Cameroon: public finances

How much public debt does Cameroon have?

Cameroon's public sector debt was 15,416 billion CFA francs at 31 March 2026, equal to 44.3% of GDP, according to the Ministry of Finance, reporting an IMF assessment mission in September 2026.

The ministry notes that this is below the CEMAC ceiling of 70% of GDP. The IMF World Economic Outlook measures general government debt at 40.5% of GDP in 2025 and projects 40.1% for 2026. The ministry's figure covers the whole public sector, while the IMF's covers general government.

Official sources: MINFI: Cameroon–IMF assessment mission · IMF DataMapper: General government gross debt, Cameroon

How big is Cameroon's budget for 2026?

Cameroon's State budget for 2026 totals 8,816.4 billion CFA francs, 1,080.5 billion or 14% more than in 2025, according to the Ministry of Finance. Domestic revenue is put at 5,887.0 billion, of which taxes and customs duties 4,889.5 billion and oil and gas 523.7 billion.

Spending excluding debt principal is 6,210.5 billion, including 2,026.3 billion of public investment. The total is balanced in resources and uses, so it includes borrowing and debt repayments. Preparation of the 2027 budget began with a presidential circular dated 12 October 2026.

Official sources: MINFI: Budget 2026, 8,816.4 billion CFA francs · MINFI

What is Cameroon's budget deficit?

Cameroon's government is projected to run a deficit of 2.2% of GDP in 2026, after 2.1% in 2025, according to the IMF World Economic Outlook. It projects 1.5% for 2027.

The figure is net lending or borrowing of the general government, the gap between revenue, including grants, and spending; a negative value in the IMF series is a deficit. The Ministry of Finance publishes budget execution reports on its website.

Official sources: IMF DataMapper: Net lending/borrowing, Cameroon · MINFI

What is Cameroon's government debt?

In 2025, general government gross debt in Cameroon was 40.5% of GDP, according to the IMF. Since 2005 it has ranged from 11.2% of GDP (2008) to 47.2% of GDP (2021). It is 36th highest of 46 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 53.0% of GDP. Worldwide: 126th of 185.

Does Cameroon's government borrow more than it raises?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is -2.1% of GDP, which is a deficit. Since 2005 it has ranged from -5.8% of GDP (2016) to 6.3% of GDP (2006). Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was -3.0% of GDP, and Cameroon placed 17th highest of 47. Of 188 countries with 2025 data, 76th highest.

How much does Cameroon's government take in?

In 2025, general government revenue in Cameroon was 14.7% of GDP, according to the IMF. Since 2005 it has ranged from 13.3% of GDP (2020) to 18.4% of GDP (2006). It is 35th highest of 47 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 18.4% of GDP. Worldwide: 167th of 187.

How much does Cameroon's government spend?

According to the IMF, general government spending in Cameroon was 16.7% of GDP in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 11.4% of GDP (2005) to 20.1% of GDP (2016). Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 20.8% of GDP, and Cameroon placed 39th highest of 46. Of 186 countries with 2025 data, 170th highest.

What is Cameroon's tax to GDP ratio?

11.3% of GDP: that is central government tax revenue in Cameroon for 2021, according to the IMF. Its high point since 2012 was 2018, at 12.3% of GDP; its low point was 2020, at 10.9% of GDP. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 12.4% of GDP; Cameroon is 19th highest of 30. World rank, highest first: 102nd of 127.

What is Cameroon's military budget as a share of GDP?

1.1% of GDP: that is military spending in Cameroon for 2025, according to SIPRI. The peak was 1.3% of GDP in 2010 and the low 0.9% of GDP in 2023. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 1.3% of GDP; Cameroon is 29th highest of 44. World rank, highest first: 104th of 149.