Cameroon President Approves CFA 1,650 Billion Borrowing Plan to Fund Development Projects

By Rita Yuosembom 

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has signed a decree authorising the government to raise up to 1,650 billion CFA francs through domestic and external borrowing to finance development projects and clear outstanding payments.

The decree, signed in Yaoundé on 21 January 2026, grants the Minister of Finance delegated powers to mobilise the funds from both local and international financial markets.

According to the text, 400 billion CFA francs will be raised on the domestic financial market through the issuance of Treasury bonds and/or fungible Treasury bonds. An additional 250 billion CFA francs will be obtained through direct borrowing from international private organisations, while 1,000 billion CFA francs will be mobilised on external banking markets.

Government authorities say the funds are intended to sustain public investment, support key development initiatives, and settle outstanding financial obligations, as Cameroon continues efforts to stabilise its economy and maintain fiscal balance.

The decree further instructs that the measure be registered and published under an emergency procedure, and inserted in the Official Gazette in both English and French.

President Paul Biya signed the decree in Yaoundé in accordance with Cameroon’s public finance regulations.

Facts at a glance

• Total authorised borrowing: 1,650 billion CFA francs

• Domestic market borrowing: 400 billion CFA francs

• International private financing: 250 billion CFA francs

• External banking markets: 1,000 billion CFA francs

• Date of signature: 21 January 2026

• Purpose: Financing development projects and clearing outstanding payments