Rwanda Debt Service
Total debt service as % of exports DT.TDS.DECT.EX.ZS
Rwanda's debt service was 7.58% in 2025, ranked 79th globally. This represents a 4.9% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1976–2025.
Overview
Rwanda's debt service stood at 7.58% in 2025, a decline of +0.39% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 7.58% by 2025. Rwanda ranked 79th globally.
Rwanda's debt service has exhibited significant fluctuations over the past four decades, with the country's expenditure on debt repayment rising steadily since the 1970s. The debt service as a percentage of GDP peaked in 2021 at 29.11%, a stark contrast to the all-time low of 0.97% in 1977. Notably, Rwanda's debt service burden has remained relatively high, ranking 79th globally in 2025, with a value of 7.58%. Comparatively, Azerbaijan, a peer country, had a slightly higher debt service ratio of 7.62% in 2025. The consistent increase in debt service expenditure suggests that Rwanda's economic growth has not kept pace with its rising debt obligations. This trend may continue if the country fails to implement effective fiscal policies and diversify its economy, potentially exacerbating its debt burden and limiting its ability to invest in key sectors.
Data & projection
| Year | Debt Service | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 2.17% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 4.87% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 7.58% | - | - |
| 2025 | 7.58% | −0.39% | #79 |
| 2024 | 7.97% | −7.35% | #25 |
| 2023 | 15.32% | +3.83% | #69 |
| 2022 | 11.49% | −17.61% | #55 |
| 2021 | 29.11% | +14.49% | #96 |
| 2020 | 14.62% | +0.31% | #56 |
| 2019 | 14.31% | +1.56% | #75 |
| 2018 | 12.75% | +0.05% | #64 |
| 2017 | 12.71% | −1.86% | #66 |
| 2016 | 14.56% | +1.92% | #69 |
| 2015 | 12.64% | +0.04% | #68 |
| 2014 | 12.60% | +4.29% | #70 |
| 2013 | 8.31% | +0.76% | #60 |
| 2012 | 7.55% | +2.77% | #57 |
| 2011 | 4.77% | −2.45% | #43 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Rwanda matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2023. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw debt service improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Rwanda's debt service was 7.58% in 2025. Ranked 79th globally. This represents a 4.9% decrease from the previous year.
Rwanda's debt service peaked at 29.11% in 2021.
The lowest debt service in Rwanda was 0.97% in 1977.
Rwanda ranks 79th globally in debt service as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is DT.TDS.DECT.EX.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Rwanda's debt service is projected to reach 7.58% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The debt service of Rwanda in 2025 was 7.58%. This ranks 79th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_rwanda_debt-service,
title = {Rwanda Debt Service},
url = {https://historysaid.com/rwanda/debt-service/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}