Cameroon: Public debt hits 45.6% of GDP

Cameroon’s public debt reached CFAF14,237 billion at the end of 2024, representing 45.6% of GDP, an increase of 7.8% over one year.

Despite this increase, the country remains below the threshold of 70% of GDP set by the CEMAC.

This increase is explained by a faster rise in debt than economic growth, which was limited to *3.8% in 2024. External debt, the largest component, jumped by 9.1% to CFAF 8,757 billion, while domestic debt stood at CFAF 4,431 billion (+7.8%).

Central government accounted for 92.6% of debt, or CFAF 13,187 billion, followed by public enterprises (7.2%) and local authorities (0.08%). Despite this dynamic, the government is aiming to bring the debt level down to 50% of GDP by 2026.

source: Business in Cameroon