Botswana Government Debt to GDP
General government gross debt as % of GDP GGXWDG_NGDP
Botswana's government debt to gdp was 38.80% in 2025, ranked 131st globally. This represents a 29.9% increase from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 1998–2025.
Overview
Botswana's government debt to gdp stood at 38.80% in 2025, a rise of +8.93% from 2024. The IMF projects 38.80% by 2025. Botswana ranked 131st globally.
Botswana’s government debt-to‑GDP ratio has risen steadily from 11.31 in 1998 to an all‑time peak of 38.80 in 2025, placing the country 131st globally among 28‑year observations. The trough of the series occurred in 2007 at 5.93, reflecting a period of fiscal prudence before a gradual accumulation of liabilities coinciding with expanded public investment and pandemic‑related spending. By 2025 Botswana’s ratio of 38.80 is closely aligned with peers such as Cameroon at 37.92 and Kyrgyz Republic at 37.81, indicating that the nation now shares a similar debt burden with other middle‑income economies in Sub‑Saharan Africa and Central Asia. The upward trajectory suggests that unless fiscal consolidation measures or stronger revenue growth are implemented, the debt ratio is likely to remain near the current high level, with any significant deviation depending on future budgetary reforms or external shocks.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Debt to GDP | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 56.05% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 53.82% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 51.71% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 49.05% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 44.82% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 38.80% | - | - |
| 2025 | 38.80% | +8.93% | #131 |
| 2024 | 29.87% | +7.36% | #31 |
| 2023 | 22.51% | +1.52% | #18 |
| 2022 | 20.99% | −1.29% | #17 |
| 2021 | 22.28% | −1.23% | #16 |
| 2020 | 23.51% | +2.00% | #18 |
| 2019 | 21.51% | +1.87% | #22 |
| 2018 | 19.64% | +0.05% | #17 |
| 2017 | 19.59% | −2.75% | #14 |
| 2016 | 22.34% | −2.11% | #27 |
| 2015 | 24.45% | +0.52% | #31 |
| 2014 | 23.94% | +0.16% | #37 |
| 2013 | 23.77% | −2.67% | #42 |
| 2012 | 26.45% | −1.44% | #58 |
| 2011 | 27.89% | +1.35% | #61 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Botswana matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2023. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw government debt to gdp improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Botswana's government debt to gdp was 38.80% in 2025. Ranked 131st globally. This represents a 29.9% increase from the previous year.
Botswana's government debt to gdp peaked at 38.80% in 2025.
The lowest government debt to gdp in Botswana was 5.93% in 2007.
Botswana ranks 131st globally in government debt to gdp as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXWDG_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
Botswana's government debt to gdp is projected to reach 38.80% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The government debt to gdp of Botswana in 2025 was 38.80%. This ranks 131st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_botswana_government-debt-to-gdp,
title = {Botswana Government Debt to GDP},
url = {https://historysaid.com/botswana/government-debt-to-gdp/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}