Cameroon sets fiscal priorities for 2027-2029 in Cabinet Council

Three budget exercises scheduled in a single session. Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute chaired a Cabinet Council on Friday, June 26, 2026, dedicated to the 2027, 2028, and 2029 budgets. Projected growth at 3.5% in 2026, public debt to be kept below 50% of GDP, and a new program with the IMF in preparation: the decisions made that day commit Cameroon for the next four years.

Key orientations adopted by the Council

The Minister Delegate to the Minister of Finance set the macroeconomic backdrop. The global economy remains weakened by the repercussions of the 2026 Middle East conflict, which is expected to slow global growth from 3.4% in 2025 to 3.1% in 2026, before a slight rebound to 3.2% in 2027. Cameroon, however, is projected to maintain growth of 3.5% in 2026 and 3.7% in 2027. Inflation continues to decline.

It is hard not to see IMF pressure behind the displayed fiscal discipline: the policy for 2027-2029 will rely on concluding a new Economic and Financial Program with the Fund, with the explicit goal of keeping public debt stock below 50% of GDP. Efforts will focus on mobilizing non-oil domestic revenues and rationalizing public expenditure.

The Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Development presented projects included in the Priority Investment Program for 2027-2029. Digital infrastructure, roads, railways, energy, water, agriculture, and industry: several sectors are targeted. Accelerating the deployment of digital infrastructure is among the priorities, as is improving electricity supply.

What this means for Cameroonians, concretely or not

On the social front, the priority is extending the general health insurance system to the most disadvantaged groups. The Special Fund for Women’s Economic Empowerment and Youth Employment will also be accelerated. These are announcements that often recur.

Nevertheless, the Council adopted an Economic and Budgetary Programming Document for 2027-2029, which will be submitted to Parliament as part of the Budget Orientation Debate. It is a formal step, but it provides a binding framework for the ministries.

The Prime Minister instructed the Minister of Finance to consolidate this document quickly, in close consultation with the Minister of Economy. Performance contracts for public projects are to be generalized.

The Council ended at 12:10 p.m.