Cameroon’s public debt rose by 7.8% in 2024 to CFA 14.237 trillion, primarily due to government borrowing. Despite this increase, the debt remains under control and aligns with the Medium-Term Debt Strategy aiming to keep debt below 50% of GDP. The central government accounts for the majority of the debt.
In 2024, Cameroon’s public debt experienced an increase of 7.8%, totaling CFA 14.237 trillion at year’s end, which constitutes approximately 45.6% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The National Sinking Fund (CAA) released a report in March 2025 attributing this surge mostly to borrowing by the central government.
Despite the rise in public debt, the CAA has confirmed that it remains manageable and adheres to the country’s Medium-Term Debt Strategy for 2024-2026. This strategy aims to maintain public debt below 50% of GDP by 2026, significantly lower than the regional benchmark of 70%.
The report indicates that 92.6% of the total debt is sourced from the central government, while public enterprises contribute 7.2%, and local governments hold a negligible 0.08%. Furthermore, borrowing by the central government increased by 8.7% over the year, illustrating the escalating budgetary responsibilities faced by the government.
In summary, Cameroon’s public debt has surged by 7.8% in 2024, reaching a significant figure while remaining below critical limits set by both internal and regional standards. The CAA reassures that this debt increase is manageable under the ongoing Medium-Term Debt Strategy, emphasizing government borrowing as the primary factor behind the rise. The distribution of the debt reveals a heavy reliance on central government financing, highlighting the importance of maintaining sustainable financial practices moving forward.
Original Source: www.businessincameroon.com
