Tanzania External Debt to GNI
External debt stocks as % of GNI DT.DOD.DECT.GN.ZS
Tanzania's external debt to gni was 48.28% in 2025, ranked 49th globally. This represents a 2.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
Tanzania's external debt to gni stood at 48.28% in 2025, a rise of +0.96pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 48.28% by 2025. Tanzania ranked 49th globally.
Tanzania’s external debt-to‑GNI ratio has risen sharply from a trough of 6.93% in 1970 to an all‑time peak of 113.00% in 1994, before receding to 48.28% in 2025, placing the country 49th globally. The post‑1994 decline reflects debt‑relief initiatives and fiscal consolidation, yet the current level remains close to that of peers such as Ghana (48.36%) and Burkina Faso (48.54%). Over the 56‑year coverage period, the ratio has more than quadrupled, indicating a long‑term shift toward greater external financing relative to national income. While the downward trend since the mid‑1990s suggests improved debt management, any resurgence of external borrowing or slowdown in economic growth could halt or reverse the modest decline, underscoring the importance of sustained fiscal discipline and diversified revenue streams.
Data & projection
| Year | External Debt to GNI | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 51.92% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 50.10% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 48.28% | - | - |
| 2025 | 48.28% | +0.96pp | #49 |
| 2024 | 47.32% | +2.72pp | #66 |
| 2023 | 44.60% | +3.66pp | #57 |
| 2022 | 40.93% | −0.55pp | #49 |
| 2021 | 41.49% | +1.72pp | #46 |
| 2020 | 39.77% | −0.97pp | #43 |
| 2019 | 40.74% | +0.60pp | #54 |
| 2018 | 40.15% | −1.15pp | #57 |
| 2017 | 41.30% | +1.29pp | #63 |
| 2016 | 40.01% | +0.72pp | #58 |
| 2015 | 39.29% | +6.14pp | #63 |
| 2014 | 33.15% | +2.06pp | #53 |
| 2013 | 31.08% | +0.24pp | #53 |
| 2012 | 30.84% | +1.06pp | #56 |
| 2011 | 29.78% | +1.34pp | #59 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Tanzania matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2012. 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
Tanzania's external debt to gni was 48.28% in 2025. Ranked 49th globally. This represents a 2.0% increase from the previous year.
Tanzania's external debt to gni peaked at 113.00% in 1994.
The lowest external debt to gni in Tanzania was 6.93% in 1970.
Tanzania ranks 49th 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.
Tanzania's external debt to gni is projected to reach 48.28% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The external debt to gni of Tanzania in 2025 was 48.28%. This ranks 49th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_tanzania_external-debt-to-gni,
title = {Tanzania External Debt to GNI},
url = {https://historysaid.com/tanzania/external-debt-to-gni/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}