have in Cameroon?
The UNESCO Institute for Statistics puts the number of primary pupils per teacher in Cameroon at 45 in 2018. Since 2005 it has ranged from 41 (2015) to 48 (2005). It is 5th highest of 23 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 39. Worldwide: 6th of 85.
How many children in Cameroon complete primary school?
In 2024, the primary completion rate in Cameroon was 75.3%, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. Since 2006 it has ranged from 52.5% (2006) to 76.3% (2012). It is 11th highest of 19 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 77.3%. World rank, highest first: 91st of 104.