Mozambique Budget Deficit
General government net lending/borrowing as % of GDP GGXCNL_NGDP
Mozambique's budget deficit was -5.32% in 2025, ranked 147th globally. This represents a 13.8% increase from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 1980–2025.
Overview
Mozambique's budget deficit stood at -5.32% in 2025, a rise of +0.85% from 2024. The IMF projects -5.32% by 2025. Mozambique ranked 147th globally.
Mozambique’s general government budget deficit widened to –5.32 percent of GDP in 2025, placing the country 147th in the IMF World Economic Outlook ranking and closely matching peers such as Pakistan (–5.33) and Namibia (–5.37). The deficit’s trajectory has been volatile over the 46‑year sample, expanding from a modest –1.48 percent in 1980 to a historic low of –15.77 percent in 1983, before reaching a positive peak of 1.70 percent in 2019, the only year in which revenues exceeded expenditures. The recent swing back into deficit reflects the combined impact of lower commodity prices, a weaker tax base, and heightened financing needs for infrastructure and social programs. Compared with Zambia (–5.25) and Trinidad and Tobago (–5.20), Mozambique’s fiscal position remains similarly constrained, suggesting limited fiscal space for additional stimulus without further borrowing. Continued improvement will depend on stabilising export earnings, broadening the tax net and implementing disciplined expenditure reforms, which could gradually narrow the deficit in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Budget Deficit | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | -0.33% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | -1.68% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | -3.36% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | -3.70% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | -4.22% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | -5.32% | - | - |
| 2025 | -5.32% | +0.85% | #147 |
| 2024 | -6.17% | −1.91% | #34 |
| 2023 | -4.26% | +0.96% | #61 |
| 2022 | -5.22% | +0.01% | #55 |
| 2021 | -5.23% | +0.96% | #71 |
| 2020 | -6.19% | −7.90% | #93 |
| 2019 | 1.70% | +9.09% | #164 |
| 2018 | -7.39% | −4.49% | #11 |
| 2017 | -2.90% | +2.52% | #74 |
| 2016 | -5.42% | +1.13% | #41 |
| 2015 | -6.56% | +3.20% | #33 |
| 2014 | -9.75% | −7.29% | #6 |
| 2013 | -2.46% | +0.99% | #93 |
| 2012 | -3.45% | +0.89% | #68 |
| 2011 | -4.34% | −0.84% | #56 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Mozambique matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2017. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw budget deficit improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Mozambique's budget deficit was -5.32% in 2025. Ranked 147th globally. This represents a 13.8% increase from the previous year.
Mozambique's budget deficit peaked at 1.70% in 2019.
The lowest budget deficit in Mozambique was -15.77% in 1983.
Mozambique ranks 147th globally in budget deficit as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXCNL_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
Mozambique's budget deficit is projected to reach -5.32% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The budget deficit of Mozambique in 2025 was -5.32%. This ranks 147th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_mozambique_budget-deficit,
title = {Mozambique Budget Deficit},
url = {https://historysaid.com/mozambique/budget-deficit/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}