# Debt of poorest countries at record $9.4tn high, World Bank data shows

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/debt-of-poorest-countries-at-record-9-4tn-high-world-bank-data-shows/
- Published: 2026-11-05T14:30:25+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-05T15:05:03+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/nov/05/developing-country-debt-record-94tn-high-world-bank-data
- Topics: Business, Economy, Government, Politics, UK, World

## Key points

- Developing country debt hit a record $9.4tn.
- The poorest borrowers faced average interest of 8.2%.
- The UK plans to champion debt reform at the G20.

## Summary

Developing countries’ debt reached a record $9.4tn last year, while rising repayment costs are limiting some governments’ ability to invest in long-term development. The World Bank says borrowing increased rapidly, particularly from private lenders, and the UK plans to make debt reform a priority during its G20 presidency next year.

The debt stock rose 5.5%, the fastest increase in four years. The poorest countries faced an average 8.2% interest rate on new borrowing, the highest since the late 1980s; Laos, the Republic of Congo and Kenya recently borrowed at rates of 11.5%, 13.88% and 9.2% respectively. UK proposals may include using multilateral development banks to buy back debt and extend repayment periods, though private bondholders make reform more complex than past debt-relief efforts.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.