Cameroon External Debt
Total external debt stocks DT.DOD.DECT.CD
Cameroon's external debt was $15.9B in 2025, ranked 53rd globally. This represents a 0.9% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
Cameroon's external debt stood at $15.9B in 2025, a rise of +$144.2M from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach $15.9B by 2025. Cameroon ranked 53rd globally.
Cameroon's external debt has exhibited significant fluctuations over the past 56 years, with the latest figure standing at 15,914,990,436.69. The country's debt has risen substantially since the 1970s, with the all-time trough occurring in 1970 at 145,926,448.10. This trend is reflective of a broader pattern observed in many developing countries, where increasing borrowing and foreign aid have contributed to rising debt levels. Among its peer countries, Nicaragua's external debt stands at 16,080,327,937.77, indicating that Cameroon's debt burden, while substantial, is not the highest in the region. The peak year for Cameroon's external debt was 2025, coinciding with a global economic environment characterized by rising interest rates and debt servicing costs. To alter this trajectory, Cameroon would need to implement fiscal reforms aimed at reducing borrowing and increasing revenue generation, potentially through diversification of its economy and improvement of its business environment.
Data & projection
| Year | External Debt | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | $16.3B | - | - |
| 2026* trend | $16.1B | - | - |
| 2025* trend | $15.9B | - | - |
| 2025 | $15.9B | +$144.2M | #53 |
| 2024 | $15.8B | +$368.8M | #68 |
| 2023 | $15.4B | +$279.4M | #67 |
| 2022 | $15.1B | −$255.2M | #64 |
| 2021 | $15.4B | +$654.4M | #67 |
| 2020 | $14.7B | +$1.8B | #68 |
| 2019 | $12.9B | +$1.9B | #66 |
| 2018 | $11.0B | +$955.1M | #63 |
| 2017 | $10.0B | +$2.2B | #60 |
| 2016 | $7.9B | +$585.3M | #57 |
| 2015 | $7.3B | +$1.5B | #57 |
| 2014 | $5.8B | +$587.6M | #50 |
| 2013 | $5.2B | +$1.3B | #48 |
| 2012 | $3.9B | +$793.4M | #46 |
| 2011 | $3.1B | −$95.7M | #40 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Cameroon matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2007. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw external debt improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Cameroon's external debt was $15.9B in 2025. Ranked 53rd globally. This represents a 0.9% increase from the previous year.
Cameroon's external debt peaked at $15.9B in 2025.
The lowest external debt in Cameroon was $145.9M in 1970.
Cameroon ranks 53rd globally in external debt as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is DT.DOD.DECT.CD. Data sourced from World Bank.
Cameroon's external debt is projected to reach $15.9B by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
Cameroon's external debt was approximately 15.91 billion ($15.9B) in 2025.
The external debt of Cameroon in 2025 was $15.9B. This ranks 53rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_cameroon_external-debt,
title = {Cameroon External Debt},
url = {https://historysaid.com/cameroon/external-debt/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}