Zambia Short-term Debt
Short-term debt as % of total external debt DT.DOD.DSTC.ZS
Zambia's short-term debt was 14.21% in 2025, ranked 39th globally. This represents a 43.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
Zambia's short-term debt stood at 14.21% in 2025, a rise of +4.28% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 14.21% by 2025. Zambia ranked 39th globally.
Zambia’s short‑term external debt stood at 14.21 percent of gross national income in 2025, placing the country 39th in the global ranking. This figure marks a substantial decline from the all‑time peak of 27.68 percent recorded in 1977, yet it remains well above the historic trough of 1.30 percent reached in 2003. Over the 56‑year series, the debt ratio has fluctuated markedly, reflecting periods of fiscal consolidation and external borrowing cycles. Compared with peers of similar rank, Zambia’s burden is marginally higher than Honduras (14.12 percent) and slightly below the Kyrgyz Republic (15.71 percent), suggesting that regional peers are experiencing comparable pressures. The downward trajectory since the late 1970s indicates improving debt sustainability, but any resurgence in commodity price volatility or external financing needs could reverse the trend. Continued prudent fiscal management and diversification of revenue sources will be critical to maintaining the recent decline in short‑term debt.
Data & projection
| Year | Short-term Debt | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 18.49% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 16.35% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 14.21% | - | - |
| 2025 | 14.21% | +4.28% | #39 |
| 2024 | 9.93% | −1.79% | #64 |
| 2023 | 11.73% | +2.14% | #72 |
| 2022 | 9.58% | +4.33% | #58 |
| 2021 | 5.26% | +2.78% | #40 |
| 2020 | 2.47% | −0.38% | #19 |
| 2019 | 2.86% | +0.33% | #23 |
| 2018 | 2.53% | −1.27% | #22 |
| 2017 | 3.79% | −1.04% | #31 |
| 2016 | 4.83% | −1.17% | #41 |
| 2015 | 6.00% | −2.48% | #42 |
| 2014 | 8.48% | −2.75% | #50 |
| 2013 | 11.23% | −2.06% | #63 |
| 2012 | 13.29% | +3.14% | #70 |
| 2011 | 10.14% | −16.48% | #59 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Zambia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw short-term debt improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Zambia's short-term debt was 14.21% in 2025. Ranked 39th globally. This represents a 43.1% increase from the previous year.
Zambia's short-term debt peaked at 27.69% in 1977.
The lowest short-term debt in Zambia was 1.30% in 2003.
Zambia ranks 39th globally in short-term debt as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is DT.DOD.DSTC.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Zambia's short-term debt is projected to reach 14.21% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The short-term debt of Zambia in 2025 was 14.21%. This ranks 39th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_zambia_short-term-debt,
title = {Zambia Short-term Debt},
url = {https://historysaid.com/zambia/short-term-debt/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}