Burundi External Debt to GNI
External debt stocks as % of GNI DT.DOD.DECT.GN.ZS
Burundi's external debt to gni was 49.38% in 2025, ranked 42nd globally. This represents a 4.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
Burundi's external debt to gni stood at 49.38% in 2025, a rise of +2.25pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 49.38% by 2025. Burundi ranked 42nd globally.
Burundi’s external debt-to‑GNI ratio has risen sharply from a low of 2.63 % in 1973 to an all‑time peak of 175.85 % in 2003, reflecting the cumulative impact of civil conflict, fiscal deficits and reliance on external borrowing. After the 2003 high, the ratio fell gradually but remained elevated, reaching 49.38 % in 2025, which places Burundi 42nd globally and is comparable to peers such as Cambodia (49.25 %) and Liberia (50.36 %). The 56‑year series shows a persistent upward trajectory since the early 1990s, driven by recurring balance‑of‑payments gaps and limited domestic capital markets. Although the post‑peak decline suggests some debt‑management progress, the current level still exceeds the World Bank’s medium‑term sustainability threshold for low‑income economies. Continued fiscal consolidation, diversification of export earnings and improved debt‑service capacity will be crucial to reverse the upward trend and bring the ratio closer to the 1970s trough.
Data & projection
| Year | External Debt to GNI | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 59.04% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 54.21% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 49.38% | - | - |
| 2025 | 49.38% | +2.25pp | #42 |
| 2024 | 47.13% | +8.09pp | #65 |
| 2023 | 39.04% | +10.79pp | #42 |
| 2022 | 28.24% | −6.81pp | #26 |
| 2021 | 35.06% | +10.09pp | #31 |
| 2020 | 24.96% | +0.63pp | #19 |
| 2019 | 24.33% | +2.12pp | #23 |
| 2018 | 22.21% | −0.11pp | #22 |
| 2017 | 22.33% | −0.51pp | #18 |
| 2016 | 22.84% | +2.64pp | #23 |
| 2015 | 20.20% | −5.42pp | #23 |
| 2014 | 25.61% | −2.11pp | #38 |
| 2013 | 27.73% | −0.81pp | #43 |
| 2012 | 28.53% | +1.26pp | #53 |
| 2011 | 27.28% | −3.44pp | #50 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Burundi matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2023. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw external debt to gni improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Burundi's external debt to gni was 49.38% in 2025. Ranked 42nd globally. This represents a 4.8% increase from the previous year.
Burundi's external debt to gni peaked at 175.85% in 2003.
The lowest external debt to gni in Burundi was 2.63% in 1973.
Burundi ranks 42nd 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.
Burundi's external debt to gni is projected to reach 49.38% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The external debt to gni of Burundi in 2025 was 49.38%. This ranks 42nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_burundi_external-debt-to-gni,
title = {Burundi External Debt to GNI},
url = {https://historysaid.com/burundi/external-debt-to-gni/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}