The external debt of developing countries has reached a record level of 9.4 trillion dollars

Private creditors are making a strong comeback, bond markets are reopening, and the debt of the poorest countries has reached its highest level in decades.<\/strong><\/i><\/p>

According to the World Bank Group's International Debt Report 2026, external borrowing by developing countries surged by 5.5% to reach a record amount of 9.4 trillion dollars in 2025. This is the fastest growth since 2021 and nearly four times the average recorded over the 2022–2024 period. While access to international financing has improved, its cost rem