Cameroon Budget Deficit
General government net lending/borrowing as % of GDP GGXCNL_NGDP
Cameroon's budget deficit was -0.84% in 2025, ranked 43rd globally. This represents a 43.3% increase from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 2000–2025.
Overview
Cameroon's budget deficit stood at -0.84% in 2025, a rise of +0.64% from 2024. The IMF projects -0.84% by 2025. Cameroon ranked 43rd globally.
Cameroon’s fiscal balance has swung dramatically over the past 26 years, moving from a surplus of 1.54 % of GDP in 2000 to an all‑time peak deficit of 28.21 % in 2006, before reaching a trough of –5.88 % in 2016. The latest IMF World Economic Outlook projection for 2025 shows a modest deficit of –0.84 % of GDP, placing Cameroon 43rd globally and marginally wider than the Bahamas (–0.77 %) and Zimbabwe (–0.75 %). The sharp expansion in 2006 reflected expansive public spending and volatile commodity revenues, while the deep contraction in 2016 coincided with a combination of fiscal consolidation and lower oil prices. Since the 2016 trough, gradual improvements in tax collection and reduced external borrowing have helped narrow the gap, but the deficit remains negative. Continued diversification of revenue sources and disciplined expenditure will be essential to sustain the recent downward trajectory and avoid a reversal toward larger deficits.
Data & projection
| Year | Budget Deficit | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | -1.23% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | -1.17% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | -1.07% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | -1.17% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | -1.15% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | -0.84% | - | - |
| 2025 | -0.84% | +0.64% | #43 |
| 2024 | -1.48% | −0.85% | #125 |
| 2023 | -0.64% | +0.48% | #144 |
| 2022 | -1.11% | +1.90% | #124 |
| 2021 | -3.01% | +0.18% | #114 |
| 2020 | -3.19% | +0.06% | #141 |
| 2019 | -3.24% | −0.84% | #64 |
| 2018 | -2.41% | +2.32% | #77 |
| 2017 | -4.73% | +1.16% | #43 |
| 2016 | -5.88% | −1.64% | #34 |
| 2015 | -4.25% | −0.16% | #62 |
| 2014 | -4.09% | −0.53% | #56 |
| 2013 | -3.56% | −2.16% | #68 |
| 2012 | -1.40% | +0.86% | #118 |
| 2011 | -2.26% | −1.33% | #102 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Cameroon matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2007. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw budget deficit improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Cameroon's budget deficit was -0.84% in 2025. Ranked 43rd globally. This represents a 43.3% increase from the previous year.
Cameroon's budget deficit peaked at 28.21% in 2006.
The lowest budget deficit in Cameroon was -5.88% in 2016.
Cameroon ranks 43rd globally in budget deficit as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXCNL_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
Cameroon's budget deficit is projected to reach -0.84% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The budget deficit of Cameroon in 2025 was -0.84%. This ranks 43rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_cameroon_budget-deficit,
title = {Cameroon Budget Deficit},
url = {https://historysaid.com/cameroon/budget-deficit/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}