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Developing-country debt hits record $9.4tn, World Bank data shows

By ChordNews · First written (new coverage )

Debt of poorest countries at record $9.4tn high, World Bank data shows
Image: theguardian.com
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Summary

Debt owed by developing countries rose to a record $9.4tn (£7tn) last year, World Bank data shows, with the poorest countries paying the highest interest rates since the late 1980s. Emerging economies' external debt also climbed to a record $9.4 trillion in 2025, with the poorest nations facing borrowing costs not seen since the 1980s. The cost of servicing external debt is preventing these countries from investing for the future. The UK government is preparing to champion a 'new drive on debt' during its G20 presidency next year, a move Prime Minister Andy Burnham has linked to confronting the legacy of slavery.

This continues an earlier story: UK says slavery reparations are not feasible as PM floats Commonwealth debt reset

Timeline

  1. Bloomberg

    Source ↗

    Bloomberg reports that emerging economies' external debt climbed to a record $9.4 trillion in 2025, with the poorest nations facing borrowing costs unseen since the 1980s, according to the World Bank.

  2. The Guardian

    Source ↗

    The Guardian reports that developing-country debt rose to a record $9.4tn last year, with the poorest paying the highest interest rates since the late 1980s, according to World Bank data.

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