Cameroon and UN define five-year development priorities

Cameroon and the United Nations have outlined a shared development plan for the next five years, focusing on sustainable growth. The plan, covering 2027 to 2031, is estimated to require around 657.3 billion CFA francs, with a total budget of 860.5 billion CFA francs. The agreement was signed in Yaoundé on October 30, 2026, by Cameroon’s Minister of Economy, Planning and Territorial Development and the UN Resident Coordinator in Cameroon.

Resources identified but funding gap remains large

Only 203.2 billion CFA francs are currently identified as available, which is about 23.6% of the total needs. These funds include 141.7 billion in core funding and 61.5 billion in non-core resources. However, these figures do not represent actual money already spent. To close the gap, the UN suggests expanding partnerships with financial institutions and private sector involvement, as well as using innovative and climate-related financing.

Economic transformation faces the biggest shortfall

The area of economic transformation and climate resilience has the highest proportional funding deficit. Out of a planned 275.4 billion CFA francs, only 43.2 billion are available, covering just 15.7% of the needs. This leaves 232.2 billion CFA francs to be sought. The component focused on diversifying the economy and creating jobs has a funding rate of 12.5%, the lowest among all budget areas, with 152.2 billion CFA francs still needed.

Human capital development needs the most funding

The framework allocates 427.6 billion CFA francs to human capital and social cohesion, the largest portion of the budget. However, only 111 billion CFA francs are available, leaving a gap of 316.6 billion CFA francs. This area aims to improve access to health, education, and social protection, with goals including 95% vaccination coverage and 100% primary education completion by 2031.

Governance and peace initiatives have partial funding

The governance, decentralization, and peace component has a budget of 157.5 billion CFA francs, with 48.9 billion currently available. This represents a 31.1% funding rate, but 108.6 billion CFA francs remain to be mobilized. The plan focuses on strengthening institutions, transparency, and coordination between humanitarian aid, development, and peace efforts, targeting regions like the Far North and Southwest.

New budget shows increased costs but less available funding

The new framework represents a 27.2% increase in budget from the previous cycle (2022-2026), rising from 676.7 billion to 860.5 billion CFA francs. However, the available funding has decreased from 226.7 billion to 203.2 billion CFA francs, reducing the financial coverage rate from 33.5% to 23.6%. This comparison is based on identified resources, not actual spending.

Other news: BGFI Holding raises funds and literature award announced

BGFI Holding Corporation has successfully completed its regional fundraising with an oversubscription. Separately, the Ivory Prize 2026 has been awarded to Ndjékéry, who will receive 2 million CFA francs on November 28. In film, the Emergence 2026 event will showcase co-produced African and European cinema in Lomé from November 2 to 11.