Government Expenditure: Central African Republic

Analysis# Central African Republic Government Expenditure Government spending in the Central African Republic reached 16.64% of GDP in 2026, down from a peak of 24.188% in 2020 but well above the 2016 low of 11.084%. Since 2004, expenditure has grown 27.3% overall, reflecting significant volatility in the country's fiscal management. The current level sits near the middle of the historical range, indicating a stabilization phase after years of erratic spending patterns. The 2020 spike to 24.188% marked a dramatic departure from baseline spending, likely driven by pandemic-related pressures and emergency responses. Since that peak, expenditure has gradually declined, falling from 19.202% in 2021 to the projected 16.64% in 2026. This downward trajectory suggests fiscal consolidation efforts, though spending remains elevated relative to pre-2017 levels, indicating a structural shift in the government's budget allocation approach.