Tanzania Government Spending
Government expenditure as % of GDP GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS
Tanzania's government spending was 17.79% in 2025, ranked 92nd globally. This represents a 8.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2009–2025.
Overview
Tanzania's government spending stood at 17.79% in 2025, a rise of +1.37% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 17.79% by 2025. Tanzania ranked 92nd globally.
Tanzania’s government spending as a share of GDP rose from 15.35 percent in 2009 to an all‑time peak of 17.79 percent in 2025, the highest level recorded in the 17‑year series and placing the country 92nd globally. The trough occurred in 2010 at 13.19 percent, after which fiscal outlays expanded steadily, reflecting increased public investment in infrastructure and social services. By 2025 Tanzania’s spending level is comparable to that of Sri Lanka (17.68 percent) and slightly below Rwanda (18.45 percent), suggesting a convergence with other emerging economies that have pursued more expansive fiscal policies. The upward trajectory mirrors a broader regional pattern of rising public expenditure to support development goals, while the modest gap with peers indicates room for further fiscal space. Continued growth in revenue capacity and prudent debt management will be crucial if Tanzania aims to sustain this upward trend without compromising macro‑economic stability.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 19.03% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 18.41% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 17.79% | - | - |
| 2025 | 17.79% | +1.37% | #92 |
| 2024 | 16.42% | −0.61% | #1 |
| 2023 | 17.03% | +0.18% | #14 |
| 2022 | 16.85% | +1.72% | #18 |
| 2021 | 15.13% | +0.83% | #17 |
| 2020 | 14.29% | −1.08% | #14 |
| 2019 | 15.38% | +0.80% | #26 |
| 2018 | 14.57% | −1.16% | #22 |
| 2017 | 15.74% | +2.37% | #29 |
| 2016 | 13.37% | −1.50% | #14 |
| 2015 | 14.87% | −1.21% | #22 |
| 2014 | 16.08% | +1.25% | #32 |
| 2013 | 14.83% | +0.81% | #24 |
| 2012 | 14.02% | −0.36% | #23 |
| 2011 | 14.38% | +1.18% | #22 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Tanzania matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2012. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw government spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Tanzania's government spending was 17.79% in 2025. Ranked 92nd globally. This represents a 8.3% increase from the previous year.
Tanzania's government spending peaked at 17.79% in 2025.
The lowest government spending in Tanzania was 13.19% in 2010.
Tanzania ranks 92nd globally in government spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Tanzania's government spending is projected to reach 17.79% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The government spending of Tanzania in 2025 was 17.79%. This ranks 92nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_tanzania_government-spending,
title = {Tanzania Government Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/tanzania/government-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}