Inflation Still Exceeds CEMAC’s 3% Ceiling in Half of Cameroon’s Regional Capitals

Although inflation has eased steadily in recent months, price pressures continue to vary widely across Cameroon. According to the National Institute of Statistics (INS), inflation remained above the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) ceiling of 3% in five of the country’s 10 regional capitals in May 2026.

During the month, Bertoua posted the highest annual inflation rate at 4.2%, followed by Ngaoundéré (3.8%), Bafoussam (3.7%), Bamenda (3.6%), and Buea (3.2%).

In Yaoundé, inflation stood at exactly 3%, matching the maximum level considered acceptable under CEMAC convergence criteria. Elsewhere, price growth remained more moderate, reaching 2.1% in Garoua, 2.4% in Douala, and 2.6% in Ebolowa. Maroua was the only major city to record a decline in prices, with inflation falling to -0.7%, according to INS data.

The statistics agency attributed these regional differences mainly to transportation costs, uneven availability of locally produced goods, differences in supply chains, and persistent logistical challenges in some areas.

Beyond the INS analysis, however, the data also suggest that inflation has been higher in regions directly affected by insecurity or located near conflict zones.

Maroua Stands Out

That pattern is evident in Bamenda and Buea, the capitals of the Northwest and Southwest regions, where separatist violence has persisted since late 2016. The conflict has also affected parts of the neighboring West region, including Bafoussam.

A similar situation exists in Ngaoundéré and Bertoua, the capitals of the Adamawa and East regions, which have experienced years of refugee inflows and cross-border insecurity linked to armed groups operating from the Central African Republic and Chad.

Maroua, however, stands out as an exception. Despite being the capital of the Far North region, which has borne the brunt of attacks by the Nigerian Islamist group Boko Haram for years, it was the only city among those surveyed where prices declined in May 2026.

One possible explanation is the steady flow of goods from neighboring Nigeria. The depreciation of the naira has made Nigerian products—many of which enter Cameroon through informal cross-border trade—more affordable for consumers paying in CFA francs.

More broadly, Cameroon has entered a period of disinflation after experiencing sustained price pressures from late 2021 through much of 2025, when inflation averaged 4.1% during the first half of the year.

National inflation fell from 3.3% in May 2025 to 2.7% in May 2026, after dropping to 2.1% in April 2026, according to the INS.

“This reflects a significant easing of inflationary pressures compared with the previous year,” the statistics agency said.

BRM