(Business in Cameroon) – The government has submitted its 2026 finance bill to the National Assembly. The draft sets revenue and spending at CFA8,816.4 billion, an increase of a little over CFA1,000 billion from 2025 (+14%).
The general budget totals CFA8,683.9 billion, up CFA1,014.9 billion (+13%). Special Appropriation Accounts (CAS) are projected at CFA132.5 billion, almost double the previous year’s level. The sharp rise is driven by a new Special Fund for Women’s Economic Empowerment and Youth Employment, financed with CFA50 billion, in line with commitments made by the Head of State.
A financing gap built into the 2026 plan
The draft points to a deficit of CFA631 billion. When other financing charges are included, total needs reach CFA3,104.2 billion. With internal revenue expected to reach CFA5,887 billion, the government plans to raise the remaining amount through various forms of borrowing.
The bill provides for CFA826.7 billion in project loan disbursements, CFA1,000 billion in external borrowing, CFA167.8 billion in exceptional financing, and CFA120 billion in budget support. The plan also includes CFA589.7 billion in bank loans and CFA400 billion in treasury securities issued on the money market.
These new borrowings will add to a debt level already considered high risk by the African Development Bank and the IMF. The government maintains, however, that projected debt for 2026 will remain well below the Cemac ceiling of 70% of GDP. Cemac brings together Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Chad, and the Central African Republic.
Focus on fiscal consolidation and SND30
The government describes the 2026 budget as a tool for strengthening public finances while supporting development goals. It says fiscal policy will remain aligned with the Cemac convergence pact and the priority objectives of the National Development Strategy 2020–2030 (SND30).
Beyond this framework, the main test will be execution: raising CFA3,104.2 billion at a sustainable cost, managing debt in a context already rated high risk, and turning spending choices—especially funding for women and youth—into real gains for jobs and economic activity. The credibility of the government’s plans will depend on both these results and adherence to stated debt limits.
Brice R. Mbodiam
