The Minister of Finance spoke on January 13, 2026, in Ngaoundéré at the official launch of the state budget for the year. This meeting allowed the government to outline the key elements for the successful implementation of this 8,816.4 billion FCFA budget, which is geared towards promoting investment, employment, and “Made in Cameroon” products.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am particularly honored and deeply happy to be here today in Ngaoundéré, capital of the Adamaoua Region, to proceed with the solemn launch of the State budget and other public entities for the 2026 financial year.

The choice of the Adamawa Region to host this national ceremony is neither insignificant nor circumstantial. It reflects the firm and unwavering commitment of the President of the Republic, His Excellency Paul Biya, to promote balanced development across the country. A region of transition and convergence, Adamawa serves as a vital link between the north and the southern regions of our nation. It is simultaneously a melting pot of people and cultures, a strategic economic hub, and, above all, a major pillar of national food sovereignty. Its agricultural and pastoral potential makes it a key region for the economic, social, and even security stability of Cameroon.

I would like to congratulate the local authorities for the maturity they have demonstrated in preserving this stability in the post-election security context. Allow me also to express my gratitude for the warm welcome extended to my delegation. I am delighted by the strong presence of stakeholders from the budgetary chain, which reflects the interest in the sound management of public finances.

Today’s ceremony is part of the technical support provided by the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with other ministerial departments (Minepat, Minmap, Minddevel), for optimal implementation of finance laws.

The 2026 Finance Law is a continuation of the 2020-2030 National Development Strategy. Its objective is to consolidate public finances while ensuring the implementation of the priorities set by the President of the Republic for the next seven-year term. It also aims for the optimal mobilization of non-oil domestic revenues without creating distortions detrimental to businesses.

The priority areas for 2026 :

•  Security: Maintaining vigilance at borders and in urban areas in a post-election context.
•  Economy: Implementation of the Initial Boost Program (P2I) and the Integrated Import-Substitution Plan (PIISAH). Strengthening of energy supply, acquisition of ACTIS shares from ENEO, and development of transport infrastructure. Reconstruction of crisis-stricken regions and combating climate change.
• Social: Intensification of vocational training, health monitoring, improvement of hospital technical facilities and school infrastructure. Preservation of purchasing power, Social Safety Nets project, promotion of HIMO (High-Intensity Labor) and the National Gender Policy.
• Governance: Accelerated decentralization, resolution of domestic debt, and reform of public financial management. Particular attention is paid to the advancement of youth and women with the creation of a special fund for their economic empowerment. The 2026 Finance Law also marks a decisive step for decentralization with the effective transfer of certain tax revenues to the Decentralized Territorial Collectivities (CTDs).

Regarding the agricultural and livestock sector, a pillar of the Adamaoua region, significant tax exemptions are planned, reducing investment costs by nearly 30%. These measures include VAT exemptions on inputs and equipment, as well as exemptions from property tax and business license fees for the first years of operation.

Key figures and projects for Adamaoua:

•  The overall budget for the 2026 finance law amounts to 8,816.4 billion FCFA, representing an increase of 14.0% compared to 2025.
• The budget allocated to the Adamaoua Region is 41.2 billion FCFA.
•  Major projects: Paving of the Banyo-Mayo Darle-Bankim, Ngatt-Likok and Ngaoundéré-Paro roads; opening up of production areas; construction of high schools, pastoral boreholes and acquisition of artificial insemination kits.

Budget execution will rely on new procedural manuals and specific circulars. I commend the region for its high rates of physical implementation (up to 97% in 2023). However, further efforts are needed regarding contract deadlines and project monitoring. I urge all stakeholders—authorizing officers, economic operators, decentralized services, and local elected officials—to demonstrate responsibility, professionalism, and economic patriotism for the success of this exercise.

The budget launch is not a mere ritual, but the foundation for an ongoing management dialogue dedicated to the well-being of our people. It is on this note of hope that I officially declare open the work related to the launch of the 2026 budget.

Long live the Adamawa Region! Long live Cameroon!