Africa’s debt burden is undergoing significant changes, with most regions expected to reduce their debt-to-GDP ratios by 2028. Northern, West, Eastern, and Central Africa are all forecasted to experience notable declines, signalling efforts to manage debt more sustainably. However, Southern Africa stands out as the only region where the debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to rise, increasing by 5.8 percentage points to reach 77.4%.
This shift highlights contrasting fiscal trends across the continent. While several regions appear to be improving debt management, Southern Africa's growing debt burden raises concerns about fiscal sustainability, borrowing costs, and economic resilience. This suggests that debt control strategies and economic conditions vary across African regions.