World Bank raises alarm as developing countries’ external debt hit record $9.4 trillion
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Nairametrics
Reported by Samson Akintaro
Thu, 5 Nov 2026, 14:58
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The World Bank has expressed concerns as external debt owed by developing countries rose 5.5% to a record $9.4 trillion in 2025, pushed by increased borrowing from private creditors and renewed access to international bond markets pushed up debt levels. Data from the Debt Management Office (DMO) show that Nigeria’s external debt stock increased to $54.52 billion as of June 30, 2026, from $51.90 billion in March 2026, representing an increase of $2.62 billion in three months.
Context & Background
✦Debt grew even faster among the most vulnerable economies, with external debt in countries eligible for concessional financing from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) rising 8.1% to $1.3 trillion.
Key Figures & Named Entities
2025:The World Bank has expressed concerns as external debt owed by developing countries rose 5.5% to a record $9.4 trillion in 2025, pushed by increased borrowing from private creditors and renewed access to international bond markets pushed up debt levels.2026:The Bank disclosed this in its International Debt Report 2026, released on Thursday, November 5, warning that higher borrowing costs and mounting debt-service obligations could leave governments with fewer resources for essential development investments.2021:According to the Bank, the increase was the fastest since 2021 and approximately four times the average growth recorded between 2022 and 2024, highlighting the growing financing pressures facing developing economies despite improved access to international capital.
Outlook & Next Steps
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Key Takeaways
Verified Extract
✦The World Bank has expressed concerns as external debt owed by developing countries rose 5.5% to a record $9.4 trillion in 2025, pushed by increased borrowing from private creditors and renewed access to international bond markets pushed up debt levels.
✦Data from the Debt Management Office (DMO) show that Nigeria’s external debt stock increased to $54.52 billion as of June 30, 2026, from $51.90 billion in March 2026, representing an increase of $2.62 billion in three months.
✦Debt grew even faster among the most vulnerable economies, with external debt in countries eligible for concessional financing from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) rising 8.1% to $1.3 trillion.
Key Facts:2025: The World Bank has expressed concerns as external debt owed by developing countries rose 5.5% to a record $9.4 trillion in 2025, pushed by increased borrowing from private creditors and renewed access to international bond markets pushed up debt levels.2026: The Bank disclosed this in its International Debt Report 2026, released on Thursday, November 5, warning that higher borrowing costs and mounting debt-service obligations could leave governments with fewer resources for essential development investments.2021: According to the Bank, the increase was the fastest since 2021 and approximately four times the average growth recorded between 2022 and 2024, highlighting the growing financing pressures facing developing economies despite improved access to international capital.8.1%: Debt grew even faster among the most vulnerable economies, with external debt in countries eligible for concessional financing from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) rising 8.1% to $1.3 trillion.
Editorial Excerpt
The World Bank has expressed concerns as external debt owed by developing countries rose 5.5% to a record $9.4 trillion in 2025, pushed by increased borrowing from private creditors and renewed access to international bond markets pushed up debt levels.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
What is the latest development regarding Central Bank of Nigeria?
The World Bank has expressed concerns as external debt owed by developing countries rose 5.5% to a record $9.4 trillion in 2025, pushed by increased borrowing from private creditors and renewed access to international bond markets pushed up debt levels.
Who are the key organizations or public figures mentioned?
Data from the Debt Management Office (DMO) show that Nigeria’s external debt stock increased to $54.52 billion as of June 30, 2026, from $51.90 billion in March 2026, representing an increase of $2.62 billion in three months.
What timeline or key figures were confirmed?
The World Bank has expressed concerns as external debt owed by developing countries rose 5.5% to a record $9.4 trillion in 2025, pushed by increased borrowing from private creditors and renewed access to international bond markets pushed up debt levels.
