As of June/July 2025, Tanzania’s national debt reached approximately TZS 115.0 trillion, up 1% from the previous month, with external debt (TZS 81.0 trillion, 70.7%) dominating over domestic debt (TZS 34.0 trillion, 29.3%). The bulk of external borrowing is owed by the central government (85.4%), largely to multilateral institutions (58.7%) and commercial lenders (34.8%), while domestic debt remains concentrated in Treasury bonds (79.7%) held mainly by commercial banks and pension funds. Despite rising obligations, debt levels remain manageable, supported by strong tax performance and a June fiscal surplus. On the currency front, the Tanzania Shilling averaged TZS 2,666.79 per USD in July 2025, a 1.3% monthly depreciation but only a 0.11% annual decline, underscoring relative stability. This resilience is underpinned by robust foreign reserves (USD 6.2 billion, equivalent to ~TZS 16.5 trillion, covering five months of imports), strong export inflows (gold and tourism), and timely BoT interventions, which together cushion external risks while sustaining investor confidence.

1. Tanzania National Debt (June/July 2025)

a) Total National Debt

• USD 46,586.6 million at the end of June 2025.
• Slight increase (+1%) from the previous month.
• Composition:
  • External Debt: USD 32,955.5m (70.7%)
  • Domestic Debt: TZS 35,351.4 billion (~USD 13,631m) (29.3%)

b) External Debt

• Stock: USD 32,955.5m (June 2025).
• By Borrower:
  • Central Government: USD 28,133.7m (85.4%)
  • Private Sector: USD 4,820.6m (14.6%)
  • Public Corporations: USD 1.3m (~0.0%)
• By Creditor:
  • Multilateral institutions: USD 19,328.5m (58.7%)
  • Commercial lenders: USD 11,458.3m (34.8%)
  • Bilateral lenders: USD 1,525.5m (4.6%)
  • Export credit: USD 643.3m (2.0%)

c) Domestic Debt

• Stock: TZS 35,351.4 billion (July 2025).
• By Instrument:
  • Treasury Bonds: 79.7%
  • Treasury Bills: 5.7%
  • Government Stocks: 0.4%
  • Non-securitized debt (overdrafts, others): 14.2%
• By Creditor:
  • Commercial Banks: 28.8%
  • Pension Funds: 26.4%
  • Bank of Tanzania: 19.2%
  • Other creditors (public institutions, companies, individuals): 18.3%
  • Insurance Companies: 5.1%
  • BoT Special Funds: 2.2%

Table: Tanzania National Debt (June/July 2025)

*Percentages within external debt.

2. Tanzania Shilling (TZS) – Stability and Performance

• Exchange Rate (July 2025):
  • Averaged TZS 2,666.79 per USD, compared to TZS 2,631.56 per USD in June 2025.
  • This is a monthly depreciation of about 1.3%.
• Annual Movement:
  • Shilling depreciated at an annual rate of 0.11%, compared to 0.21% in June 2025.
  • Shows relative stability year-on-year.
• Reserves:
  • FX reserves stood at USD 6,194.4m at end-July 2025, enough to cover 5 months of imports, meeting EAC and SADC benchmarks.
• Drivers of Stability:
  • Export inflows (gold, cashew, cereals, tourism).
  • BoT interventions (USD 17.5m sold in July 2025).
  • High reserves acting as a buffer against shocks.

Economic Implications of Tanzania’s National Debt and Shilling Performance – June/July 2025

1. Tanzania National Debt (June/July 2025)

• Total National Debt: Reached USD 46,586.6 million by June 2025, up 1% from the previous month, with 70.7% (USD 32,955.5 million) as external debt and 29.3% (TZS 35,351.4 billion, ~USD 13,631 million) as domestic debt.
• External Debt:
  • Stock at USD 32,955.5 million, with 85.4% owed by the central government (USD 28,133.7 million), 14.6% by the private sector (USD 4,820.6 million), and a negligible 0.0% by public corporations (USD 1.3 million).
  • Creditors include multilateral institutions (58.7%, USD 19,328.5 million), commercial lenders (34.8%, USD 11,458.3 million), bilateral lenders (4.6%, USD 1,525.5 million), and export credit (2.0%, USD 643.3 million).
• Domestic Debt: TZS 35,351.4 billion, with 79.7% in Treasury bonds, 5.7% in Treasury bills, 0.4% in government stocks, and 14.2% in non-securitized debt (e.g., overdrafts). Creditors are led by commercial banks (28.8%), pension funds (26.4%), Bank of Tanzania (19.2%), other creditors (18.3%), insurance companies (5.1%), and BoT special funds (2.2%).
• Economic Implications:
  • The 1% debt increase reflects ongoing financing needs, with external debt’s 70.7% share (USD 32,955.5 million) highlighting reliance on foreign capital, manageable at ~40% of GDP per IMF estimates. Multilateral loans (58.7%) offer concessional terms, reducing interest burdens, but commercial debt’s 34.8% share (USD 11,458.3 million) exposes Tanzania to market volatility and higher costs (e.g., global rates at 2.8% per IMF 2025 forecast).
  • Domestic debt’s stability (TZS 35,351.4 billion, down 0.4% from June) and bond dominance (79.7%) indicate strong local absorption by banks and pension funds (55.2% combined), supporting fiscal operations (TZS 403.4 billion surplus in June). However, the 14.2% non-securitized portion (overdrafts) suggests short-term liquidity pressures.
  • Risks include a moderate debt distress risk (World Bank), with 68.9% of external debt USD-denominated, amplifying costs if the shilling weakens further. Opportunities lie in leveraging multilateral support for infrastructure (e.g., SGR, USD 7.6 billion) to boost 6% GDP growth.

2. Tanzania Shilling (TZS) – Stability and Performance

• Exchange Rate: Averaged TZS 2,666.79 per USD in July 2025, a 1.3% monthly depreciation from TZS 2,631.56 in June, but an annual depreciation of just 0.11% (down from 0.21% in June), indicating year-on-year stability.
• Reserves: Foreign exchange reserves hit USD 6,194.4 million, covering 5 months of imports, exceeding EAC/SADC benchmarks (4 months).
• Drivers: Stability is fueled by export inflows (gold USD 3,977.6 million, tourism USD 3,871.9 million), BoT interventions (USD 17.5 million sold in July), and robust reserves.
• Economic Meaning:
  • The 1.3% monthly depreciation reflects seasonal import pressures (USD 17,603.1 million) and USD demand for debt servicing (USD 234.4 million in June), yet the 0.11% annual rate underscores stability, supported by a 17.7% export rise (gold +21.9%, cereals tripled). Reserves (USD 6,194.4 million) provide a strong buffer, enhancing investor confidence (Fitch B+ rating).
  • BoT’s active management (e.g., USD 62.3 million sold in March) and export growth (USD 9,479.4 million) counter depreciation, aligning with a 6% GDP projection. However, 70% USD-denominated external debt poses a risk if depreciation accelerates, potentially raising debt servicing costs by TZS 1-2 trillion annually.
  • Compared to 2023’s 8% depreciation, the current stability (0.11% annual) reflects policy success (CBR 5.75%), though import reliance and global rate hikes could challenge this if export growth slows.

Summary of Broader Economic Significance

• Debt Dynamics: The USD 46,586.6 million debt, with a balanced external-domestic mix, supports growth (6%) but requires cautious management to avoid distress, especially with commercial debt exposure (34.8%).
• Shilling Resilience: The shilling’s stability (0.11% annual depreciation) and reserves (5 months cover) bolster trade and investment, though USD debt sensitivity remains a vulnerability.
• Outlook: Sustained export growth and reserve strength could mitigate risks, but fiscal discipline and import control are key to maintaining this trajectory amid global uncertainties (e.g., oil at USD 69.2/barrel).

The Bank of Tanzania’s August 2025 review shows that Tanzania’s external debt stock stood at USD 32,955.5 million in June 2025, with the central government accounting for 85.4% (USD 28,133.7 million) and the private sector holding 14.6% (USD 4,820.6 million). By sectoral use, debt was mainly channeled into transport and telecommunications (28.6%), social welfare and education (18.5%), and energy and mining (16.7%), underscoring the focus on infrastructure and human capital development. In terms of currency composition, the debt portfolio remains highly exposed to the US dollar (69.8%), followed by the euro (18.1%), with smaller shares in the yen (5.4%) and yuan (3.2%). This structure highlights Tanzania’s reliance on public borrowing to fund long-term projects while emphasizing the importance of managing currency risk in debt servicing.

1. External Debt Stock by Borrower (June 2025)

• Total external debt stock: USD 32,955.5 million.
• Public sector dominates: Central Government accounts for 85.4%, while private sector holds 14.6%.

Details:

• Central Government: USD 28,133.7m (85.4%)
• Private Sector: USD 4,820.6m (14.6%)
• Public Corporations: USD 1.3m (≈0.0%)

2. Disbursed Outstanding Debt by Use of Funds (June 2025, % Share)

• Transport & telecommunications: 28.6%
• Social welfare & education: 18.5%
• Energy & mining: 16.7%
• Agriculture: 6.4%
• Industries: 5.7%
• Other sectors (including finance, trade, etc.): 24.1%

3. Disbursed Outstanding Debt by Currency Composition (June 2025, % Share)

• US Dollar (USD): 69.8%
• Euro (EUR): 18.1%
• Japanese Yen (JPY): 5.4%
• Chinese Yuan (CNY): 3.2%
• Other currencies: 3.5%

Table 1: External Debt Stock by Borrower (June 2025)

Table 2: Disbursed Outstanding Debt by Use of Funds (%)

Table 3: External Debt by Currency Composition (%)

Economic Implications of External Debt Profile – June 2025

1. External Debt Stock by Borrower (June 2025)

• Composition: The total external debt stock is USD 32,955.5 million, with the central government holding USD 28,133.7 million (85.4%), the private sector USD 4,820.6 million (14.6%), and public corporations a negligible USD 1.3 million (0.0%).
• Economic Meaning: The heavy public sector dominance (85.4%) underscores the government's role in financing large-scale infrastructure and social projects, aligning with development goals (e.g., Vision 2050 targeting a USD 1 trillion economy). This reduces private sector borrowing pressure, supporting credit growth (15.9% annually), but increases public debt servicing risks (national debt at USD 46,586.6 million). The minimal public corporation share suggests limited state-owned enterprise reliance on external funds, potentially reflecting fiscal discipline. Compared to regional peers (e.g., Kenya’s 60% public share), Tanzania's high public borrowing may enhance state-led growth but requires robust revenue mobilization (tax revenue at TZS 3,108.7 billion) to sustain.

2. Disbursed Outstanding Debt by Use of Funds (June 2025, % Share)

• Allocation: Transport and telecommunications lead at 28.6%, followed by social welfare and education (18.5%), energy and mining (16.7%), agriculture (6.4%), industries (5.7%), and other sectors (24.1%).
• Economic Significance: The 47.1% allocation to transport/telecoms and social sectors supports long-term growth by improving connectivity (e.g., roads, digital infrastructure) and human capital (education, health), key to Tanzania’s 6% GDP growth projection. Energy and mining (16.7%) bolster resource exports (gold at USD 3,977.6 million), while the low agriculture (6.4%) and industries (5.7%) shares may hinder diversification, a noted challenge in IMF assessments. The "other" category (24.1%) likely includes trade and finance, indicating broad sectoral support. This mix reflects a development-focused strategy, but underinvestment in agriculture (despite 27% GDP contribution) could limit rural growth and food security (stocks at 485,930.4 tonnes).

3. Disbursed Outstanding Debt by Currency Composition (June 2025, % Share)

• Breakdown: USD dominates at 69.8%, followed by EUR (18.1%), JPY (5.4%), CNY (3.2%), and other currencies (3.5%).
• Economic Implications: The 69.8% USD exposure heightens vulnerability to exchange rate fluctuations, especially with the TZS depreciating 1.34% to 2,666.79/USD in July 2025. A stronger dollar (e.g., amid global trade tensions) could raise debt servicing costs, straining public finances (surplus TZS 403.4 billion in June). Diversification into EUR (18.1%) and JPY (5.4%) mitigates some risk, reflecting loans from multilateral institutions (e.g., IMF, World Bank). The low CNY share (3.2%) suggests limited Chinese financing compared to peers like Zambia, potentially reducing geopolitical debt dependency. Stable reserves (USD 6,194.4 million) provide a buffer, but currency risk remains a key concern.

Summary of Broader Economic Significance

• Growth and Development: The debt structure supports infrastructure and social investment, driving Tanzania’s 6% growth outlook and export resilience (USD 9,479.4 million in goods). Public sector dominance ensures state-led progress, but private sector growth (14.6%) needs nurturing to diversify the economy.
• Risk Management: High USD exposure (69.8%) and public debt concentration (85.4%) pose exchange rate and fiscal risks, though reserves and a fiscal surplus offer stability. This aligns with IMF’s moderate debt distress risk assessment, but prudent management is critical.
• Comparative Context: Compared to 2024 (USD 32.89 billion), the slight rise to USD 32,955.5 million reflects controlled borrowing, outperforming countries with higher debt-to-GDP ratios (e.g., Ghana at 90%). The sectoral focus mirrors successful models like Rwanda’s infrastructure drive, but agriculture underfunding lags behind peers.
• Future Outlook: Sustained tax revenue growth (107.8% of target) and export inflows (e.g., tourism at USD 3,871.9 million) could offset risks, though currency diversification and private sector debt expansion are needed for long-term sustainability.

Central Government Dominates Borrowing as USD Exposure Heightens Currency Risks

As of June 2025, Tanzania’s external debt stock stood at USD 32,955.5 million (approximately TZS 82.4 trillion, assuming an exchange rate of TZS 2,500/USD), reflecting a marginal increase of 0.1% from the previous month. This external debt comprises about 70.7% of the total national debt, highlighting the country's continued reliance on foreign financing. The central government remains the primary borrower, holding 85.4% of the external debt (USD 28.1 billion), followed by the private sector with 14.6% (USD 4.8 billion), while public corporations account for a negligible share. Most of the disbursed debt is allocated to priority sectors such as transport & telecommunications (25.4%), social welfare & education (21.3%), and energy & mining (16.4%). However, 67.6% of the debt is denominated in USD, exposing the country to significant exchange rate risks amid recent currency depreciation. Despite prudent debt servicing—interest arrears are relatively low—the narrow fiscal space underscores the need for careful management and stronger domestic revenue mobilization.

1. External Debt Stock by Borrower – June 2025

The external debt stock represents the total outstanding debt owed to foreign creditors, including principal and interest arrears. As of June 2025, Tanzania’s external debt stock stood at USD 32,955.5 million (approximately TZS 82.4 trillion, assuming an exchange rate of ~TZS 2,500/USD, consistent with recent BoT reports). This reflects a marginal monthly increase of 0.1% from May 2025 and accounts for approximately 70.7% of Tanzania’s total national debt (external and domestic combined).

Total External Debt

• Amount: USD 32,955.5 million
• Monthly Increase: +0.1% (approximately USD 32.9 million, assuming May 2025 debt was ~USD 32,922.6 million).
• Share of Total National Debt: ~70.7%, indicating a significant reliance on external financing compared to domestic debt (e.g., TZS 32,615.7 billion in September 2024, per TICGL).
• Context: The slight increase aligns with trends observed in earlier months, such as a 0.5% decline from December 2024 to January 2025 (USD 33,905.1 million to USD 33,137.7 million), followed by an increase to USD 35,039.8 million by February 2025, reflecting fluctuations due to new disbursements and debt servicing. The African Development Bank notes that Tanzania’s fiscal deficit, projected at 2.5% of GDP in FY 2024/25, is partly financed by external borrowing, supporting this trend.

Breakdown by Borrower

The following table summarizes the external debt stock by borrower category for June 2025:

• Central Government:
  • Amount: USD 28,133.7 million (85.4% of total external debt).
  • Disbursed Outstanding Debt (DOD): USD 28,055.0 million, indicating that nearly all central government debt is disbursed and actively financing projects.
  • Interest Arrears: USD 78.7 million, a minor portion (0.28% of central government debt), suggesting effective debt servicing for public debt.
  • Context: The central government’s dominance (85.4%) is consistent with historical trends, with shares of 76.8% in November 2024 and 78.1% in September 2024. This reflects the government’s role in funding major infrastructure projects (e.g., Standard Gauge Railway, Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project) and social services, as noted in the FY 2024/25 budget allocating TZS 14.08 trillion for development expenditure.
  • Implications: The high share underscores the public sector’s reliance on external financing for development goals, placing a significant repayment burden on public finances. The low interest arrears indicate prudent debt management, supported by multilateral concessional loans (54.5% of external debt in November 2024).
• Private Sector:
  • Amount: USD 4,820.6 million (14.6% of total external debt).
  • DOD: USD 4,630.7 million, with interest arrears of USD 189.9 million (3.9% of private sector debt).
  • Context: The private sector’s share has declined slightly from 23.6% in January 2025 (USD 8,004.7 million) and 21% in December 2019, reflecting reduced access to foreign credit, possibly due to tighter global lending conditions or currency risks. The World Bank notes that private sector borrowing constraints may hinder economic diversification.
  • Implications: The higher interest arrears (relative to the central government) suggest challenges in private sector debt servicing, potentially due to exchange rate fluctuations (67.6% USD-denominated debt) or weaker cash flows in sectors like agriculture and industry.
• Public Corporations:
  • Amount: USD 1.3 million (negligible share).
  • Context: Public corporations (e.g., TANESCO, Tanzania Ports Authority) have minimal external debt exposure, consistent with January 2025 (USD 3.8 million). This reduces government liability risks from state-owned enterprises.
  • Implications: The negligible share reflects a deliberate strategy to limit public corporation borrowing, aligning with fiscal reforms to improve state-owned enterprise performance, as evidenced by TZS 1.028 trillion in dividends collected in FY 2024/25.

Key Takeaway

• The central government’s 85.4% share of external debt highlights its role in driving debt-financed development, particularly in infrastructure and social services. The private sector’s reduced share and higher arrears indicate challenges in accessing and servicing foreign credit. The negligible debt of public corporations minimizes fiscal risks but limits their role in external financing.

2. Disbursed Outstanding Debt (DOD) by Use of Funds – % Share

The DOD represents the portion of external debt that has been disbursed and is actively funding projects or sectors. The allocation of DOD reflects Tanzania’s development priorities under Vision 2050 and the Third Five-Year Development Plan (FYDP III).

Breakdown by Use of Funds

The following table summarizes the percentage share of DOD by sector for June 2025:

• Transport & Telecommunication (25.4%):
  • Context: This sector receives the largest share, consistent with historical trends (21.4% in November 2024, 21.5% in September 2024). Key projects include the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), port expansions, and ICT infrastructure, aligning with Tanzania’s goal to enhance connectivity and trade under FYDP III.
  • Implications: Investments in transport (e.g., SGR, Dar es Salaam port) and telecommunications (e.g., 5G networks) support economic growth by improving logistics and digital access. However, the high allocation may crowd out funding for other sectors like agriculture.
• Social Welfare & Education (21.3%):
  • Context: This sector’s significant share (20.4% in November 2024, 20.8% in September 2024) reflects investments in human capital, such as free education programs and healthcare infrastructure. The World Bank’s USD 227 million financing for climate and marine conservation in June 2025 also supports social welfare.
  • Implications: Funding education and social welfare enhances workforce development and poverty reduction, critical for long-term growth. However, recurrent costs (e.g., teacher salaries) may compete with capital investments.
• Energy & Mining (16.4%):
  • Context: Investments in energy (e.g., Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant) and mining (e.g., gold, critical minerals) align with Tanzania’s energy access goals and export growth (gold exports up 24.5% in April 2025). The sector’s share is slightly higher than November 2024 (15%).
  • Implications: Energy investments address power shortages, supporting industrial growth, while mining boosts export revenues. However, environmental and governance risks in mining require careful management.
• Budget Support (15.2%):
  • Context: This share (19.9% in January 2025) reflects external loans used to finance recurrent expenditures, such as salaries and debt servicing. The African Development Bank notes that reliance on budget support poses fiscal risks if external financing decreases.
  • Implications: High budget support allocation indicates fiscal pressures, as seen in the TZS 270.2 billion deficit in May 2025. Reducing reliance on external budget support through domestic revenue mobilization (e.g., TZS 2,880.2 billion in May 2025) is critical.
• Agriculture (6.5%):
  • Context: The low share (5.1% in September 2024) is surprising given agriculture’s role in Tanzania’s economy (25% of GDP, 65% of employment). Investments support irrigation and agribusiness but are limited compared to infrastructure.
  • Implications: Underfunding agriculture may constrain rural development and food security, despite export growth in cashew nuts (141% in April 2025).
• Finance & Insurance (5.1%) and Industry (4.0%):
  • Context: These sectors receive minimal allocations (4.0% for industry in January 2025), reflecting limited focus on manufacturing and financial sector development. The World Bank highlights declining industrial productivity as a constraint on economic diversification.
  • Implications: Low funding may hinder Tanzania’s industrialization goals under Vision 2050, limiting job creation and export diversification.
• Others (6.1%):
  • Context: Includes water, balance of payments support, and miscellaneous projects. The World Bank’s USD 300 million financing for disaster preparedness in June 2025 may contribute to this category.
  • Implications: Diverse allocations support resilience but dilute focus on priority sectors.

Key Takeaway

• The focus on Transport & Telecommunication (25.4%) and Social Welfare & Education (21.3%) reflects Tanzania’s commitment to infrastructure-driven growth and human capital development. However, the low shares for agriculture (6.5%) and industry (4.0%) may limit inclusive growth, given their economic significance.

3. DOD by Currency Composition – % Share

The currency composition of DOD indicates the foreign currencies in which Tanzania’s external debt is denominated, exposing the country to exchange rate risks.

Breakdown by Currency

The following table summarizes the percentage share of DOD by currency for June 2025:

• US Dollar (USD) (67.6%):
  • Context: The USD’s dominance is consistent with historical trends (67.4% in September 2024, 68.1% in January 2025). This reflects borrowing from multilateral institutions (e.g., World Bank, IMF) and commercial creditors, often denominated in USD.
  • Implications: High USD exposure makes Tanzania vulnerable to exchange rate fluctuations. The Tanzanian Shilling depreciated by 8% in 2023, increasing debt servicing costs. A stronger USD in 2025 could further strain public finances, as noted by The Citizen.
• Euro (EUR) (17.2%):
  • Context: Euro-denominated debt (16.1% in January 2025) reflects loans from European institutions (e.g., European Investment Bank). The slight increase may indicate new Euro-based financing.
  • Implications: Diversification into Euros reduces USD reliance but exposes Tanzania to Eurozone economic conditions.
• Japanese Yen (JPY) (4.9%) and Chinese Yuan (CNY) (3.4%):
  • Context: JPY and CNY shares align with bilateral loans from Japan and China, supporting infrastructure projects like the SGR. The CNY share is lower than in January 2025 (6.3%), possibly due to reduced Chinese lending.
  • Implications: These currencies provide some diversification, but their small shares limit risk mitigation.
• Special Drawing Rights (SDR) (3.0%) and Others (3.9%):
  • Context: SDRs are used by multilateral institutions like the IMF, while “Others” include British Pound and minor currencies. The low SDR share reflects limited IMF financing in June 2025.
  • Implications: Diversified borrowing in SDRs and other currencies offers some stability but is insufficient to offset USD risks.

Key Takeaway

• The 67.6% USD share exposes Tanzania to significant exchange rate risks, particularly with Shilling depreciation. Diversification into Euros, JPY, and CNY helps but is limited by their smaller shares. Prudent debt management and revenue mobilization are critical to mitigate currency risks.

The following table consolidates the key figures for June 2025:

Policy Implications and Insights

1. Central Government Borrowing:
   • The central government’s 85.4% share of external debt aligns with its role in funding infrastructure and social services, as seen in the TZS 937.3 billion development expenditure in May 2025. However, this concentrates repayment risks on public finances, requiring robust revenue mobilization (e.g., TZS 2,880.2 billion in May 2025).
   • The low interest arrears (USD 78.7 million) indicate effective debt management, supported by concessional loans from multilateral creditors (54.5% of debt).
2. Private Sector Constraints:
   • The private sector’s 14.6% share and higher arrears (USD 189.9 million) suggest challenges in accessing and servicing foreign credit, potentially due to USD appreciation or global tightening. This aligns with TICGL’s observation of declining private sector borrowing slowing economic diversification.
3. Sectoral Allocation:
   • The focus on Transport & Telecommunication (25.4%) and Social Welfare & Education (21.3%) supports Tanzania’s Vision 2050 goals of connectivity and human capital development. However, the low shares for agriculture (6.5%) and industry (4.0%) may hinder inclusive growth, given agriculture’s role in employment and GDP.
4. Currency Risks:
   • The 67.6% USD share exposes Tanzania to exchange rate risks, as noted by The Citizen, with Shilling depreciation increasing debt servicing costs. The African Development Bank emphasizes the need for domestic revenue mobilization to mitigate these risks.
   • Diversification into Euros (17.2%) and other currencies is positive but insufficient to offset USD dominance.
5. Debt Sustainability:
   • The IMF’s 2024 Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) indicates a moderate risk of external debt distress, with public debt at 45.5% of GDP in 2022/23, well below the 55% benchmark. The slight debt increase in June 2025 suggests controlled borrowing, but monitoring debt servicing capacity is critical, given annual costs absorb ~40% of expenditures.

Strong tax revenue performance (TZS 2,339.7 billion in May 2025, 4.1% above target) supports debt servicing but requires sustained efforts to reduce reliance on budget support loans (15.2%)

Tanzania’s current account deficit narrowed significantly to USD 2,117.6 million in the year ending June 2025, a 24.3% improvement from USD 2,797.7 million in June 2024. This USD 680.1 million reduction reflects robust growth in goods and services exports, especially from tourism and transport, which drove the net goods & services deficit down by 61.7% to USD 676.6 million. Service receipts rose to USD 7,110.4 million (+8.1%), led by travel (USD 3,934.5 million, +6.9%) and transport (USD 2,530.0 million, +9.8%), supported by a 10% increase in tourist arrivals. However, rising primary income outflows (USD 1,949.6 million, +17.9%) due to external debt servicing and a drop in remittances (USD 508.7 million, -18.1%) partially offset these gains. Meanwhile, foreign reserves stood at USD 5,307.7 million, covering 4.3 months of imports, above the national benchmark. Despite a surge in outbound travel spending (+51.4%), Tanzania’s external sector continues to show resilience, highlighting the importance of export diversification, tourism investment, and policy measures to manage foreign exchange outflows.

1. Current Account Performance

The current account balance reflects Tanzania’s trade in goods and services, primary income (e.g., interest and dividends), and secondary income (e.g., personal transfers and remittances) with the rest of the world. A deficit indicates that outflows exceed inflows, often financed by external borrowing or reserves.

Key Figures (Year Ending June 2025)

• Current Account Balance:
  • June 2025: Deficit of USD 2,117.6 million, a 24.3% improvement (USD 680.1 million reduction) from USD 2,797.7 million in June 2024.
  • Context: The narrowing deficit aligns with trends observed in earlier periods, such as a 31.1% reduction to USD 2,021.5 million in January 2025 and a 35% reduction to USD 2,025.8 million in November 2024. This improvement is driven by robust export growth (+17.7%) and better services performance, supported by global economic recovery and favorable commodity prices.
  • Drivers:
    • Goods & Services (Net): Improved by 61.7% to a deficit of USD 676.6 million from USD 1,764.7 million, reflecting strong export performance (e.g., gold, cashew nuts, tourism) and moderated import growth.
    • Primary Income (Net): Deficit widened by 17.9% to USD 1,949.6 million, driven by higher interest and dividend payments abroad, likely linked to external debt servicing (e.g., USD 32,955.5 million external debt, 67.6% USD-denominated) and foreign investments.
    • Secondary Income (Net): Surplus declined by 18.1% to USD 508.7 million, reflecting lower personal transfers (e.g., remittances), possibly due to global economic tightening or migration patterns.
  • Implications: The narrowing deficit signals improved external sector resilience, supported by tourism and commodity exports. However, persistent deficits and rising primary income outflows highlight the need for enhanced export diversification and remittance strategies. The African Development Bank projects a current account deficit of 4.2% of GDP in 2025, indicating sustained but manageable pressures.
• Foreign Exchange Reserves:
  • June 2025: USD 5,307.7 million, covering 4.3 months of projected imports, above the national benchmark of 4 months.
  • Context: Reserves increased from USD 5,056.8 million in November 2024 and USD 5,323.6 million in January 2025, reflecting improved export inflows and IMF disbursements (e.g., USD 148.6 million under the Extended Credit Facility in December 2024).
  • Implications: Adequate reserves mitigate exchange rate volatility (Tanzanian Shilling depreciated 8% in 2023), but sustained export growth is critical to maintain cover above 4 months.

2. Exports – Service Receipts by Category

Service receipts represent earnings from Tanzania’s service exports, including tourism (travel), transport, and other services (e.g., financial, insurance, ICT). These are critical to narrowing the current account deficit.

Total Service Receipts (Year Ending June 2025)

• Amount: USD 7,110.4 million
• Change: +8.1% from USD 6,578.7 million in 2024 (USD 531.7 million increase).
• Context: The growth aligns with earlier trends, such as a 14% increase to USD 6,985.9 million in November 2024 and a 7.3% increase to USD 6,940.8 million in April 2025, driven by tourism and transport earnings.

Category Breakdown

• Travel (Tourism):
  • June 2025: USD 3,934.5 million (55.3% of total service receipts).
  • Change: +6.9% from USD 3,679.7 million in 2024 (USD 254.8 million increase).
  • Tourist Arrivals: Increased by 10% to 2,193,322 in 2025 from 1,994,242 in 2024, consistent with a 20% annual increase to 2,662,219 in 2024 and 2,106,870 in November 2024.
  • Context: Tourism receipts reflect Tanzania’s growing global appeal, with awards like Africa’s Leading Destination 2025 and investments in promotion (e.g., TZS 359.9 billion tourism budget for 2025/26). Key markets include Europe, Kenya, and the U.S., with new initiatives like Marriott’s Mapito Safari Camp in Serengeti.
  • Drivers: Increased arrivals are driven by post-COVID recovery, reduced tourism license fees (up to 80% cuts), and infrastructure improvements (e.g., Dodoma Transport Project),.
  • Implications: Tourism’s 55.3% share of service receipts underscores its role as a foreign exchange earner, supporting Vision 2050’s 19.5% GDP contribution target by 2025/26. Sustained marketing and conservation investments are critical.
• Transport:
  • June 2025: USD 2,530.0 million (35.6% of total service receipts).
  • Change: +9.8% from USD 2,304.3 million in 2024 (USD 225.7 million increase).
  • Context: Growth aligns with earlier periods, such as USD 2,718.7 million in November 2024 (+15.8%) and USD 2,690.0 million in October 2024, driven by freight earnings from improved port efficiency and trade with landlocked neighbors (e.g., Zambia, Rwanda).
  • Drivers: Investments in transport infrastructure (e.g., Standard Gauge Railway, TAZARA Railway revitalization with USD 1.4 billion from China) and intra-African trade growth (24% to USD 5.18 billion in 2024) boost earnings.
  • Implications: Transport’s growth supports Tanzania’s role as a regional trade hub, but reliance on freight requires sustained infrastructure funding.
• Other Services:
  • June 2025: USD 645.9 million (9.1% of total service receipts).
  • Change: +8.6% from USD 594.6 million in 2024 (USD 51.3 million increase).
  • Context: Includes financial, insurance, and ICT services. The growth is consistent with digital payment advancements (e.g., Tanzania Instant Payment System with 453.7 million transactions in 2024) and financial inclusion efforts (87% adult target by 2030).
  • Implications: Growth in “Other Services” reflects financial sector deepening, but its small share limits its impact on the current account.

Tourism Highlight

• Arrivals: The 10% increase to 2,193,322 tourists reflects sustained recovery, with 2024 seeing 2,662,219 arrivals and November 2024 at 2,106,870. Key drivers include global promotion, reduced fees, and awards like Africa’s Leading Destination 2025.
• Implications: Tourism’s resilience supports foreign exchange inflows, but seasonality (e.g., low season pressures in Q1 2025) and global competition require ongoing investment in infrastructure and marketing.

3. Imports – Service Payments

Service payments represent Tanzania’s expenditures on imported services, such as outbound travel, freight, and other services (e.g., financial, consulting).

Total Service Payments (Year Ending June 2025)

• Amount: USD 2,894.0 million
• Change: +22.7% from USD 2,359.5 million in 2024 (USD 534.5 million increase).
• Context: The increase follows a 22.8% rise to USD 2,842.6 million in April 2025 and a 10.2% rise to USD 2,533.8 million in January 2025, driven by freight and outbound travel.

Category Breakdown

• Travel (Outbound):
  • June 2025: USD 867.9 million (30.0% of total service payments).
  • Change: +51.4% from USD 573.2 million in 2024 (USD 294.7 million increase).
  • Context: The surge aligns with increased consumer spending abroad, possibly driven by a growing middle class and business travel. Earlier data (e.g., April 2025) lacks specific outbound travel figures, but service payments rose due to freight.
  • Drivers: Increased outbound travel reflects economic growth (5.6% in 2024) and higher disposable incomes, but it strains foreign exchange reserves.
  • Implications: The sharp increase offsets export gains, requiring policies to promote domestic tourism and manage foreign exchange outflows.
• Transport:
  • June 2025: USD 1,453.2 million (50.2% of total service payments).
  • Change: Near-flat (≈ 0%) from USD 1,453.0 million in 2024.
  • Context: Stable payments reflect consistent freight costs tied to trade volumes. Earlier data shows freight accounted for 53.3% of service payments in April 2025, driven by industrial transport equipment imports.
  • Drivers: Imports of capital goods (e.g., machinery, transport equipment) for infrastructure projects (e.g., SGR, TAZARA) sustain freight costs,.
  • Implications: Stable transport payments align with trade growth but highlight reliance on imported goods, necessitating export diversification.
• Other Services:
  • June 2025: USD 573.2 million (19.8% of total service payments).
  • Change: -17.1% from USD 691.1 million in 2024 (USD 117.9 million decrease).
  • Context: The decline suggests cost efficiencies or reduced outsourcing in financial, insurance, or consulting services, aligning with digital payment growth and financial inclusion.
  • Implications: Reduced payments improve the services balance, but the small share limits its impact on the current account.

Summary Snapshot

Final Insights and Policy Implications

1. Current Account Improvement:
   • The 24.3% deficit reduction (USD 2,117.6 million) reflects strong export growth (+17.7%) and services performance, supported by tourism (2.2 million arrivals) and transport infrastructure. However, rising primary income outflows (USD 1,949.6 million) due to external debt servicing (40% of government expenditures) and declining remittances (USD 508.7 million) temper gains.
   • Policy: Diversify exports (e.g., horticulture, manufactured goods) and boost remittance inflows through diaspora engagement to further narrow the deficit.
2. Tourism’s Critical Role:
   • Tourism receipts (USD 3,934.5 million, +6.9%) are a cornerstone of service exports, driven by a 10% increase in arrivals and global recognition. Investments in infrastructure (e.g., Dodoma Transport Project, TAZARA) and promotion (TZS 359.9 billion budget) are paying off.
   • Policy: Sustain tourism growth through conservation, reduced fees, and targeting high-value markets (e.g., Europe, U.S.) while addressing seasonality risks.
3. Transport Sector Growth:
   • Transport receipts (USD 2,530.0 million, +9.8%) reflect Tanzania’s role as a regional trade hub, supported by port efficiency and intra-African trade growth (USD 5.18 billion in 2024). Projects like SGR and TAZARA enhance freight earnings.
   • Policy: Continue infrastructure investments and regional trade agreements (e.g., AfCFTA) to boost transport earnings, but monitor freight cost stability.
4. Outbound Travel Pressures:
   • The 51.4% surge in outbound travel payments (USD 867.9 million) reflects growing consumer spending abroad, straining foreign exchange reserves. Stable transport payments (USD 1,453.2 million) indicate consistent trade-related costs.
   • Policy: Promote domestic tourism and manage foreign exchange outflows through targeted incentives (e.g., tax breaks for local travel).
5. Economic Context:
   • GDP Growth: Tanzania’s 5.6% growth in 2024 and projected 6.0% in 2025 support export performance, driven by agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.
   • Monetary Policy: The BoT’s 6% Central Bank Rate and 3%–5% inflation target ensure liquidity and exchange rate stability, supporting external sector performance.
   • Reserves: USD 5,307.7 million (4.3 months of import cover) provide a buffer against global shocks, but USD appreciation risks remain.
6. Risks and Opportunities:
   • Risks: Rising outbound travel costs, USD-denominated debt servicing (67.6% of external debt), and global commodity price volatility could widen the deficit. Climate shocks and geopolitical tensions also pose risks.
   • Opportunities: Investments in tourism, transport, and digital payments (e.g., TIPS), alongside reforms like MKUMBI II, can sustain export growth and financial inclusion

Tanzania’s external debt has surged from 2,469.7 USD Million in December 2011 to 34,056 USD Million in March 2025, representing a 13.8-fold increase over 14 years, or an average annual growth rate of approximately 20.8%. This dramatic rise reflects a combination of economic, infrastructural, and policy drivers that have fueled borrowing to support Tanzania’s development ambitions. Below, I outline the key factors driving this growth, supported by figures and data from available sources, including the Bank of Tanzania and other economic analyses.

1. Economic Drivers

Tanzania’s economic growth and structural transformation goals have necessitated significant external borrowing to bridge fiscal deficits and finance development projects. Key economic factors include:

• Fiscal Deficits and Revenue Shortfalls: Tanzania’s fiscal deficit has consistently required external financing, as tax revenues (e.g., 13% of GDP in 2024) remain low compared to regional peers. The fiscal deficit was 3.8% of GDP in 2022/23, up from 3.4% in 2021/22, driven by increased public spending. To cover this, external debt rose to USD 34.1 billion (TZS 91.29 trillion at TZS 2,677/USD) by March 2025, with 78.3% held by the central government.
• Foreign Exchange Needs: A 2.6% shilling depreciation in 2024/25 and an 8% depreciation in 2023 increased the cost of servicing USD-denominated debt (67.7% of external debt, or USD 23.1 billion). Declining export revenues from commodities like coffee (-2%) and sugar (-1.5%) strained foreign exchange reserves, necessitating borrowing to maintain import cover (e.g., USD 5.7 billion, 3.8 months of imports in 2025).
• Economic Growth Ambitions: Tanzania’s GDP grew from USD 33.2 billion in 2011 to USD 75.5 billion in 2022, with projections of 5.6% growth in 2024 and 6% in 2025. This growth, driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, required external financing to sustain investments in productive sectors. For example, foreign direct investment (FDI) rose to USD 922 million in 2021, supporting projects like the Kabanga Nickel Project, which increased borrowing needs.

2. Infrastructural Drivers

Tanzania’s ambitious infrastructure agenda has been a primary driver of external debt growth, with significant borrowing to fund transformative projects in transport, energy, and urban development. Key projects include:

• Standard Gauge Railway (SGR): The SGR, a flagship project to connect Dar es Salaam to inland regions and neighboring countries, has been a major contributor to debt growth. The project’s cost, estimated at USD 7.6 billion for multiple phases, has been largely financed through external loans, particularly from China and multilateral institutions.
• Energy Infrastructure: Investments in energy, such as the 532 km gas pipeline from Mnazi Bay to Dar es Salaam (completed in 2015, costing USD 1.2 billion) and plans to increase electricity capacity to 10,000 MW by 2025, have driven borrowing. In 2013, 49.7% of electricity came from natural gas, and projects like the Ntorya gas field (projected to produce 40 million cubic feet/day by 2025) required external financing.
• Port and Transport Upgrades: The modernization of Dar es Salaam Port, including a USD 250 million investment by DP World (UAE) in 2023, and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP, USD 5 billion), have increased external debt. These projects aim to position Tanzania as a regional trade hub.
• World Bank Financing: As of March 2025, 48% of the World Bank’s USD 10 billion portfolio in Tanzania supports infrastructure, including roads, railways, and power projects, significantly contributing to the external debt stock.

3. Policy Drivers

Government policies aimed at economic diversification, poverty reduction, and structural reforms have shaped borrowing patterns, with a focus on concessional and non-concessional loans. Key policy drivers include:

• Concessional Borrowing from Multilateral Institutions: Multilateral creditors account for 53.9% of external debt (USD 18.3 billion) as of January 2025, with the World Bank, IMF, and African Development Bank providing concessional loans. In 2021, the IMF provided USD 567.25 million in emergency assistance for COVID-19 recovery, and the 2022–2025 Extended Credit Facility (ECF) program unlocked USD 150 million in 2025 to support fiscal sustainability.
• Non-Concessional Borrowing: External non-concessional borrowing has risen to finance infrastructure, accounting for 36.3% of external debt (USD 12.4 billion) in January 2025. Commercial creditors, including Chinese loans for projects like the SGR, have driven debt growth, increasing exposure to higher interest rates.
• Vision 2025 and Development Goals: Tanzania’s Vision 2025 aims for a GDP growth rate of 8% annually, requiring investments in infrastructure, education, and health. The FY 2024/25 budget of TZS 49.35 trillion (USD 18.4 billion) included TZS 29.41 trillion (59.6%) from tax revenue, with the deficit financed by external borrowing. The planned 13.4% spending increase to TZS 57.04 trillion in FY 2025/26 further drives borrowing.
• Business Environment Reforms: Policies to improve the investment climate, such as tax code revisions and the creation of the Tanzania Investment Centre, have attracted FDI but also increased borrowing for co-financed projects. For example, Chinese investments in the Mchuchuma coal and Liganga iron ore projects (USD 3 billion) in 2011 required complementary government borrowing.

Quantitative Insights

• Debt Growth Trajectory:
  • 2011: USD 2,469.7 million (Bank of Tanzania).
  • 2019: USD 22.4 billion (40% of GDP, 6% YoY increase from 2018).
  • 2023: USD 32,090 million (disbursed, January 2025).
  • March 2025: USD 34,056 million, a 6.1% increase from January 2025 (USD 32,090 million).

• Debt-to-GDP Ratio: Rose from 32.68% in 2013 to 46.87% in 2023 (total public debt), with external debt at ~32-35% of GDP in 2025, assuming a GDP of ~USD 100 billion.
• Debt Composition (January 2025):
  • Multilateral: 53.9% (USD 18.3 billion).
  • Commercial: 36.3% (USD 12.4 billion).
  • Bilateral: 4.2% (USD 1.4 billion).
  • Export Credit: 5.6% (USD 1.9 billion).
• Debt Servicing: Absorbs ~40% of government expenditures, with external debt service estimated at USD 1-2 billion annually and domestic at TZS 5.31 trillion in 2025.

Challenges and Risks

• Exchange Rate Risks: With 67.7% of external debt in USD, the 2.6% shilling depreciation in 2024/25 increases servicing costs by approximately TZS 2.38 trillion for the USD-denominated portion.
• Global Economic Pressures: The IMF’s global growth forecast of 2.8% for 2025 and rising interest rates elevate borrowing costs, particularly for non-concessional loans.
• Fiscal Space Constraints: High debt servicing limits investments in social sectors, with 3% of GDP spent on debt servicing in 2024.
• COVID-19 Impact: Emergency borrowing, including USD 567.25 million from the IMF in 2021, contributed to debt spikes to address health and economic costs.

Conclusion

The 13.8-fold increase in Tanzania’s external debt from 2,469.7 USD Million in 2011 to 34,056 USD Million in March 2025 is driven by economic needs (fiscal deficits, foreign exchange shortages), major infrastructure projects (SGR, energy, ports), and policy choices favoring concessional and non-concessional borrowing to achieve Vision 2025 goals. While debt remains sustainable (moderate risk per IMF DSA), with a debt-to-GDP ratio of ~32-35%, challenges like shilling depreciation and high debt servicing costs underscore the need for prudent fiscal management and revenue mobilization.

This table consolidates the key figures driving Tanzania’s external debt growth, highlighting economic factors (fiscal deficits, GDP growth), infrastructure projects (SGR, energy, ports), and policy decisions (concessional and non-concessional borrowing). The 13.8-fold increase reflects Tanzania’s development ambitions, balanced by a sustainable debt-to-GDP ratio of ~32-35% in 2025.

Notes:

• Debt Growth: From 2,469.7 USD Million (2011) to 34,056 USD Million (Mar 2025), driven by fiscal deficits, infrastructure, and policy goals.
• Infrastructure Costs: SGR (USD 7.6 billion), gas pipeline (USD 1.2 billion), and port upgrades (USD 250 million) are major contributors.
• Debt Composition: Multilateral (53.9%, USD 18.3 billion), commercial (36.3%, USD 12.4 billion), bilateral (4.2%, USD 1.4 billion), export credit (5.6%, USD 1.9 billion) as of Jan 2025.
• Economic Context: GDP growth from USD 33.2 billion (2011) to ~USD 100 billion (2025) supports debt sustainability, but shilling depreciation (8% in 2023, 2.6% in 2024/25) increases servicing costs.
• Policy Impact: Vision 2025 and FY 2024/25 budget (TZS 49.35 trillion, USD 18.4 billion) drive borrowing, with 59.6% funded by taxes and the rest by loans.

In September 2024, Tanzania’s national debt reached USD 45.05 billion, with 73% held in external debt, underscoring the country’s reliance on foreign financing for development. This external debt, totaling USD 32.89 billion, exposes Tanzania to risks from global economic shifts, such as rising interest rates and currency fluctuations. The domestic debt, focused on long-term government securities, reflects a cautious approach to managing short-term financial pressures. As Tanzania strives to balance its funding needs with sustainable debt levels, a diversified financial strategy will be essential to maintain resilience and support continued economic growth.

1. Debt Composition:
   • External Debt: Comprises 73% of the total debt, equating to approximately USD 32.89 billion. This reliance on foreign financing highlights Tanzania's exposure to external economic conditions, currency fluctuations, and interest rates.
   • Domestic Debt: Accounts for the remaining 27%, around TZS 32.6 trillion (roughly USD 12.16 billion). The domestic debt primarily includes long-term government securities such as Treasury bonds, which constituted 78.9% of the domestic debt portfolio.
2. Debt Growth:
   • External debt grew by 0.6% in September, driven by additional external loans primarily for government projects. This slight growth shows moderate increases in borrowing, indicating a cautious approach amid rising global borrowing costs.
   • Domestic debt, in contrast, saw a reduction in short-term instruments like Treasury bills, aligning with a strategy to keep interest expenses in check by favoring longer-term, lower-risk instruments.
3. Debt Servicing and Risks:
   • External Debt Service: In September, the government serviced USD 105.4 million in external debt, including USD 45.9 million for principal repayment and USD 59.5 million for interest. These payments indicate ongoing debt obligations that can strain foreign reserves if external conditions tighten or export earnings decline.
   • Domestic Debt Management: By focusing on long-term securities, the government aims to minimize rollover risks and ensure more predictable repayment schedules. This reduces the potential impact of short-term interest rate volatility.
4. Implications of High External Debt:
   • A high proportion of external debt can expose Tanzania to global economic shifts, such as rising interest rates or currency depreciation, which could make debt repayments more expensive in local currency terms.
   • The substantial external debt load could also limit Tanzania’s ability to borrow further for development if global financial conditions worsen, underscoring the need for diversified funding sources.

In summary, Tanzania’s debt management strategy involves controlled domestic borrowing and careful external debt expansion, yet the high reliance on foreign debt remains a vulnerability. Prudent management of this debt mix will be essential to maintain economic resilience and avoid financial constraints.

Tanzania’s debt profile, with the national debt at USD 45.05 billion and external debt accounting for 73% of this, provides insights into the country’s fiscal strategy and potential risks:

1. Reliance on Foreign Financing:
   • The high proportion of external debt (USD 32.89 billion) reveals Tanzania’s significant reliance on international funding for development and fiscal needs. While this allows the government to fund large-scale projects, it exposes the country to external risks like currency fluctuations and rising global interest rates, which can increase debt servicing costs in the future.
2. Debt Servicing and Foreign Reserve Pressure:
   • With over USD 105 million in debt servicing obligations in a single month, Tanzania must allocate foreign reserves to cover these repayments. If export earnings decline or global financing conditions tighten, maintaining these payments could become challenging, potentially impacting reserves and currency stability.
3. Balanced Approach in Domestic Borrowing:
   • Tanzania’s focus on long-term Treasury bonds for domestic debt (78.9% of domestic debt) reflects a prudent strategy, reducing the need for frequent rollovers and lowering short-term interest rate risks. This approach helps manage cash flow predictably and minimizes immediate repayment pressures, providing a level of financial stability.
4. Implications for Fiscal Flexibility:
   • While Tanzania’s controlled domestic debt growth is financially sound, the high external debt limits fiscal flexibility. In a global downturn, the country could face challenges in accessing affordable funding or may need to divert resources from domestic priorities to service external debt.
5. Need for Diversification:
   • The reliance on foreign debt emphasizes the importance of diversifying funding sources. Increasing domestic revenue, promoting foreign direct investment, or expanding export earnings could provide a buffer, reducing dependency on external loans.

In essence, while Tanzania is managing its debt prudently, particularly on the domestic front, the high reliance on external debt poses a risk if global conditions worsen. Ensuring a balance between funding needs and sustainable debt levels will be crucial for long-term fiscal health and economic stability.

Tanzania's external debt has grown significantly in recent years, reaching USD 32,675.10 million in August 2024. This is a major increase compared to its record low of USD 2,469.70 million in December 2011, and an average of USD 19,468.10 million over the period from 2011 to 2024. The month-on-month increase from USD 31,993.90 million in July to USD 32,675.10 million in August 2024 reflects the country's continued reliance on external financing for development projects and public expenditure.

Key Points:

• Tanzania's External Debt: $32.68 billion USD (Aug 2024).
• Average (2011-2024): $19.47 billion USD.
• Record Low: $2.47 billion USD (Dec 2011).

Tanzania's Position in East Africa and Africa

East Africa: Tanzania is one of the largest economies in East Africa, with a growing external debt that reflects significant investments in infrastructure, energy, and industrialization. The rise in debt is partly due to the country’s need for financing large-scale projects like ports, railways, and energy plants. Among East African countries, Tanzania has one of the highest external debts, but Kenya's debt is also notable, with KES 5.151 trillion (approximately USD 34.5 billion) as of June 2024.

Comparison with East African Countries (Debt in USD):

1. Kenya: $51.51 billion USD (June 2024)
2. Tanzania: $32.68 billion USD (August 2024)
3. Rwanda: $6.26 billion USD (Dec 2022)
4. Burundi: BIF 1,857.79 billion (~USD equivalent lower than Rwanda)

Africa: On the broader African continent, Tanzania's external debt is lower than that of major economies like South Africa and Egypt but higher than many smaller economies. For instance, South Africa had an external debt of USD 163,852 million as of June 2024, while Egypt had USD 160,607 million in March 2024.

Top 10 African Countries with High External Debt (as per recent data)

Here is a list of the top African countries with high external debt (figures are based on the latest available data):

1. South Africa: USD 163,852 million (June 2024)
2. Egypt: USD 160,607 million (March 2024)
3. Nigeria: USD 42,120 million (March 2024)
4. Kenya: KES 5.151 trillion (~USD 34.5 billion) (June 2024)
5. Tanzania: USD 32,675 million (August 2024)
6. Ghana: USD 31,024 million (June 2024)
7. Angola: USD 50,260 million (December 2023)
8. Zambia: USD 8,024 million (December 2023)
9. Zimbabwe: USD 13,325 million (December 2020)
10. Morocco: MAD 676,819 million (~USD 66.7 billion) (December 2022)

Economic Implications for Tanzania

Tanzania’s growing debt is a reflection of its ambitious development agenda, which requires substantial capital. While this external financing is important for infrastructure development and economic growth, managing the debt levels will be crucial to avoid excessive debt servicing costs that could limit fiscal space for other development needs. Tanzania's current external debt positions it among the highly indebted nations in East Africa but is still lower than larger economies like South Africa and Egypt.

Tanzania’s debt management will likely involve focusing on maintaining sustainable debt levels while ensuring that borrowed funds are used productively to generate economic returns. As part of East Africa, Tanzania is competing with countries like Kenya in terms of infrastructure and economic development, which may drive further borrowing for development projects.

Tanzania's external debt highlights key insights about the country’s economic development, debt reliance, and its position within East Africa and the broader African continent:

1. Tanzania’s External Debt Growth

• Significant Growth: Tanzania's external debt has grown from USD 2.47 billion in December 2011 to USD 32.68 billion by August 2024. This nearly 13-fold increase reflects Tanzania's heavy reliance on external financing to fund large-scale infrastructure and industrialization projects.
• Recent Trend: The debt rose from USD 31.99 billion in July 2024 to USD 32.68 billion in August 2024, indicating a rapid, ongoing reliance on external borrowing.
• Debt Average: Over the period from 2011 to 2024, Tanzania’s average debt was USD 19.47 billion, showing that recent years have seen particularly sharp increases in borrowing.

2. Tanzania’s Position in East Africa

• Tanzania is one of the largest economies in East Africa, second only to Kenya in terms of external debt.
• Comparison with Other East African Countries:
  • Kenya leads with an external debt of USD 34.5 billion in June 2024.
  • Tanzania follows with USD 32.68 billion in August 2024.
  • Other countries like Rwanda (USD 6.26 billion in December 2022) and Burundi have significantly lower external debt.
  • Uganda’s external debt, though not provided in the data, is typically lower than Tanzania’s.
• This shows that Tanzania and Kenya, as the region's largest economies, are heavily investing in large-scale projects that require significant external financing. Both countries are competing in terms of infrastructure development and economic growth.

3. Tanzania’s Position in Africa

• Mid-level Debt: In the context of Africa, Tanzania has moderate external debt compared to larger economies like South Africa (USD 163.85 billion) and Egypt (USD 160.61 billion). However, it has higher debt than many smaller African countries.
• Top 10 Ranking: Tanzania ranks 5th among African nations with the highest external debt, ahead of countries like Ghana (USD 31.02 billion) and Zambia (USD 8.02 billion), but well below the continent’s giants such as South Africa and Egypt.

4. Implications for Tanzania

• Ambitious Development Agenda: The sharp rise in debt reflects Tanzania’s commitment to expanding its infrastructure, energy, and industrial base. This external borrowing is crucial for financing large-scale projects like the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), ports, and energy projects.
• Debt Sustainability Concerns: While external debt has fueled development, managing the rising debt levels is critical. High external debt can lead to increased debt servicing costs, which could limit the government’s ability to fund other important sectors like health and education. If not managed carefully, this could lead to long-term fiscal imbalances.
• Productive Use of Borrowed Funds: The key challenge for Tanzania will be to ensure that the funds borrowed are used effectively to generate economic returns, such as increased production capacity, exports, and jobs. This would help ensure that debt remains sustainable and does not lead to a debt crisis.
• Regional Competition: Tanzania’s increasing external debt mirrors the competition with other East African countries, particularly Kenya, which is also borrowing heavily for development. Both nations are positioning themselves as economic hubs in the region, but the race for infrastructure and economic development could lead to further borrowing.

Conclusion

Tanzania’s external debt reflects its ambitious development plans, but the significant increase in borrowing raises concerns about debt sustainability. As one of the largest economies in East Africa, Tanzania is making important strides in infrastructure and industrialization but must balance borrowing with the productive use of funds to ensure long-term fiscal stability. Compared to other African nations, Tanzania’s debt is significant but still more manageable than the continent’s largest economies like South Africa and Egypt. However, careful debt management will be crucial as the country continues its development journey.