Zimbabwe Debt Service
Total debt service as % of exports DT.TDS.DECT.EX.ZS
Zimbabwe's debt service was 3.13% in 2025, ranked 98th globally. This represents a 83.9% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1977–2025.
Overview
Zimbabwe's debt service stood at 3.13% in 2025, a decline of +16.38% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 3.13% by 2025. Zimbabwe ranked 98th globally.
Zimbabwe’s debt service as a percentage of exports of goods and services stood at 3.13 in 2025, ranking 98th globally, a significant decline from its all-time peak of 36.91 in 1983, which reflected the heavy debt burden inherited shortly after independence. The lowest recorded value was 0.59 in 1977, before the country’s transition to majority rule. Over the 34-year coverage period, the indicator has shown substantial volatility, influenced by economic mismanagement, hyperinflation, and periods of international isolation. In 2025, Zimbabwe’s debt service burden was comparable to that of Solomon Islands at 2.98, indicating a moderate external debt repayment load relative to peer developing economies. Despite the current low debt service ratio, this reflects not strong fiscal health but limited access to new external financing and a greatly contracted export base. The trajectory could shift sharply if Zimbabwe secures multilateral debt relief and regains access to concessional loans, which could raise debt service obligations in the medium term while supporting broader economic recovery.
Data & projection
| Year | Debt Service | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -0.27% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 3.13% | - | - |
| 2025 | 3.13% | −16.38% | #98 |
| 2023 | 19.52% | +13.43% | #85 |
| 2022 | 6.08% | −3.14% | #24 |
| 2021 | 9.23% | −9.45% | #38 |
| 2020 | 18.68% | −11.56% | #68 |
| 2019 | 30.24% | +18.55% | #97 |
| 2018 | 11.68% | −3.82% | #57 |
| 2017 | 15.50% | −15.09% | #77 |
| 2016 | 30.59% | +13.79% | #100 |
| 2015 | 16.80% | +4.09% | #79 |
| 2014 | 12.71% | −1.41% | #73 |
| 2013 | 14.12% | −3.09% | #85 |
| 2012 | 17.21% | −6.46% | #95 |
| 2011 | 23.67% | +12.73% | #104 |
| 2010 | 10.94% | +4.37% | #77 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Zimbabwe matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2024. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw debt service improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Zimbabwe's debt service was 3.13% in 2025. Ranked 98th globally. This represents a 83.9% decrease from the previous year.
Zimbabwe's debt service peaked at 36.91% in 1983.
The lowest debt service in Zimbabwe was 0.59% in 1977.
Zimbabwe ranks 98th globally in debt service as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is DT.TDS.DECT.EX.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Zimbabwe's debt service is projected to reach 3.13% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The debt service of Zimbabwe in 2025 was 3.13%. This ranks 98th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_zimbabwe_debt-service,
title = {Zimbabwe Debt Service},
url = {https://historysaid.com/zimbabwe/debt-service/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}