Cameroon sets economic roadmap for 2027-2029 budget cycle

The government has outlined a comprehensive fiscal strategy covering three consecutive budget years. During a Cabinet Council meeting held on Friday, June 26, 2026, Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute detailed the financial orientations for 2027, 2028, and 2029. With a growth target of 3.5% for 2026 and a firm commitment to keep public debt below 50% of GDP, these decisions establish the nation’s economic trajectory for the next four years.

Strategic economic orientations and growth targets

The macroeconomic landscape remains influenced by global shifts. While the international economy faces a slowdown due to the 2026 Middle East conflict—with global growth expected to dip to 3.1% in 2026 before a slight recovery—Cameroun anticipates maintaining a steady pace. National growth is projected at 3.5% in 2026, rising to 3.7% in 2027, while inflation continues its downward trend.

Central to this fiscal discipline is the preparation of a new Economic and Financial Programme with the FMI. This partnership aims to stabilize the economy by strictly limiting the public debt stock to under half of the national GDP. To achieve this, the government will focus on increasing non-oil domestic revenue and tightening control over public expenditures.

The Priority Investment Programme for 2027-2029 targets several vital sectors. Significant resources will be directed toward digital infrastructure, road networks, railways, and energy production. Improving the national electricity supply and accelerating digital connectivity are among the most critical objectives for this period, alongside developments in agriculture and industry.

Impact on social welfare and governance

On the social front, the government is prioritizing the expansion of the universal health insurance system to support vulnerable populations. Furthermore, the Special Fund for the economic empowerment of women and youth employment is set to receive increased momentum to foster local development.

The Cabinet Council has officially adopted the Economic and Budgetary Programming Document for 2027-2029. This framework will be presented to Parliament during the upcoming Budget Orientation Debate, providing a mandatory structure for all government ministries to follow.

To ensure efficiency, the Prime Minister has directed the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economy to finalize this document through close collaboration. A key feature of this new era of governance will be the widespread implementation of performance contracts for all public projects, ensuring greater accountability and results.