Cameroon’s Public Debt Increased by 7.8% in 2024 Due to Government Borrowing

Cameroon’s public debt rose by 7.8% in 2024, reaching CFA14.237 trillion, or about 45.6% of GDP. Driven primarily by central government borrowing, the debt remains manageable according to the National Sinking Fund. The country aims to keep its debt below 50% of GDP by 2026, well below the regional limit of 70%.

In 2024, Cameroon’s public debt experienced a notable increase of 7.8%, amounting to CFA14.237 trillion by the close of December, which constitutes approximately 45.6% of the nation’s GDP. The rise in debt has primarily been driven by increased borrowing from the central government, according to a recent report from the National Sinking Fund (CAA), published in March 2025.

Despite this growth in public debt, the CAA asserts that it remains manageable and in accordance with the country’s Medium-Term Debt Strategy for 2024-2026. This strategy aims to keep the debt below 50% of GDP by the year 2026, which is substantially below the regional limit of 70% of GDP.

The distribution of the debt highlights that a substantial 92.6% is attributable to the central government, while public enterprises account for 7.2%, and local governments represent a minimal 0.08%. Furthermore, the report indicates that central government borrowing increased by 8.7% over the past year, reflecting the rising budgetary obligations of the government.

In conclusion, Cameroon’s public debt has risen significantly in 2024, primarily due to increased borrowing by the central government. The National Sinking Fund assures that the debt remains within control, targeting a limit below 50% of GDP by 2026, well beneath the regional threshold. The majority of the debt is held by the central government, highlighting its dominant role in the nation’s fiscal positioning.

Original Source: www.businessincameroon.com