Development Finance International

DFI has today released the 2024 summary database for Debt Service Watch, the findings of which have been reported in our recent G20 Debt Relief Briefing, our SIDS Debt Relief Proposal and our Debt and Education Briefing, as well as in the Guardian on 20 November. The key findings of the database are that debt service has risen sharply as a percentage of budget revenue across countries borrowing from the World Bank, from the 38% reported in October 2023 to 43%. This is partly because the database has been widened to cover 144 countries, up from 139 last year, but also reflects a further rise in debt service compared to all economic aggregates and social spending. Due to inaction by the G20 during 2024, the global debt crisis has continued to get even worse. You can find the summary database here.