Benin External Debt to GNI
External debt stocks as % of GNI DT.DOD.DECT.GN.ZS
Benin's external debt to gni was 70.23% in 2025, ranked 22nd globally. This represents a 5.5% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
Benin's external debt to gni stood at 70.23% in 2025, a rise of +3.68pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 70.23% by 2025. Benin ranked 22nd globally.
Benin’s external debt-to‑GNI ratio has risen sharply from 13.05 % in 1970 to a peak of 88.43 % in 1994, before falling to a trough of 11.59 % in 1972 and then climbing again to 70.23 % in 2025, placing the country 22nd globally. The long‑term upward trajectory reflects periods of fiscal stress, heavy borrowing for infrastructure, and limited export diversification, while the post‑1994 decline was aided by debt‑relief initiatives and modest growth. Compared with peers, Benin’s ratio in 2025 is slightly lower than El Salvador’s 71.68 % and higher than Paraguay’s 69.68 %, suggesting a similar debt burden profile within the group of lower‑middle‑income economies. The 56‑year coverage shows that external debt remains a persistent constraint on fiscal space, and future reductions will likely depend on stronger export performance, structural reforms, and continued engagement with multilateral creditors.
Data & projection
| Year | External Debt to GNI | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 75.92% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 73.07% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 70.23% | - | - |
| 2025 | 70.23% | +3.68pp | #22 |
| 2024 | 66.55% | +2.14pp | #83 |
| 2023 | 64.41% | +1.25pp | #82 |
| 2022 | 63.16% | +3.50pp | #83 |
| 2021 | 59.67% | +4.95pp | #73 |
| 2020 | 54.71% | +6.26pp | #63 |
| 2019 | 48.45% | −0.05pp | #63 |
| 2018 | 48.50% | +9.70pp | #70 |
| 2017 | 38.81% | +3.29pp | #54 |
| 2016 | 35.52% | +3.68pp | #48 |
| 2015 | 31.83% | +4.25pp | #45 |
| 2014 | 27.58% | +2.89pp | #42 |
| 2013 | 24.68% | +0.57pp | #39 |
| 2012 | 24.11% | +3.60pp | #40 |
| 2011 | 20.51% | −3.58pp | #26 |
Analysis
Benin's external debt to gni was 70.23% in 2025, a rise of +3.68pp from 2024. Based on trends, estimated 70.23% by 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Benin's external debt to gni was 70.23% in 2025. Ranked 22nd globally. This represents a 5.5% increase from the previous year.
Benin's external debt to gni peaked at 88.43% in 1994.
The lowest external debt to gni in Benin was 11.59% in 1972.
Benin ranks 22nd 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.
Benin's external debt to gni is projected to reach 70.23% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The external debt to gni of Benin in 2025 was 70.23%. This ranks 22nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_benin_external-debt-to-gni,
title = {Benin External Debt to GNI},
url = {https://historysaid.com/benin/external-debt-to-gni/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}