Eswatini Debt Service
Total debt service as % of exports DT.TDS.DECT.EX.ZS
Eswatini's debt service was 8.38% in 2025, ranked 73rd globally. This represents a 9.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1974–2025.
Overview
Eswatini's debt service stood at 8.38% in 2025, a rise of +0.71% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 8.38% by 2025. Eswatini ranked 73rd globally.
Eswatini’s debt‑service burden has risen markedly since the mid‑1970s, climbing from a trough of 1.16 % of export earnings in 1976 to an all‑time peak of 10.58 % in 2014, before easing to 8.38 % in 2025, which places the kingdom at rank 73 globally. The upward trajectory reflects periods of fiscal stress and external borrowing that intensified during the early 2000s, while the modest decline after 2014 coincides with modest debt‑restructuring and improved fiscal consolidation. Compared with peer economies, Eswatini’s 2025 figure is slightly lower than Burundi’s 8.80 % and close to Vietnam’s 8.35 %, yet higher than India’s 8.33 %, underscoring a relatively heavy service load among lower‑income countries. The 52‑year series suggests that future reductions will depend on sustaining primary surpluses, diversifying revenue bases and limiting new external debt, which could gradually lower the debt‑service ratio if macro‑economic reforms are maintained.
Data & projection
| Year | Debt Service | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 10.28% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 9.33% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 8.38% | - | - |
| 2025 | 8.38% | +0.71% | #73 |
| 2024 | 7.67% | −0.19% | #23 |
| 2023 | 7.86% | +4.03% | #25 |
| 2022 | 3.83% | +0.92% | #16 |
| 2021 | 2.91% | −2.49% | #13 |
| 2020 | 5.39% | +2.89% | #20 |
| 2019 | 2.51% | −0.23% | #8 |
| 2018 | 2.73% | −3.49% | #10 |
| 2017 | 6.22% | +4.00% | #33 |
| 2016 | 2.22% | −2.59% | #7 |
| 2015 | 4.81% | −5.77% | #26 |
| 2014 | 10.58% | +5.09% | #62 |
| 2013 | 5.49% | +2.37% | #45 |
| 2012 | 3.12% | +0.29% | #25 |
| 2011 | 2.83% | +0.45% | #25 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Eswatini matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2012. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw debt service improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Eswatini's debt service was 8.38% in 2025. Ranked 73rd globally. This represents a 9.3% increase from the previous year.
Eswatini's debt service peaked at 10.58% in 2014.
The lowest debt service in Eswatini was 1.16% in 1976.
Eswatini ranks 73rd globally in debt service as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is DT.TDS.DECT.EX.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Eswatini's debt service is projected to reach 8.38% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The debt service of Eswatini in 2025 was 8.38%. This ranks 73rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_eswatini_debt-service,
title = {Eswatini Debt Service},
url = {https://historysaid.com/eswatini/debt-service/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}