The Cameroonian government is facing a significant accumulation of debt towards its goods and services providers. According to a report by the Caisse Autonome d’Amortissement (CAA), as of March 31, 2026, the amount of unpaid invoices totaled 520.2 billion FCFA. This represents more than half of the outstanding payments (Restes à Payer - RAP) recorded by the State during the same period.
Total outstanding payments reached 1,026.3 billion FCFA at the end of March 2026, compared to 853.7 billion FCFA a year earlier, marking an increase of 172.6 billion FCFA. Unpaid debts to suppliers experienced a notable increase, rising from 386.7 billion FCFA in the first quarter of 2025 to 520.2 billion FCFA at the end of March 2026, an increase of 133.5 billion FCFA year-on-year.
This situation reflects persistent tensions on public finances. The increase in outstanding payments of less than three months is particularly striking, having more than doubled in one year, from 126.3 billion FCFA at the end of March 2025 to 308.4 billion FCFA a year later. For the companies concerned, these payment delays can lead to a decrease in liquidity, a slowdown in investments, and difficulties in meeting their own financial obligations.
The Public Treasury frequently uses the Cemac public securities market to clear these commitments. However, this method of financing is becoming more expensive due to the high demand for liquidity and the tightening of conditions for mobilizing capital. The accumulation of outstanding payments also poses a public debt problem, as settling them often requires the State to mobilize new resources, including through borrowing.
As of March 31, 2026, Cameroon's public debt stood at 15,416 billion FCFA, representing 44.3% of GDP. Although the Cameroonian authorities emphasize that this debt remains below the community threshold of 70% of GDP set in the Cemac zone, the increase in domestic arrears is a sign of strain on public finances and the national economy.
These unpaid debts can impact local businesses by reducing their liquidity, blocking new investments, and threatening jobs. SMEs, in particular, may struggle to cope with these delays, which may force them to resort to illegal measures, such as declaring invoices over deferred periods.
Despite the difficulties, the Cameroonian government says it is working to gradually reduce domestic arrears through increased budgetary control and better predictability of public spending. Streamlining measures have been introduced, including the digitalization of the spending chain and the prioritization of payments according to their economic and social impact.
Cameroon's public debt amounts to 15,416 billion FCFA as of March 31, 2026.
