National Assembly: Finance minister defends country’s 2024 budget execution.

The session, chaired by Hon Moutymbo Rosette Epse Ayayi, took place in the Cavaye Yeguié Djibril Committee Room of the Paul Biya Glass House.

The minister presented two separate bills. The first, Bill No. 2085/PJL/AN, concerned the Settlement Bill of the Republic of Cameroon for the 2024 financial year, tabled in line with Articles 20 and 57(2) of Law No. 2018/012 of 11 July 2018, which establishes the financial regime of the State and other public entities. 

It focused on the management of the 2024 state budget, ensuring transparency and accountability.

The second, Bill No. 2086/PJL/AN, seeks to ratify Ordinance No. 2025/001 of 11 July 2025, which amended certain provisions of the 2025 Finance Law. 

The ordinance incorporates new economic measures, particularly to address unforeseen expenditure, including adjustments linked to salary increases and reductions in external financial support.

Budget execution, figures

Cameroon’s 2024 Finance Law had set an initial State budget of FCFA 6,740.1 billion, balanced between revenue and expenditure. 

This was later revised upwards to FCFA 7,278.1 billion through the July 2025 ordinance to accommodate new spending needs.

Total revenue collected under the general budget stood at FCFA 5,015.6 billion, representing 97.7% of the projected FCFA 5,151.1 billion. 

After taking into account the Audit Bench’s recommendations, the State’s adjusted budget execution reached FCFA 6,895.5 billion, 95.2% of the revised forecast of FCFA 6,738.4 billion.

Total expenditure amounted to FCFA 5,396.8 billion, representing 102.2% of forecast spending. Under special appropriation accounts, revenue reached FCFA 42.4 billion, 64.6% of projections, while expenditure stood at FCFA 18.3 billion, 28% of expected levels.

The overall budget deficit was recorded at FCFA 357.1 billion, exceeding the forecast deficit of FCFA 137.9 billion. The total financing requirement after budget execution reached FCFA 1,829.9 billion.

The Public Investment Budget, PIB, which represented 22.2% of total state spending, showed an execution rate of 93.9%, up from 80.1% in 2023. 

Minister clarifies audit bench’s observations

Minister Motaze explained that the Audit Bench of the Supreme Court had issued a reserved opinion on the State’s accounts, not due to mismanagement, but because of ongoing reforms in patrimonial accounting.

He stated that the government is currently compiling a national inventory of State assets including land, buildings, and vehicles to reflect their true value in financial records.

“The Audit Bench’s reserve is a technical observation, not an accusation. The same reserve will appear in the 2025, 2026, and 2027 reports because the work is still ongoing,” he noted.

He further clarified that this process has begun in Yaounde, Douala, and parts of the South and East regions, but remains incomplete. 

Impact of global economic context

The minister outlined that the execution of the 2024 budget occurred under difficult economic conditions influenced by the lingering effects of COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and declining oil revenues. 

Despite these challenges, he noted that domestic revenue collection from taxation and customs performed well, partially offsetting the drop in oil income.

Ordinance adjustments

Regarding the 2025 Ordinance, Motaze explained that the measure was necessary to correct figures and integrate new financial realities that emerged during the year. Among these was the withdrawal of American funding for health programmes, particularly those targeting disease control. 

According to the minister, this sudden withdrawal required the government to allocate additional funds estimated at FCFA 30 to 50 billion to maintain essential health services.

“When external partners withdraw support, we must assume the responsibility with our own resources,” he said.

He added that new domestic revenue sources were also identified, which justified the increase in the overall State budget during the revision process.

Accountability before parliament

Motaze reaffirmed that appearing before Parliament after budget execution is part of a normal accountability process.

“Parliament gives authorisation for a budget, and the government must return to explain how it was executed,” he said. 

The Settlement Bill and the accompanying ordinance were both submitted for the Committee’s scrutiny and recommendation before presentation at the plenary session of the National Assembly.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3624 of Friday November 14, 2025