Benin Budget Deficit
General government net lending/borrowing as % of GDP GGXCNL_NGDP
Benin's budget deficit was -2.90% in 2025, ranked 96th globally. This represents a 5.4% increase from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 1989–2025.
Overview
Benin's budget deficit stood at -2.90% in 2025, a rise of +0.16% from 2024. The IMF projects -2.90% by 2025. Benin ranked 96th globally.
Benin's budget deficit has exhibited significant fluctuations over the 37-year period from 1989 to 2025. The country experienced a notable peak in 1998 when the deficit reached 2.50, a level surpassed in subsequent years. Conversely, 2021 saw a trough of -5.71, the lowest deficit recorded. However, by 2025, the budget deficit had narrowed to -2.90, a moderate deficit ranking 96th globally. For comparison, St. Lucia, a peer country with a similar deficit ranking, experienced a deficit of -2.81 in 2025. Benin's budget deficit has generally trended downward since 2021, reflecting efforts to manage public finances and stabilize the economy. A potential shift in the country's economic trajectory could be driven by an increase in commodity prices, which might lead to higher government revenues and a reduction in the budget deficit.
Data & projection
| Year | Budget Deficit | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | -2.90% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | -2.90% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | -2.90% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | -2.90% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | -2.90% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | -2.90% | - | - |
| 2025 | -2.90% | +0.16% | #96 |
| 2024 | -3.06% | +1.07% | #87 |
| 2023 | -4.13% | +1.43% | #64 |
| 2022 | -5.56% | +0.15% | #43 |
| 2021 | -5.71% | −1.03% | #64 |
| 2020 | -4.68% | −4.15% | #119 |
| 2019 | -0.53% | +2.43% | #121 |
| 2018 | -2.96% | +1.22% | #60 |
| 2017 | -4.18% | +0.11% | #47 |
| 2016 | -4.29% | +1.26% | #58 |
| 2015 | -5.55% | −3.90% | #42 |
| 2014 | -1.65% | −0.29% | #126 |
| 2013 | -1.37% | −1.15% | #119 |
| 2012 | -0.22% | +0.77% | #140 |
| 2011 | -0.98% | −0.71% | #124 |
Analysis
Benin's budget deficit was -2.90% in 2025, a rise of +0.16% from 2024. IMF projects -2.90% by 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Benin's budget deficit was -2.90% in 2025. Ranked 96th globally. This represents a 5.4% increase from the previous year.
Benin's budget deficit peaked at 2.50% in 1998.
The lowest budget deficit in Benin was -5.71% in 2021.
Benin ranks 96th globally in budget deficit as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXCNL_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
Benin's budget deficit is projected to reach -2.90% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The budget deficit of Benin in 2025 was -2.90%. This ranks 96th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_benin_budget-deficit,
title = {Benin Budget Deficit},
url = {https://historysaid.com/benin/budget-deficit/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}