The budget of the Ministry of Education in Cameroon

Education in Cameroon plays a crucial role in the economic, social and cultural development of the country, considered as an essential lever for reducing poverty, improving living conditions and achieving sustainable development goals. However, it faces several challenges related to access, quality and inequalities between regions.

Let's take a closer look at the budget allocated to this ministry.

Overall budget for education in Cameroon

In 2024, the budget allocated to education in Cameroon is 1,016.2 billion FCFA, or about 14% of the national budget, equivalent to 7,278.1 billion FCFA. An increase compared to 2023 which was worth 788.86 billion FCFA.

a) Distribution of ministries

The international standard prescribed by UNESCO recommends that States devote 20% of their annual budget to the education sector and in Cameroon the quota remains below despite the slight increase observed in the budget of the departments responsible for education. Among the ministries dedicated to education, budgetary subsidies are distributed as follows:

Ministry of Secondary Education (556.7 billion FCFA), Higher Education (81.7 billion FCFA), Basic Education (297.3 billion FCFA), Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training (28.8 billion FCFA), Ministry of Youth and Civic Education (26.7 billion FCFA) and the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education (25 billion FCFA).

b) Salaries and remuneration

In 2024, more than 60% of the budgets of the ministries of education were allocated to the payroll. Here are some estimated amounts of monthly salaries:

Primary school teachers earn around 30,000 (45.80 euros) to 80,000 FCFA depending on seniority. Secondary school teachers in the 1st cycle (with a BAC) earn around 110,000 and 160,000 FCFA and in the 2nd cycle (with a university degree) earn between 160,000 (around 244 euros) and 250,000 FCFA. University teacher, an assistant earns between 200,000 and 400,000 FCFA, Lecturers and full professors receive more than 500,000 FCFA.

1. Investments in educational infrastructure

In 2024, approximately 10% of the budget has been allocated for the construction and renovation of classrooms, libraries, laboratories and other infrastructure. Provision of equipment such as blackboards, digital tools and benches.

Revenues to finance the budget of the Ministry of Education come from several sources.

Corporate tax, VAT, income and other fiscal taxes constitute the funds redistributed by the State in priority sectors, including education. Revenues from oil and gas exports constitute an important source of funding, part of which is allocated to education.

Institutions such as the World Bank, UNESCO, UNICEF finance the construction of schools and universities, inclusive education programs and teacher training projects. In 2020, the World Bank allocated an initial amount of US$130 million to Cameroon, comprising US$100 million in loans and US$30 million in grants for the Cameroon Education Reform Support Program (PAREC).

The budget of the Ministry of Education in Cameroon faces many structural and socio-economic challenges, accessible education is essential to build a better future for the country. Taking into account the management of the education budget in Cameroon, can we hope for progress to achieve national objectives in the field of education ?