Cameroon 2026 Budget | 50B Youth Fund, 650km of New Roads, Big Dreams, and Debt Worries

Cameroon Budget 2026: Cameroon’s government has announced its 2026 budget. Spending is set to rise by 14%, reaching CFA8,816.4 billion ($14.7 billion). The goal is to boost economic growth to 4.3%. However, the budget deficit will more than double, reaching CFA631 billion ($1.11 billion), up from CFA309.9 billion in 2025. This draft finance bill was presented to Parliament on November 26, 2025, by Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute.

The budget follows President Paul Biya’s vision from his November 6 inaugural speech. A key focus is youth empowerment. The government plans a CFA50 billion fund to create jobs and support women in business.

Infrastructure is another priority. Over 650 kilometers of roads will be built or repaired. This includes 335 km of asphalt rehabilitation, 179 km for the Ebolowa-Kribi highway, 143 km for Bina-Makranz-Andi, and 242 km for Nkambé-Garoua. The plan also includes 1,500 meters of bridges and engineering structures over the Benue and Ntem rivers, plus continuation of the Garoua bypass.

Total financing needs will reach CFA3,104.2 billion, up by CFA777.7 billion. This increase comes from debt repayments, staff costs, and transfers. The budget shows Cameroon is vulnerable to external shocks. Oil, cocoa, and timber prices can affect revenue.

Despite challenges, the plan promotes inclusive growth. Labor-intensive projects will create jobs. The budget also supports diplomacy, ahead of the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference in March 2026.

The ruling CPDM party wants the budget passed quickly. The plan covers revenue projections, special accounts, regional allocations, and debt risks. Cameroon is trying to balance growth with fiscal caution, even under high debt pressure flagged by the IMF and AfDB.

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Cameroon Budget 2026 at a Glance | Key Figures and Projections

Cameroon’s 2026 Economic, Financial, Social, and Cultural Programme (EFSCP) aims for recovery and inclusion. Total spending rises 14%, reaching CFA8,816.4 billion. This is up from CFA7,278.1 billion in 2025 after mid-year adjustments.

Revenue is expected at CFA5,887 billion. This leaves a deficit of CFA631 billion, more than double 2025’s CFA309.9 billion. Total financing needs jump to CFA3,104.2 billion, up CFA777.7 billion from last year.

Special Appropriation Accounts (CAS) almost double to CFA1,500 billion. This includes a new CFA50 billion Youth and Women’s Empowerment Fund. The Public Investment Budget (PIB) focuses on production, infrastructure, and decentralization.

Economic growth is targeted at 4.3%, up from 3.9% in 2025. Growth will come mainly from agriculture and services, while oil may shrink.

Debt sustainability is fragile. Most of the CFA3,104.2 billion financing comes from external borrowing. The IMF and AfDB warn of high debt risk. Debt-to-GDP is near 50%, below CEMAC’s 70% limit but rising.

Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute presented the plan to the National Assembly on November 26. He called it “strategic resilience” and urged lawmakers to support it for unity and better living standards.

Youth Empowerment | The CFA50 Billion Fund – A Game-Changer for Jobs and Inclusion

At the center of the 2026 budget is President Biya’s promise for youth-focused initiatives. A CFA50 billion Special Fund for Economic Empowerment of Women and Youth Employment Promotion was created to fulfill his November 6 inaugural commitments. This fund is part of the doubled Special Appropriation Accounts (CAS).

The fund focuses on labor-intensive projects to create over 100,000 jobs. Priority regions include the Far North and Southwest, which are recovering from conflict. Prime Minister Ngute emphasized “inclusive growth” through skills training, microfinance, and entrepreneurial grants. The aim is to reduce youth unemployment, currently 25% (ILO data), and empower women, who make up 52% of the population. Programs include vocational training in agriculture, digital skills, and crafts.

The fund is structured as follows: CFA20 billion for youth startups (like agribusiness loans at 5% interest), CFA15 billion for women’s cooperatives (textiles, food processing), and CFA15 billion for regional apprenticeships coordinated with local authorities.

Early results are promising. Pilot programs in Yaoundé and Douala in 2025 created 5,000 jobs, according to the Ministry of Youth. Critics, such as economist Daniel Evina, warn of mismanagement risks in decentralized execution. Supporters, however, call it “Biya’s legacy for the young generation,” noting it could boost GDP by 0.5% through multiplier effects.

Infrastructure Revolution | 650km of Roads and Beyond – Connectivity for Growth

Major focus of the 2026 budget is over 650 km of new roads. This follows Prime Minister Ngute’s “strategic roadmap” for economic corridors.

Key projects include 335 km of asphalt rehabilitation to maintain existing roads, the Ebolowa-Kribi Highway Phase 2 (179 km) to improve port access, Bina-Makranz-Andi Road (143 km) for northern trade routes, Nkambé-Garoua Road (242 km) connecting Adamawa to the North, the Garoua Bypass with a second Benue River bridge, and the Ntem River bridge (total 1,500 m of engineering structures).

These investments total CFA1,200 billion (15% of the Public Investment Budget) and use labor-intensive methods to employ 20,000 youth, according to the Ministry of Public Works.

Other initiatives include the National Spatial Plan to connect urban and rural areas, decentralization funds of CFA500 billion to regions, and energy and transport upgrades like rural electrification, aiming for 50% coverage.

Expected benefits include reduced logistics costs (projected 20% drop), better trade facilitation (cocoa exports up 10%), and job creation supporting the 3.9% growth seen in 2025.

Challenges remain, as funding relies on external loans, such as from China Exim Bank for the Kribi project. However, Ngute says financing will remain sustainable, keeping debt below CEMAC’s 70% of GDP limit.

The Deficit Dilemma | Doubling to CFA631 Billion – Risks and Rationale

The 2026 budget deficit rises sharply to CFA631 billion ($1.11 billion), more than double 2025’s CFA309.9 billion. Total financing needs reach CFA3,104.2 billion, up CFA777.7 billion.

The increase is driven by higher spending on personnel (CFA2,500 billion), debt service (CFA1,000 billion), and transfers (CFA1,200 billion). Revenue remains at CFA5,887 billion, relying on oil (40% of revenue, volatile at $80/bbl), cocoa and timber (20%), and non-oil sectors, which target 4.3% growth through diversification.

The government says the higher spending supports activity amid global instability. Key initiatives include the youth fund and infrastructure projects to counter slow 3.9% growth in 2025 and import shocks like fuel and wheat price volatility.

Risks remain. The IMF and AfDB flag “high debt distress” with debt near 50% of GDP, close to CEMAC’s 70% limit. External borrowing of CFA2,000 billion dominates to protect credit ratings. Ngute says the plan keeps debt sustainable and prioritizes domestic repayments.

Critics warn this may crowd out private credit. Supporters argue the spending could fuel 4.3% growth through multiplier effects.

Broader Economic Vision | Growth, Diplomacy, and Challenges Ahead

The 2026 EFSCP follows President Biya’s “Great Opportunities” vision. It targets 4.3% economic growth, led by non-oil sectors: agriculture (+5%) and services (+4%). Cameroon will host the WTO Ministerial Conference in March 2026, boosting diplomacy. Decentralization is a focus, with CFA500 billion allocated to regions for equity.

Key priorities include reconstruction in Anglophone crisis areas, local cocoa processing for value addition, and energy expansion, aiming for 50% rural electrification.

Challenges remain from global shocks (oil prices $70–80/bbl), ongoing conflict in the Far North and Southwest, and high debt (CFA3,104.2 billion financing needs). Prime Minister Ngute urged Parliament to support the plan for national unity and improved living standards, with the CPDM party backing its passage by December.

Final Thought

Cameroon’s budget 2026 totals CFA8,816.4 billion. It includes a CFA50 billion Youth and Women Empowerment Fund, 650 km of new or rehabilitated roads, and a CFA631 billion deficit. The plan aims for 4.3% economic growth through inclusive programs and infrastructure development.

Financing needs have more than doubled, requiring careful borrowing to avoid debt stress. As Parliament debates the budget, it could either unlock Cameroon’s economic potential or push the country’s limits as Central Africa’s largest economy.

FAQs

What makes Cameroon’s 2026 budget particularly ambitious?

The budget totals CFA 8,816.4 billion, a 14% increase over 2025. It combines major infrastructure projects—including 650 km of roads and over 1,300 meters of engineering structures—with social programs like the CFA 50 billion women and youth fund, signaling a bold push for national development.

How will Cameroon’s 2026 budget support higher education and teacher training?

The 2026 budget plans to reopen PhD programs at state universities and reintroduce competitive entrance exams for teacher training colleges. These measures aim to strengthen higher education, enhance teacher quality, and create opportunities for youth employment.

What diplomatic initiatives are linked to the 2026 budget?

Cameroon will use the 2026 budget to strengthen its diplomatic outreach and international partnerships. The country is preparing to host the 14th World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference in March 2026, which aims to boost trade relations and improve its global profile.

How does the budget address political and civil society reforms?

The government plans to monitor political party activities and implement reforms affecting associations and civil society organizations. These steps are intended to maintain political stability, ensure regulatory coherence, and support national unity alongside development goals.

How does the 2026 budget plan to finance its CFA 3,104.2 billion needs?

Cameroon will use a mix of external borrowing (CFA 1,000 billion), project loan disbursements (CFA 826.7 billion), domestic bank financing (CFA 589.7 billion), regional money market securities (CFA 400 billion), budget support from partners (CFA 120 billion), and exceptional financing (CFA 167.8 billion).

How does the budget aim to improve connectivity and trade?

By rehabilitating roads and building new highways and bridges, including the Yaoundé–Douala highway phase two, the plan reduces transport costs, links isolated regions, and facilitates trade for commodities like cocoa, cotton, and timber.

What are the key structural reforms in the 2026 budget?

The budget abolishes “chapitres communs” and replaces them with specific emergency dotations, centralizes operating contingencies under the Ministry of Finance and investment contingencies under MINEPAT, consolidates certain sovereign institutions’ allocations, and splits the Far North/North-West/South-West reconstruction fund into two targeted funds for better tracking and implementation.

Which infrastructure projects are prioritized in the 2026 budget?

The budget emphasizes roads and bridges, including 335 km of asphalt rehabilitation, 1,500 meters of engineering structures, Ebolowa–Kribi (179 km), Bina–Mokranz–Andi (143 km), Fedak–Babji–Beka–Butu–Lewa–Bikop (145 km), Ndolape–Kampo (39 km), Gaou–Edéa–Kribi (110 km), and Nkambe–Garoua (242 km), as well as the Garoua bypass with bridges over the Benue and Ntem Rivers.

How will the Special Fund for Women and Youth operate?

The CFA 50 billion fund under Special Accounts aims to promote youth employment and women’s economic empowerment. It will support labor-intensive public works, vocational programs, and targeted grants, with oversight mechanisms to ensure transparency and measurable impact.

What are the main debt and repayment risks associated with the 2026 budget?

Cameroon’s debt stood at CFA 14.1 trillion (43% of GDP) mid-2025. External borrowing dominates, and IMF/EFF repayments begin in 2026. The high deficit and total financing needs raise risks of domestic payment delays and crowding out private credit, though the government stresses sustainable debt management to protect Cameroon’s international credit rating.

Why is transparency and implementation critical for the 2026 budget?

With such a high deficit and ambitious projects, effective monitoring and timely execution are essential to prevent corruption, delays, or mismanagement, ensuring that investments translate into real economic and social benefits.