Lesotho External Debt to GNI
External debt stocks as % of GNI DT.DOD.DECT.GN.ZS
Lesotho's external debt to gni was 64.56% in 2025, ranked 29th globally. This represents a 1.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
Lesotho's external debt to gni stood at 64.56% in 2025, a decline of +0.79pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 64.56% by 2025. Lesotho ranked 29th globally.
Lesotho’s external debt-to‑GNI ratio has risen sharply from 9.18 % in 1970 to a peak of 71.16 % in 2020, before easing slightly to 64.56 % in 2025, placing the country 29th globally. The all‑time trough of 4.24 % occurred in 1974, reflecting a period of limited external borrowing, whereas the post‑pandemic surge to 71.16 % in 2020 coincided with heightened fiscal pressures and reduced export earnings. By 2025 the ratio remains high, marginally above the 64.57 % recorded by Gambia, a peer with a similar ranking, and comparable to Grenada’s 63.85 % and Jamaica’s 65.32 %. Over the 56‑year coverage, the upward trajectory underscores persistent reliance on foreign financing to support public investment and balance of payments needs. Continued debt‑service constraints and potential reforms in fiscal policy will be decisive in determining whether the ratio stabilises or resumes its ascent in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | External Debt to GNI | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 62.99% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 63.77% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 64.56% | - | - |
| 2025 | 64.56% | −0.79pp | #29 |
| 2024 | 65.35% | −3.57pp | #80 |
| 2023 | 68.92% | +4.93pp | #90 |
| 2022 | 64.00% | −1.16pp | #86 |
| 2021 | 65.15% | −6.01pp | #84 |
| 2020 | 71.16% | +15.65pp | #84 |
| 2019 | 55.51% | +7.41pp | #74 |
| 2018 | 48.09% | −9.32pp | #69 |
| 2017 | 57.41% | +0.84pp | #80 |
| 2016 | 56.57% | +20.48pp | #78 |
| 2015 | 36.10% | +2.56pp | #53 |
| 2014 | 33.54% | −0.48pp | #56 |
| 2013 | 34.02% | +2.76pp | #60 |
| 2012 | 31.26% | +4.92pp | #57 |
| 2011 | 26.34% | −1.10pp | #45 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Lesotho matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw external debt to gni improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lesotho's external debt to gni was 64.56% in 2025. Ranked 29th globally. This represents a 1.2% decrease from the previous year.
Lesotho's external debt to gni peaked at 71.16% in 2020.
The lowest external debt to gni in Lesotho was 4.24% in 1974.
Lesotho ranks 29th 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.
Lesotho's external debt to gni is projected to reach 64.56% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The external debt to gni of Lesotho in 2025 was 64.56%. This ranks 29th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lesotho_external-debt-to-gni,
title = {Lesotho External Debt to GNI},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lesotho/external-debt-to-gni/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}