Afghanistan External Debt to GNI
External debt stocks as % of GNI DT.DOD.DECT.GN.ZS
Afghanistan's external debt to gni was 27.46% in 2025, ranked 89th globally. This represents a 38.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2006–2025.
Overview
Afghanistan's external debt to gni stood at 27.46% in 2025, a rise of +7.57pp from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 27.46% by 2025. Afghanistan ranked 89th globally.
Afghanistan's external debt to Gross National Income (GNI) ratio has fluctuated significantly over the past two decades. The country's all-time peak of 27.46% in 2025 indicates a substantial increase from its 19-year low of 12.30% in 2014. Notably, this current peak surpasses the external debt to GNI ratio of Argentina, which ranks 84th globally. The rising debt burden has been a persistent concern in Afghanistan, with the country struggling to rebuild its economy amidst ongoing conflicts. Despite efforts to stabilize the economy, the external debt to GNI ratio remains a significant challenge, with Afghanistan ranking 89th globally in 2025. The trajectory of Afghanistan's external debt to GNI ratio is likely to remain volatile, with any significant improvement dependent on sustained economic growth and improved access to international financing. A potential shift towards a more stable economic trajectory could be achieved through the implementation of economic reforms and increased foreign investment.
Data & projection
| Year | External Debt to GNI | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 29.47% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 27.46% | - | - |
| 2025 | 27.46% | +7.57pp | #89 |
| 2023 | 19.89% | −3.45pp | #13 |
| 2022 | 23.34% | −1.45pp | #20 |
| 2021 | 24.79% | +9.66pp | #16 |
| 2020 | 15.12% | +1.17pp | #7 |
| 2019 | 13.95% | −0.69pp | #6 |
| 2018 | 14.64% | +0.13pp | #8 |
| 2017 | 14.51% | +0.37pp | #7 |
| 2016 | 14.15% | +0.66pp | #7 |
| 2015 | 13.49% | +1.19pp | #9 |
| 2014 | 12.30% | −0.50pp | #6 |
| 2013 | 12.80% | −0.12pp | #7 |
| 2012 | 12.93% | −1.05pp | #8 |
| 2011 | 13.98% | −1.36pp | #13 |
| 2010 | 15.33% | −4.70pp | #13 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Afghanistan matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2022. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw external debt to gni improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Afghanistan's external debt to gni was 27.46% in 2025. Ranked 89th globally. This represents a 38.0% increase from the previous year.
Afghanistan's external debt to gni peaked at 27.46% in 2025.
The lowest external debt to gni in Afghanistan was 12.30% in 2014.
Afghanistan ranks 89th globally in external debt to gni as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is DT.DOD.DECT.GN.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Afghanistan's external debt to gni is projected to reach 27.46% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The external debt to gni of Afghanistan in 2025 was 27.46%. This ranks 89th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_afghanistan_external-debt-to-gni,
title = {Afghanistan External Debt to GNI},
url = {https://historysaid.com/afghanistan/external-debt-to-gni/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}