Botswana Debt Service
Total debt service as % of exports DT.TDS.DECT.EX.ZS
Botswana's debt service was 4.29% in 2025, ranked 92nd globally. This represents a 9.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1975–2025.
Overview
Botswana's debt service stood at 4.29% in 2025, a decline of +0.43% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 4.29% by 2025. Botswana ranked 92nd globally.
Botswana’s debt‑service ratio, measured as the share of exports devoted to external debt repayments, stands at 4.29 in 2025, placing the country 92nd in the global ranking. The indicator has been tracked for 51 years, rising from a low of 3.21 in 1975 to an all‑time peak of 5.35 in 1985 before falling to a trough of 0.67 in 2014. The post‑trough resurgence reflects higher borrowing amid infrastructure expansion and fiscal stimulus, yet the recent level remains modest compared with peers such as São Tomé and Principe (4.37) and Fiji (4.01). The long‑term upward drift suggests that, absent a reversal in borrowing policy or a significant contraction in export earnings, Botswana’s debt‑service burden is likely to inch higher, although prudent debt management could temper future increases.
Data & projection
| Year | Debt Service | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 5.01% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 4.65% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 4.29% | - | - |
| 2025 | 4.29% | −0.43% | #92 |
| 2024 | 4.72% | +1.05% | #13 |
| 2023 | 3.67% | +1.74% | #9 |
| 2022 | 1.93% | −0.09% | #7 |
| 2021 | 2.01% | −1.74% | #9 |
| 2020 | 3.75% | +0.74% | #10 |
| 2019 | 3.02% | +0.66% | #12 |
| 2018 | 2.36% | −0.08% | #9 |
| 2017 | 2.44% | +0.46% | #10 |
| 2016 | 1.98% | −1.35% | #4 |
| 2015 | 3.33% | +2.65% | #16 |
| 2014 | 0.67% | −1.47% | #6 |
| 2013 | 2.15% | +1.26% | #16 |
| 2012 | 0.89% | −0.17% | #6 |
| 2011 | 1.06% | −0.34% | #8 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Botswana matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2023. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw debt service improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Botswana's debt service was 4.29% in 2025. Ranked 92nd globally. This represents a 9.0% decrease from the previous year.
Botswana's debt service peaked at 5.35% in 1985.
The lowest debt service in Botswana was 0.67% in 2014.
Botswana ranks 92nd globally in debt service as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is DT.TDS.DECT.EX.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Botswana's debt service is projected to reach 4.29% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The debt service of Botswana in 2025 was 4.29%. This ranks 92nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_botswana_debt-service,
title = {Botswana Debt Service},
url = {https://historysaid.com/botswana/debt-service/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}