Sierra Leone Debt Service
Total debt service as % of exports DT.TDS.DECT.EX.ZS
Sierra Leone's debt service was 7.18% in 2025, ranked 83rd globally. This represents a 24.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1977–2025.
Overview
Sierra Leone's debt service stood at 7.18% in 2025, a decline of +2.30% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 7.18% by 2025. Sierra Leone ranked 83rd globally.
Sierra Leone's debt service ratio has exhibited significant fluctuations over the past five decades. The country's debt service ratio peaked at 112.75 in 2001, during a period of economic instability in the aftermath of a devastating civil war. Conversely, the ratio hit an all-time low of 1.55 in 2013, reflecting the country's efforts to stabilize its economy and rebuild its infrastructure. Although the ratio has increased in recent years, it remains relatively low at 7.18 in 2025, ranking Sierra Leone 83rd globally. Compared to its peer countries, Sierra Leone's debt service ratio is comparable to Madagascar's, which stands at 7.19. The trend suggests that Sierra Leone's debt service burden, although increasing, remains manageable. However, a decline in global commodity prices or a significant reduction in the country's external debt could substantially alter this trajectory, potentially leading to a decrease in the debt service ratio and improved fiscal sustainability.
Data & projection
| Year | Debt Service | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 4.06% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 5.62% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 7.18% | - | - |
| 2025 | 7.18% | −2.30% | #83 |
| 2024 | 9.49% | −1.75% | #36 |
| 2023 | 11.24% | +1.21% | #49 |
| 2022 | 10.02% | −1.37% | #45 |
| 2021 | 11.40% | −5.83% | #46 |
| 2020 | 17.23% | +7.18% | #63 |
| 2019 | 10.05% | +1.76% | #52 |
| 2018 | 8.29% | +1.36% | #41 |
| 2017 | 6.93% | +1.88% | #38 |
| 2016 | 5.06% | −1.55% | #26 |
| 2015 | 6.61% | +4.28% | #36 |
| 2014 | 2.33% | +0.78% | #12 |
| 2013 | 1.55% | −0.12% | #11 |
| 2012 | 1.67% | −1.74% | #14 |
| 2011 | 3.41% | +0.69% | #28 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Sierra Leone matched the Currency Crisis Pattern pattern in 2023. Historically, 27% of countries showing this pattern (35 out of 128) saw debt service improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Sierra Leone's debt service was 7.18% in 2025. Ranked 83rd globally. This represents a 24.3% decrease from the previous year.
Sierra Leone's debt service peaked at 112.75% in 2001.
The lowest debt service in Sierra Leone was 1.55% in 2013.
Sierra Leone ranks 83rd globally in debt service as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is DT.TDS.DECT.EX.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Sierra Leone's debt service is projected to reach 7.18% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The debt service of Sierra Leone in 2025 was 7.18%. This ranks 83rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sierra-leone_debt-service,
title = {Sierra Leone Debt Service},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sierra-leone/debt-service/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}