Lesotho Debt Service
Total debt service as % of exports DT.TDS.DECT.EX.ZS
Lesotho's debt service was 8.30% in 2025, ranked 76th globally. This represents a 20.5% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1975–2025.
Overview
Lesotho's debt service stood at 8.30% in 2025, a rise of +1.41% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 8.30% by 2025. Lesotho ranked 76th globally.
Lesotho’s debt‑service burden has risen markedly since the series began in 1975, when the ratio of debt service payments to export earnings was just 0.71. After a brief dip to an all‑time low of 0.23 in 1977, the indicator climbed steadily, reaching a peak of 10.16 in 1999, a level that remains well above the 2025 figure of 8.30, which places the kingdom 76th in the global ranking. The upward trajectory reflects persistent fiscal pressures despite modest improvements in recent years; the 2025 ratio is comparable to that of peer economies such as India (8.33) and Viet Nam (8.35). Over the 51‑year coverage period, Lesotho’s debt‑service share has more than doubled, signalling that external financing costs continue to consume a sizable share of export earnings. Future reductions will likely depend on sustained export growth, debt restructuring or fiscal consolidation, which could temper the upward trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Debt Service | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 9.59% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 8.95% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 8.30% | - | - |
| 2025 | 8.30% | +1.41% | #76 |
| 2024 | 6.89% | −2.04% | #18 |
| 2023 | 8.92% | +4.00% | #31 |
| 2022 | 4.93% | −0.98% | #20 |
| 2021 | 5.91% | +0.75% | #22 |
| 2020 | 5.16% | +0.67% | #18 |
| 2019 | 4.49% | +0.29% | #20 |
| 2018 | 4.21% | +0.86% | #17 |
| 2017 | 3.35% | −0.59% | #14 |
| 2016 | 3.94% | +0.16% | #18 |
| 2015 | 3.78% | +0.62% | #20 |
| 2014 | 3.15% | −0.07% | #22 |
| 2013 | 3.22% | +0.77% | #27 |
| 2012 | 2.45% | +0.36% | #19 |
| 2011 | 2.09% | −0.00% | #16 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Lesotho matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw debt service improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lesotho's debt service was 8.30% in 2025. Ranked 76th globally. This represents a 20.5% increase from the previous year.
Lesotho's debt service peaked at 10.16% in 1999.
The lowest debt service in Lesotho was 0.23% in 1977.
Lesotho ranks 76th globally in debt service as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is DT.TDS.DECT.EX.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Lesotho's debt service is projected to reach 8.30% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The debt service of Lesotho in 2025 was 8.30%. This ranks 76th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lesotho_debt-service,
title = {Lesotho Debt Service},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lesotho/debt-service/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}