Rwanda External Debt
Total external debt stocks DT.DOD.DECT.CD
Rwanda's external debt was $13.9B in 2025, ranked 59th globally. This represents a 6.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
Rwanda's external debt stood at $13.9B in 2025, a rise of +$810.7M from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach $13.9B by 2025. Rwanda ranked 59th globally.
Rwanda's external debt has experienced significant growth over the past 56 years, with the latest value standing at 13,861,100,682.58 in 2025, ranking 59th globally. The country's debt has more than quadrupled since its all-time trough in 1971, when it was 1,998,751.40. This notable increase was particularly pronounced during the 1980s and 1990s, with Rwanda's debt reaching a peak of 13,861,100,682.58 in 2025, largely driven by foreign aid and economic development efforts. In comparison, Honduras, a peer country, has a slightly higher external debt of 14,759,017,867.13, while Bosnia and Herzegovina's debt is comparable to Rwanda's at 13,766,240,337.58. Rwanda's rising external debt is expected to influence its fiscal policy and economic development trajectory, potentially limiting its ability to implement structural reforms and invest in key sectors. A significant improvement in trade balances or increased foreign investment could alter Rwanda's debt trajectory in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | External Debt | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | $16.2B | - | - |
| 2026* trend | $15.0B | - | - |
| 2025* trend | $13.9B | - | - |
| 2025 | $13.9B | +$810.7M | #59 |
| 2024 | $13.1B | +$1.7B | #60 |
| 2023 | $11.4B | +$1.7B | #56 |
| 2022 | $9.7B | +$372.4M | #52 |
| 2021 | $9.3B | +$1.1B | #52 |
| 2020 | $8.2B | +$1.7B | #51 |
| 2019 | $6.5B | +$833.9M | #45 |
| 2018 | $5.7B | +$605.0M | #44 |
| 2017 | $5.1B | +$757.4M | #44 |
| 2016 | $4.3B | +$866.8M | #43 |
| 2015 | $3.5B | +$542.1M | #40 |
| 2014 | $2.9B | +$595.3M | #37 |
| 2013 | $2.3B | +$500.0M | #34 |
| 2012 | $1.8B | +$353.8M | #32 |
| 2011 | $1.5B | +$227.4M | #29 |
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 improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Rwanda's external debt was $13.9B in 2025. Ranked 59th globally. This represents a 6.2% increase from the previous year.
Rwanda's external debt peaked at $13.9B in 2025.
The lowest external debt in Rwanda was $2.0M in 1971.
Rwanda ranks 59th globally in external debt as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is DT.DOD.DECT.CD. Data sourced from World Bank.
Rwanda's external debt is projected to reach $13.9B by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
Rwanda's external debt was approximately 13.86 billion ($13.9B) in 2025.
The external debt of Rwanda in 2025 was $13.9B. This ranks 59th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_rwanda_external-debt,
title = {Rwanda External Debt},
url = {https://historysaid.com/rwanda/external-debt/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}