Rwanda External Debt to GNI
External debt stocks as % of GNI DT.DOD.DECT.GN.ZS
Rwanda's external debt to gni was 88.91% in 2025, ranked 11th globally. This represents a 5.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
Rwanda's external debt to gni stood at 88.91% in 2025, a decline of +4.97pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 88.91% by 2025. Rwanda ranked 11th globally.
Rwanda's external debt to GNI ratio has exhibited significant fluctuations over the past five decades, with a current value of 88.91%, ranking #11 globally. The country's debt burden peaked at 127.42% in 1994, a year marked by the devastating genocide that ravaged the nation. Conversely, Rwanda's external debt to GNI ratio hit a trough of 0.90% in 1971, a year that preceded the country's economic challenges. Notably, Rwanda's current debt-to-GNI ratio remains higher than that of Jordan, which has a comparable ranking at 89.12%. The World Bank data highlights the country's vulnerability to external economic pressures. Rwanda's trajectory suggests that continued economic growth and prudent fiscal management will be essential to mitigate the risks associated with its high debt burden. A reduction in external debt or a rise in GNI could potentially alter this trajectory, allowing Rwanda to stabilize its external debt to GNI ratio.
Data & projection
| Year | External Debt to GNI | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 92.52% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 90.72% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 88.91% | - | - |
| 2025 | 88.91% | −4.97pp | #11 |
| 2024 | 93.88% | +12.87pp | #102 |
| 2023 | 81.02% | +6.68pp | #97 |
| 2022 | 74.33% | −11.52pp | #93 |
| 2021 | 85.86% | +3.41pp | #94 |
| 2020 | 82.45% | +17.31pp | #91 |
| 2019 | 65.14% | +3.99pp | #85 |
| 2018 | 61.15% | +4.51pp | #80 |
| 2017 | 56.64% | +5.58pp | #79 |
| 2016 | 51.07% | +9.88pp | #74 |
| 2015 | 41.19% | +5.04pp | #66 |
| 2014 | 36.15% | +6.04pp | #61 |
| 2013 | 30.11% | +6.08pp | #48 |
| 2012 | 24.03% | +2.63pp | #39 |
| 2011 | 21.39% | +1.09pp | #30 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Rwanda matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2023. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw external debt to gni improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Rwanda's external debt to gni was 88.91% in 2025. Ranked 11th globally. This represents a 5.3% decrease from the previous year.
Rwanda's external debt to gni peaked at 127.42% in 1994.
The lowest external debt to gni in Rwanda was 0.90% in 1971.
Rwanda ranks 11th 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.
Rwanda's external debt to gni is projected to reach 88.91% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The external debt to gni of Rwanda in 2025 was 88.91%. This ranks 11th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_rwanda_external-debt-to-gni,
title = {Rwanda External Debt to GNI},
url = {https://historysaid.com/rwanda/external-debt-to-gni/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}