Top 10 African Countries with the Highest Debt-to-GDP Ratios in 2026
By 2026, several African countries are projected to have public debt levels equal to or higher than their entire economic output.
In-depth analysis of Africa’s debt landscape. Explore expert insights on debt-to-GDP ratios, the impact of IMF loans, and how public debt affects inflation and growth.
By 2026, several African countries are projected to have public debt levels equal to or higher than their entire economic output.
Africa’s debt story is often told through sweeping generalizations, with headlines suggesting that most countries on the continent are weighed down by loans and repayments.
Africa’s growing public debt is a major economic challenge. It affects everything from food prices to access to credit to the overall pace of development. As governments' repayment obligations rise and available funds shrink, households and businesses feel the impact before economists report on it.