Overall, as of the end of September 2025, in the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC), the sub-regional inflation rate has fallen below the community threshold of 3%. It has dropped from 4.3% a year ago to 2.8% at the end of the period under review. On an annual basis, the trend is even more pronounced, with a decrease to 1.4% in September 2025, after 4.1% at the same period in 2024.
According to the report on CEMAC’s monetary policy released on December 22, 2025, “this disinflation is explained by both external and internal factors. Internationally, the gradual normalization of maritime freight costs after the spike in 2024, the decrease in energy prices, and the relaxation of global food prices have helped to ease imported inflationary pressures.” However, the financial authorities of CEMAC point out that “the appreciation of the Nigerian naira since mid-2025 has increased the cost of certain imports for neighboring countries, particularly Cameroon and Chad, partially offsetting the favorable effects.”
Internally, the normalization of transport tariffs and better agricultural campaigns in Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Chad, and to a lesser extent in Cameroon, have reinforced the price decline, particularly in food products. Nevertheless, the CEMAC report argues that “certain domestic factors continue to exert pressure.” “These include the strength of private consumption boosted by cocoa revenues in Cameroon and gold in the Central African Republic and Chad, as well as logistical and security difficulties limiting the supply to certain markets,” the document states.
As it was a year ago, Cameroon remains the main contributor to regional inflation, with over 50% of consumption weight in the area. The economic powerhouse of the sub-region is followed by Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon, while Chad plays a disinflationary role. Food and non-alcoholic beverages remain at the heart of the dynamic by consumption function, even though their contribution has significantly decreased over the past year. The housing-energy and transport segments have also slowed down.
Compared to its partners, CEMAC displays contrasting differentials. Particularly higher inflation compared to UEMOA, but more favorable compared to Nigeria, the United States, and the eurozone. During the period under review, CEMAC notes that underlying inflation is also declining, although at a slower pace than overall inflation, due in particular to fuel price adjustments.
Overall, the trend confirms a gradual stabilization of the regional macroeconomic framework. However, the report notes that “structural, logistical, security, and food dependency vulnerabilities continue to weigh on the outlook.”
