Burkina Faso External Debt
Total external debt stocks DT.DOD.DECT.CD
Burkina Faso's external debt was $11.0B in 2025, ranked 69th globally. This represents a 1.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
Burkina Faso's external debt stood at $11.0B in 2025, a rise of +$110.1M from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach $11.0B by 2025. Burkina Faso ranked 69th globally.
Burkina Faso's external debt has followed a fluctuating trajectory over the 56-year period from 1970 to 2025. Initially, the country's external debt registered a trough of 20,015,915.30 in 1972 before steadily increasing to an all-time peak of 12,771,161,142.40 in 2017. Since then, the debt has decreased to 10,955,214,380.38 in 2025, ranking 69 globally. A comparison with peer countries reveals that Burkina Faso's debt levels are comparable to those of Nepal, with the latter's external debt standing at 10,905,472,407.49 in 2025. The fluctuations in Burkina Faso's external debt can be attributed to various factors, including changes in global economic conditions, trade policies, and the country's economic growth trajectory. A sustained economic growth, driven by investments in infrastructure and human capital, could potentially alter the trajectory of Burkina Faso's external debt in the coming years, reducing its reliance on foreign borrowing and improving its debt sustainability.
Data & projection
| Year | External Debt | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | $11.4B | - | - |
| 2026* trend | $11.2B | - | - |
| 2025* trend | $11.0B | - | - |
| 2025 | $11.0B | +$110.1M | #69 |
| 2024 | $10.8B | +$367.3M | #53 |
| 2023 | $10.5B | +$571.9M | #53 |
| 2022 | $9.9B | −$426.7M | #55 |
| 2021 | $10.3B | +$563.3M | #54 |
| 2020 | $9.8B | +$608.5M | #56 |
| 2019 | $9.2B | −$1.5B | #58 |
| 2018 | $10.6B | −$2.1B | #60 |
| 2017 | $12.8B | +$2.5B | #67 |
| 2016 | $10.3B | −$2.3B | #65 |
| 2015 | $12.6B | +$2.3B | #74 |
| 2014 | $10.3B | +$1.4B | #69 |
| 2013 | $8.9B | +$1.5B | #68 |
| 2012 | $7.4B | +$1.5B | #64 |
| 2011 | $6.0B | +$1.2B | #58 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Burkina Faso matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2008. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw external debt improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Burkina Faso's external debt was $11.0B in 2025. Ranked 69th globally. This represents a 1.0% increase from the previous year.
Burkina Faso's external debt peaked at $12.8B in 2017.
The lowest external debt in Burkina Faso was $20.0M in 1972.
Burkina Faso ranks 69th globally in external debt as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is DT.DOD.DECT.CD. Data sourced from World Bank.
Burkina Faso's external debt is projected to reach $11.0B by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
Burkina Faso's external debt was approximately 10.96 billion ($11.0B) in 2025.
The external debt of Burkina Faso in 2025 was $11.0B. This ranks 69th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_burkina-faso_external-debt,
title = {Burkina Faso External Debt},
url = {https://historysaid.com/burkina-faso/external-debt/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}