BIG STORYBusiness & Finance
World Bank reports developing countries' external debt hit $9.4 trillion in 2025
Updated 12:42 WAT, · first published 5 Nov 2026, 15:32 WAT · 11 outlets reporting
The World Bank said external debt owed by developing nations rose 5.5 percent to a record $9.4 trillion in 2025, according to the International Debt Report 2026 referenced by Leadership. Nigeria's external debt grew 13.3 percent to $145.02 billion at the end of 2025, noted by Daily Trust and Naija News. The Bank warned that higher borrowing costs threaten development financing, as reported by Nairametrics.
What we know
- Developing countries' external debt reached $9.4 trillion in 2025
- Debt rose 5.5 percent year-on-year
- Nigeria's external debt rose to $145.02 billion
- Nigeria's debt increase was 13.3 percent
- Higher borrowing costs threaten development financing
Why it matters: Nigeria's external debt rose to $145.02 billion, a 13.3 percent increase.
Sources
- Nigeria, Others Pay Highest Interest Since 1989 Amid $9.4trn Debt—World Bank – Leadership,
- World Bank raises alarm as developing countries’ external debt hit record $9.4 trillion – Nairametrics,
- Developing countries’ external debt hits record $9.4tn — World Bank – Punch,
- Developing Countries’ Debt Hit Record $9.4trn In 2025 – World Bank – Channels TV,
- Nigeria’s External Debt 13.3% Growth More Than Twice Developing Economies’ 5.5% – World Bank – New Telegraph,
- World Bank: Developing Countries’ External Debt Hit $9.4trn In 2025 – New Telegraph,
- World Bank puts developing countries’ external debt at record $9.4trn – Daily Post,
- Nigeria’s External Debt Rises To $145bn As World Bank Flags Costly Borrowing – Daily Trust,
- Nigeria’s External Debt Jumps To $145 Billion, World Bank Reacts – Naija News,
- Nigeria’s external debt hits $145bn as World Bank warns of costly borrowing – The Sun,
- Nigeria’s External Debt Hits $145bn As Servicing Burden Rises — World Bank – Channels TV,
- Nigeria’s external debt hits $145bn as servicing burden rises — World Bank – Linda Ikeji's Blog,
- Nigeria’s external debt up 6.6% to $145bn in 2025 – World Bank – Premium Times,
Updates
- – Now also reported by Premium Times
- – Now also reported by Linda Ikeji's Blog
- – Now also reported by The Sun
- – Summary updated with new reporting
- – Now also reported by Naija News
- – Now also reported by Daily Trust
- – Story published - 6 outlets
This page groups reports from the outlets above; headlines belong to their publishers. Summary written by our automated desk from multiple reports. How we work.
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