2026 Budget Filed Late as Gov’t Seeks Approval for Major 14% Increase
By Synthia Lateu
Cameroon’s government has proposed a 2026 state budget of 8,816.4 billion CFA francs, representing a 14% increase from the 2025 budget of 7,335.9 billion CFA francs a rise of 1,014.9 billion.
The Finance Bill was submitted to parliament on November 26, 2025, during the November ordinary session, the final session of the 2025 legislative year.
According to government projections, economic growth is expected to reach 4.3% in 2026, up from an estimated 3.9% in 2025, driven mainly by the non-oil sector. Inflation is forecast to ease slightly by 0.2 percentage points from the current 3.2%.
Domestic revenues are projected at 5,887 billion CFA francs, an increase of 452.2 billion (8.3%) compared to 2025. Budgetary expenditures, excluding principal debt, are expected to reach 6,210.5 billion CFA francs in 2026, a 10% rise from 2025.
The draft bill introduces new priorities, including a 50-billion-franc special fund for women and youth, alongside measures aimed at boosting employment.
Examination of the bill is expected in the coming days, and it is likely to pass given the ruling CPDM party’s majority in both houses of parliament.
The submission, however, came eight days before the end of the session, falling short of the requirements of Article 57 of the July 11, 2018 law on the state’s financial regime, which mandates that the Finance Bill be filed 15 days before the session opens.
