Sierra Leone External Debt to GNI
External debt stocks as % of GNI DT.DOD.DECT.GN.ZS
Sierra Leone's external debt to gni was 33.87% in 2025, ranked 78th globally. This represents a 8.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
Sierra Leone's external debt to gni stood at 33.87% in 2025, a rise of +2.74pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 33.87% by 2025. Sierra Leone ranked 78th globally.
Sierra Leone's external debt to GNI has exhibited significant fluctuations over the past 56 years, with the ratio reaching its all-time peak of 229.68% in 1992 during the country's tumultuous civil war era. This stark contrast to its all-time trough of 14.42% in 1970 underscores the substantial burden imposed by the conflict. As of 2025, Sierra Leone's external debt to GNI has decreased to 33.87%, ranking 78th globally. In comparison, its peer countries such as Peru (34.45%) and Albania (33.09%) exhibit comparable debt-to-GNI ratios. Despite the improvement, Sierra Leone still grapples with a considerable external debt burden. A continuation of the country's economic growth and successful debt restructuring efforts would likely facilitate further reductions in its external debt-to-GNI ratio, potentially positioning Sierra Leone for a more stable economic future.
Data & projection
| Year | External Debt to GNI | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 33.58% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 33.72% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 33.87% | - | - |
| 2025 | 33.87% | +2.74pp | #78 |
| 2024 | 31.13% | −6.67pp | #28 |
| 2023 | 37.80% | +3.77pp | #40 |
| 2022 | 34.03% | −1.62pp | #32 |
| 2021 | 35.64% | +2.71pp | #34 |
| 2020 | 32.93% | +3.03pp | #28 |
| 2019 | 29.90% | +0.90pp | #31 |
| 2018 | 29.00% | −2.76pp | #32 |
| 2017 | 31.76% | +4.63pp | #36 |
| 2016 | 27.13% | +3.79pp | #34 |
| 2015 | 23.34% | +3.72pp | #29 |
| 2014 | 19.62% | −0.19pp | #25 |
| 2013 | 19.81% | −2.60pp | #22 |
| 2012 | 22.40% | −0.22pp | #35 |
| 2011 | 22.62% | +0.52pp | #31 |
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 external debt to gni improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Sierra Leone's external debt to gni was 33.87% in 2025. Ranked 78th globally. This represents a 8.8% increase from the previous year.
Sierra Leone's external debt to gni peaked at 229.68% in 1992.
The lowest external debt to gni in Sierra Leone was 14.42% in 1970.
Sierra Leone ranks 78th 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.
Sierra Leone's external debt to gni is projected to reach 33.87% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The external debt to gni of Sierra Leone in 2025 was 33.87%. This ranks 78th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sierra-leone_external-debt-to-gni,
title = {Sierra Leone External Debt to GNI},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sierra-leone/external-debt-to-gni/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}