In 2024, Cameroon’s public debt grew by 7.8% to CFA14.237 trillion, about 45.6% of GDP. The rise is mainly due to government borrowing, but the National Sinking Fund reports that it is still manageable and aligns with strategic debt targets. Central government borrowing increased significantly over the year, reflecting budgetary commitments.
In 2024, Cameroon’s public debt experienced a significant increase of 7.8%, totaling CFA14.237 trillion by December, which represents approximately 45.6% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This rise in debt is predominantly attributed to government borrowing, according to a report from the National Sinking Fund (CAA) released in March 2025.
Despite the increase in debt levels, the CAA assures that the debt situation remains manageable. The current structure adheres to the 2024-2026 Medium-Term Debt Strategy, which aims to keep public debt below 50% of GDP by 2026—a threshold significantly lower than the regional cap of 70% of GDP.
The majority of the public debt, accounting for 92.6%, is held by the central government, while public enterprises contribute 7.2% and local governments a mere 0.08%. Additionally, there was an 8.7% rise in central government borrowing over the year, reflecting escalating budgetary pressures related to public expenditure.
Cameroon’s public debt has risen by 7.8% to CFA14.237 trillion in 2024, but remains under the strategic target of 50% of GDP by 2026. The central government is the main contributor to this debt increase, which highlights ongoing fiscal challenges. The CAA’s management framework ensures that the debt remains controlled while fostering economic stability.
Original Source: www.businessincameroon.com
