Comprehensive Breakdown by Borrower, Currency & Usage
As of November 2025, Tanzania's external debt profile reveals a development-oriented structure predominantly driven by government borrowing. With total external debt standing at USD 36.1 billion, the central government accounts for USD 28.5 billion (78.9%), underscoring the critical role of public financing in infrastructure and social development projects. The debt composition shows significant USD exposure (66.8%), making exchange rate stability essential for sustainable debt management.
The borrower structure reveals overwhelming concentration in the central government, placing primary responsibility for debt management and repayment on public finances.
| Borrower Category | Amount (USD Million) | Percentage Share |
|---|---|---|
| Central Government | 28,528.1 | 78.9% |
| Private Sector | 7,040.8 | 19.5% |
| Public Corporations | 558.9 | 1.5% |
| Total External Debt | 36,127.8 | 100% |
The allocation of external funds demonstrates government-led development financing, with significant resources directed toward infrastructure and social services.
| User of Funds | Amount (USD Million) | Percentage Share |
|---|---|---|
| General Government | 27,922.7 | 77.3% |
| Non-Financial Private Sector | 6,109.4 | 16.9% |
| Financial Institutions | 2,095.7 | 5.8% |
| Total Disbursed Debt | 36,127.8 | 100% |
Currency composition reveals significant USD exposure with partial diversification across major international currencies.
| Currency | Amount (USD Million) | Percentage Share |
|---|---|---|
| US Dollar (USD) | 24,127.7 | 66.8% |
| Euro (EUR) | 6,333.6 | 17.5% |
| Japanese Yen (JPY) | 3,219.0 | 8.9% |
| Chinese Yuan (CNY) | 1,334.5 | 3.7% |
| Other Currencies | 1,112.9 | 3.1% |
| Total | 36,127.8 | 100% |
This external debt profile complements Tanzania's overall debt position, with total national debt standing at approximately USD 51.87 billion, indicating that external debt represents roughly 70% of total obligations. Key contextual factors include:
Tanzania's external debt structure appears manageable and development-oriented, provided that key conditions are maintained:
Tanzania's external debt profile as of November 2025 demonstrates a strategic, development-focused borrowing approach with total obligations of USD 36.1 billion. The structure—predominantly government-borrowed, government-used, and USD-denominated—supports essential infrastructure and social development while creating specific vulnerabilities that require careful management.
The path forward requires balancing development financing needs with prudent debt management, maintaining exchange rate stability through robust export performance, and ensuring borrowed funds generate productive returns. With continued fiscal discipline and strategic economic management overseen by the Bank of Tanzania, the current debt structure remains sustainable and supportive of Tanzania's long-term development objectives.