Malawi Lending Rate
Lending interest rate FR.INR.LEND
Malawi's lending rate was 39.42% in 2025, ranked 5th globally. This represents a 6.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1979–2025.
Overview
Malawi's lending rate stood at 39.42% in 2025, a rise of +2.36pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 39.42% by 2025. Malawi ranked 5th globally.
Malawi’s lending rate has risen sharply over the 47‑year series, moving from an all‑time trough of 16.50 % in 1984 to a peak of 56.17 % in 2001 before settling at 39.42 % in 2025, the fifth‑highest level worldwide. The post‑peak decline reflects modest monetary easing, yet the rate remains markedly above peers such as Egypt (24.94 %) and Mozambique (24.61 %) and only slightly lower than Madagascar’s 53.37 %. The persistent high cost of borrowing signals tight credit conditions that constrain private investment and limit growth potential. Structural factors, including limited financial sector depth and elevated inflation expectations, have kept policy rates elevated. If inflation pressures ease and financial reforms deepen market competition, the central bank could lower rates further, potentially narrowing the gap with regional counterparts and stimulating credit expansion.
Data & projection
| Year | Lending Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 46.49% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 42.96% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 39.42% | - | - |
| 2025 | 39.42% | +2.36pp | #5 |
| 2024 | 37.06% | +3.52pp | #76 |
| 2023 | 33.55% | +8.20pp | #87 |
| 2022 | 25.35% | +1.47pp | #93 |
| 2021 | 23.88% | −0.34pp | #105 |
| 2020 | 24.22% | −1.46pp | #106 |
| 2019 | 25.67% | −6.62pp | #112 |
| 2018 | 32.29% | −6.30pp | #117 |
| 2017 | 38.59% | −5.52pp | #130 |
| 2016 | 44.11% | −0.28pp | #131 |
| 2015 | 44.39% | +0.10pp | #133 |
| 2014 | 44.29% | −1.72pp | #137 |
| 2013 | 46.01% | +13.68pp | #140 |
| 2012 | 32.33% | +8.58pp | #135 |
| 2011 | 23.75% | −0.88pp | #127 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Malawi matched the Currency Crisis Pattern pattern in 2016. Historically, 27% of countries showing this pattern (35 out of 128) saw lending rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Malawi's lending rate was 39.42% in 2025. Ranked 5th globally. This represents a 6.4% increase from the previous year.
Malawi's lending rate peaked at 56.17% in 2001.
The lowest lending rate in Malawi was 16.50% in 1979.
Malawi ranks 5th globally in lending rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is FR.INR.LEND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Malawi's lending rate is projected to reach 39.42% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The lending rate of Malawi in 2025 was 39.42%. This ranks 5th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_malawi_lending-rate,
title = {Malawi Lending Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/malawi/lending-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}