Cameroon: When the government accelerates economic recovery and controls public debt
Confronting global economic challenges and internal budgetary pressures, the government of Cameroon has adopted a proactive and structured policy aimed at durably reviving the national economy while placing the control of public debt at the heart of its priorities. This dual approach serves as the pillar of a new, resilient development trajectory.
To stimulate growth, efforts are focused on greater economic diversification beyond traditional sectors.
The 2020-2030 National Development Plan (PND) acts as a compass, with targeted investments in logistics infrastructure ports, roads, and energy designed to open up production basins and lower business costs.
Particular emphasis is placed on developing agro-industry, digital technologies, and local value chains to create jobs and strengthen the competitiveness of non-oil exports.
The government is also banking on improving the business climate through streamlined administrative procedures and anti-corruption measures to attract private investment, both domestic and foreign.
Simultaneously, controlling the debt level which has raised concerns—has become a strategic imperative.
Authorities have implemented rigorous fiscal discipline, optimizing public spending and rationalizing investments to focus on the most profitable and revenue-generating projects.
Financing strategies have been revised to prioritize concessional loans and grants while limiting reliance on costly commercial borrowing.
The stated goal is to maintain debt indicators within sustainable limits set by regional bodies such as CEMAC.
Debt management itself has been strengthened, with increased transparency and continuous monitoring of its composition and servicing.
The government is working to rebalance public finances by broadening the tax base through improved revenue collection and combating capital flight, rather than increasing the tax burden on existing economic actors.
This ambitious strategy, which links economic revival and the state’s financial health, aims to create a virtuous cycle: more inclusive, revenue-generating growth should, over time, ease budgetary pressure and consolidate debt sustainability.
The challenge remains significant, but the path charted by Yaoundé reflects a determination to anchor the future prosperity of Cameroon on sound financial foundations and a more autonomous economy.
Baba GADO
