Malawi External Debt to GNI
External debt stocks as % of GNI DT.DOD.DECT.GN.ZS
Malawi's external debt to gni was 35.32% in 2025, ranked 73rd globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1980–2025.
Overview
Malawi's external debt to gni stood at 35.32% in 2025, a rise of +0.07pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 35.32% by 2025. Malawi ranked 73rd globally.
Malawi’s external debt-to‑GNI ratio stood at 35.32 % in 2025, placing the country 73rd in the World Bank ranking and matching São Tomé and Principe’s 2025 figure while slightly above the Republic of Congo’s 34.90 % and Türkiye’s 34.74 %. The indicator has traversed a 46‑year span from a high of 46.09 % in 1980 to an all‑time peak of 117.51 % in 1994, when debt accumulation accelerated under structural adjustment programmes, before falling to a trough of 10.19 % in 2010 after aggressive debt relief and fiscal consolidation. Since that low, the ratio has risen steadily, reflecting renewed borrowing for infrastructure and social spending amid limited domestic revenue mobilisation. The recent level suggests a moderate debt burden relative to peers, but continued fiscal deficits could keep the ratio elevated; further debt‑service reforms or enhanced export performance would be needed to reverse the upward trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | External Debt to GNI | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 39.57% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 37.44% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 35.32% | - | - |
| 2025 | 35.32% | +0.07pp | #73 |
| 2024 | 35.25% | +6.06pp | #36 |
| 2023 | 29.19% | +1.48pp | #28 |
| 2022 | 27.71% | +1.08pp | #24 |
| 2021 | 26.63% | +0.74pp | #19 |
| 2020 | 25.89% | +3.38pp | #22 |
| 2019 | 22.51% | −1.20pp | #21 |
| 2018 | 23.70% | −1.05pp | #26 |
| 2017 | 24.75% | +1.32pp | #25 |
| 2016 | 23.43% | +4.29pp | #27 |
| 2015 | 19.14% | −0.08pp | #21 |
| 2014 | 19.22% | −0.63pp | #24 |
| 2013 | 19.85% | +4.44pp | #24 |
| 2012 | 15.42% | +4.89pp | #15 |
| 2011 | 10.52% | +0.34pp | #7 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Malawi matched the Currency Crisis Pattern pattern in 2016. Historically, 27% of countries showing this pattern (35 out of 128) saw external debt to gni improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Malawi's external debt to gni was 35.32% in 2025. Ranked 73rd globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from the previous year.
Malawi's external debt to gni peaked at 117.51% in 1994.
The lowest external debt to gni in Malawi was 10.19% in 2010.
Malawi ranks 73rd 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.
Malawi's external debt to gni is projected to reach 35.32% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The external debt to gni of Malawi in 2025 was 35.32%. This ranks 73rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_malawi_external-debt-to-gni,
title = {Malawi External Debt to GNI},
url = {https://historysaid.com/malawi/external-debt-to-gni/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}