2025-12-30 12:00:00
Figures cited by Punch show the World Bank urging Nigeria and other Sub‑Saharan African economies to diversify exports and tighten fiscal management as debt burdens and servicing costs rise.
The report, linked to the International Debt Report 2025, argued that the region remains vulnerable as debt crowds out social and infrastructure spending, while higher global rates raise borrowing costs for developing countries.
Punch also highlighted the renewed pressure on sovereigns returning to Eurobond markets, even as multilateral flows continue to play a stabilising role.
The World Bank’s own International Debt Report summary describes the publication as providing “factual and timely external debt statistics and analysis” for developing countries. Reuters reporting on the same World Bank findings said debt costs for developing countries “hit a record” in 2024, underlining the impact of elevated interest rates.
Echotitbits take: The debate is shifting from “how much we borrow” to “what we borrow for, and how we earn FX to service it.” Watch whether Nigeria’s 2026 borrowing plan is matched with export‑earning reforms and tighter deficit discipline.
Source: The Punch — December 30, 2025 (https://punchng.com/debt-wbank-urges-nigeria-others-to-rethink-exports/)
The Punch 2025-12-30
Photo Credit: The Punch
