In June 2025, Tanzania’s national debt reached TZS 116.6 trillion (USD 45.4 billion), a 13.5% increase from TZS 102.8 trillion in June 2024, driven by external borrowing (70.7% of total, TZS 82.4 trillion) for infrastructure and fiscal deficits. The Tanzania Shilling (TZS) depreciated by 9.6% year-on-year against the USD (2,569.46 TZS/USD), raising external debt servicing costs (USD 1–2 billion annually), despite robust reserves of USD 5,307.7 million (4.3 months of import cover). Supported by tourism receipts (USD 7,104 million) and a moderate debt-to-GDP ratio (~44.3%), Tanzania’s debt and TZS remain sustainable in the short term, but import reliance and USD exposure (67.6% of external debt) pose long-term challenges.

Tanzania National Debt Overview (June 2025)

Tanzania’s national debt encompasses public debt (domestic and external) and private sector external debt, critical for assessing fiscal sustainability. The attached document and provided data offer insights into debt stock, composition, and servicing, which are analyzed below.

• Total National Debt:
  • Value: TZS 116.6 trillion (USD 45.4 billion at 2,569.46 TZS/USD).
  • Annual Increase: +13.5% from TZS 102.8 trillion (USD 43.8 billion at 2,345.38 TZS/USD) in June 2024.
  • Context: The document notes the national debt stock at USD 45,586.6 million (~TZS 117.1 trillion) in June 2025, aligning closely with the provided TZS 116.6 trillion. The 13.5% increase reflects increased borrowing for infrastructure (e.g., Standard Gauge Railway, Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant) and fiscal deficits (2.5% of GDP in 2024/25). Earlier data shows USD 48,479.9 million in April 2025 and USD 48,217.0 million in February 2025, suggesting a slight decline by June due to repayments or exchange rate effects.
  • Debt-to-GDP Ratio: Estimated at ~44.3% based on a GDP of ~USD 102.6 billion (2022 GDP of USD 105.1 billion, adjusted for 5.6% growth in 2024 and 6% in 2025). The IMF’s 2024 Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) reports a public debt-to-GDP ratio of 35%, below the 55% benchmark for low-income countries, indicating moderate distress risk. However, World Economics estimates a higher GDP (~USD 155.5 billion), implying a lower ratio of ~29.2%, highlighting data variability.
  • Implications: The 13.5% debt increase supports growth-enhancing projects but raises servicing costs (~40% of government expenditures, per IMF). The moderate debt-to-GDP ratio suggests sustainability, but TZS depreciation (9.6% against USD) increases external debt burdens.
• Domestic Debt:
  • Stock: TZS 35.5 trillion (USD ~13.8 billion, 29.3% of total debt).
  • Annual Increase: +11.1% from TZS 32.0 trillion in June 2024.
  • Monthly Increase: +0.9% from May 2025 (~TZS 35.2 trillion, based on April 2025’s TZS 34,759.9 billion).
  • By Instrument:

By Creditor:

• Context: The document confirms TZS 85.9 billion raised via bonds in June 2025, with TZS 93.96 billion spent on debt service (TZS 60.13 billion principal, TZS 33.83 billion interest, correcting the document’s typo of TZS 276.8 billion). The 11.1% annual growth reflects financing of fiscal deficits (e.g., TZS 270.2 billion in May 2025 for Mainland Tanzania). Treasury bonds’ 83.2% share aligns with a shift to long-term instruments, reducing refinancing risks.
• Implications: The diversified creditor base (28.6% banks, 26.1% pension funds) and long-term bond dominance enhance stability, but high borrowing rates (15.5% lending rates) crowd out private sector credit, which weakened in Q4 2024. The document’s note on retail investor participation via TIPS (18.1% “Others”) supports financial inclusion.
• External Debt:
  • Stock: TZS 82.4 trillion (USD 33.0 billion, 70.7% of total debt).
  • Annual Increase: +14.8% from TZS 71.8 trillion (USD 30.6 billion) in June 2024.
  • By Borrower:

By Use of Funds:

By Currency:

• Context: The document’s tables (e.g., Table 2.2, 2.3, 2.4) confirm the external debt stock and composition, with USD 109.9 million disbursed in April 2025 for projects like SGR and TAZARA Railway (25.4% transport). The 14.8% increase reflects concessional loans (e.g., IMF’s USD 441 million ECF/RSF, World Bank’s USD 527 million) and non-concessional borrowing (34% of external debt). The 67.6% USD share amplifies risks from the 9.6% TZS depreciation.
• Implications: The central government’s 85.4% share aligns debt with development priorities (e.g., Vision 2050), but low industry (4%) and agriculture (6.5%) allocations limit structural transformation. High USD exposure increases servicing costs (USD 80.9 million in April 2025), with external debt service at ~2.89% of GNI in 2023.
• Debt Servicing:
  • Domestic: TZS 93.96 billion in June 2025 (TZS 60.13 billion principal, TZS 33.83 billion interest), per the document. Annual servicing was TZS 890.9 billion in February 2025 (TZS 609.9 billion principal, TZS 281 billion interest).
  • External: USD 80.9 million in April 2025, with annual estimates of USD 1–2 billion, driven by USD-denominated debt (67.6%) and TZS depreciation.
  • Context: Servicing absorbs ~40% of government expenditures, per IMF, straining fiscal space. Concessional loans (e.g., World Bank, 48% of external debt) mitigate costs, but non-concessional borrowing raises concerns.
  • Implications: High servicing costs limit development spending (33.7% of Zanzibar’s budget), necessitating revenue mobilization (TZS 2,689.2 billion in May 2025, 3.1% above target) and export growth.

Tanzania Shilling (TZS) Sustainability

The TZS’s sustainability is assessed through its exchange rate stability, depreciation trends, and impact on debt servicing, drawing from the provided data and document’s external sector insights (e.g., Charts 2.7.1–2.7.3, Table 2.7.1).

• Exchange Rate Performance:
  • USD/TZS (IFEM):
    • June 2024: 2,345.38
    • May 2025: 2,565.08
    • June 2025: 2,569.46
    • Annual Depreciation: -9.6%
    • Monthly Change: -0.2% (May to June 2025)
  • Bureau de Change:
    • Buying Rate: 2,574.33 TZS/USD
    • Selling Rate: 2,582.67 TZS/USD
  • Other Currencies:

• Context: The document notes improved IFEM liquidity in June 2025, driven by seasonal cash crop exports (e.g., cashew nuts, tobacco) and gold exports (USD 3,369.7 million annually). The 9.6% depreciation aligns with earlier trends (9% in 2024, 8% in 2023), but a slight 0.28% appreciation in October 2024 and 2.6% by January 2025 indicate periods of stability. The BoT’s USD 7 million intervention in January 2025 and reserves of USD 5,307.7 million (4.3 months of import cover) support orderly markets.
• Drivers:
  • Import Demand: Goods imports rose to USD 459.5 million in Zanzibar and USD 13,040.7 million for Tanzania (Table A7), driven by capital goods (e.g., SGR, hydropower).
  • Export Shortfalls: Zanzibar’s exports fell to USD 150.3 million (-11.9%), with cloves down 27.2%. Tanzania’s goods exports grew to USD 1,036 million (Table 2.7.1), led by gold and cereals (USD 501.3 million), but were insufficient to offset imports.
  • Global USD Strength: U.S. monetary tightening increased USD demand, impacting emerging market currencies like the TZS.
• Implications: The 9.6% depreciation raises import and debt servicing costs, contributing to inflation (3.4% in Zanzibar, 3.2% in Mainland). The narrow Bureau spread (0.3%) and low dollarization (3.2% of Mainland businesses use USD) indicate market confidence, but sustained depreciation pressures reserves.
• Forex Market Activity:
  • IFEM Volume: USD 65.4 million in June 2025, +12.6% from USD 58.1 million in May 2025 (document, Page 10). This reflects trade settlements and seasonal imports, compared to USD 95.7 million in December 2024.
  • Reserves: USD 5,307.7 million (Chart 2.7.1), covering 4.3 months of imports, down slightly from USD 5,323.6 million in January 2025 but sufficient per IMF’s 4-month threshold.
  • Implications: Increased IFEM activity signals robust demand, but reserves and BoT interventions (e.g., USD sales) ensure stability. Service receipts (USD 7,104 million, driven by tourism’s 10% arrival increase to 2,333,322) bolster forex inflows.
• TZS Sustainability:
  • Stability: The TZS’s “orderly and market-driven” performance (document, Page 10) and minimal monthly depreciation (-0.2%) indicate short-term stability, supported by reserves and interventions.
  • Risks: The 9.6% annual depreciation and high USD debt exposure (67.6%) increase servicing costs, with external debt service at USD 1–2 billion annually. Import reliance (USD 13,040.7 million) and export volatility (e.g., cloves) strain reserves.
  • Mitigating Factors: Tourism receipts (USD 7,104 million), FDI (USD 3.7 billion), and concessional financing (e.g., IMF’s USD 441 million) support forex inflows. The BoT’s 6% Central Bank Rate (Page 7) controls inflation (3%–5% target), stabilizing the TZS.
  • Implications: The TZS is sustainable in the short term, but long-term pressures from depreciation and import growth require export diversification (e.g., cereals, manufactured goods) and reserve accumulation.

Debt and TZS Sustainability Metrics

Key Insights and Policy Implications

1. Debt Sustainability:
   • Status: The TZS 116.6 trillion debt (44.3% of GDP) is sustainable per the IMF’s DSA (below 55% benchmark), with moderate distress risk. External debt’s 70.7% share and 14.8% growth support infrastructure (25.4% transport) but increase servicing costs (USD 1–2 billion annually).
   • Policy: Prioritize concessional financing (e.g., World Bank’s USD 527 million) and revenue mobilization (TZS 2,339.2 billion tax revenue in May 2025, 4.1% above target) to reduce non-concessional borrowing (34% of external debt).
2. TZS Sustainability:
   • Status: The 9.6% depreciation and stable monthly performance (-0.2%) indicate short-term TZS stability, supported by reserves (USD 5,307.7 million) and tourism receipts (USD 7,104 million). However, import reliance and USD debt exposure pose long-term risks.
   • Policy: Boost exports (e.g., cereals, USD 501.3 million; manufactured goods) via AfCFTA and diversify debt currencies to mitigate USD risks (67.6% share).
3. Debt-TZS Nexus:
   • Impact: TZS depreciation increases external debt servicing costs, with USD 22.3 billion (67.6%) in USD-denominated debt. This contributes to inflation (3.4% in Zanzibar) and fiscal pressure.
   • Policy: Strengthen reserves through FDI (USD 3.7 billion) and tourism (2.3 million arrivals) to stabilize the TZS and reduce servicing costs.
4. Economic Context:
   • Growth: 5.6% GDP growth in 2024 and 6% projected for 2025 support debt absorption, driven by tourism and infrastructure.
   • Risks: TZS depreciation, global USD strength, and export volatility (e.g., cloves -27.2%) threaten sustainability. Climate shocks and election uncertainties (October 2025) add risks.
   • Opportunities: Vision 2050, MKUMBI II reforms, and digital financial inclusion (TIPS, 453.7 million transactions) enhance fiscal and TZS resilience.

Critical Examination of the Establishment Narrative

• Debt Optimism: The BoT and IMF emphasize sustainability (35% debt-to-GDP), but the 13.5% debt increase and 9.6% TZS depreciation raise servicing concerns, especially with USD debt (67.6%). The IMF’s moderate risk rating may understate long-term vulnerabilities if exports (e.g., cloves) or tourism falter.
• TZS Stability: The BoT’s “orderly market” narrative (Page 10) is supported by reserves and interventions, but high import demand (USD 13,040.7 million) and global USD strength challenge long-term TZS sustainability. X posts on regional debt (e.g., Kenya’s unsustainable levels) suggest broader risks.
• Crowding Out: The narrative overlooks domestic borrowing’s crowding-out effect (15.5% lending rates), limiting private sector credit (12.8% growth in January 2025) and Vision 2050’s private sector-led goals.

Tanzania’s debt servicing costs have grown significantly from 2013 to 2024, reflecting the country’s rising debt stock and economic pressures. Debt servicing costs increased from an estimated USD 1.36 billion (TZS 3.71 trillion, 3.09% of GDP) in 2013 to USD 2.52 billion (TZS 6.87 trillion, 2.99% of GDP) in 2024, with a peak of USD 3.33 billion (TZS 9.09 trillion, 4.39% of GDP) in 2022. This rise, driven by a 184% increase in national debt (USD 14.93 billion to USD 42.36 billion) and an 8% TZS depreciation in 2023/24, has strained fiscal resources, with debt servicing consuming ~30% of recurrent expenditure (TZS 30.31 trillion) in 2022/23. Reliable data can be sourced from the Bank of Tanzania, IMF Debt Sustainability Analyses, and local reports like The Citizen.

Explanation of Figures:

• 2013: Debt servicing cost of USD 1.36 billion (TZS 3.71 trillion), estimated at 2.5–3.5% of GNI (mid-point), with GDP at USD 44 billion (IMF) and a debt-to-GDP ratio of 32.68% (Statista).
• 2022: Actual cost of USD 3.33 billion (TZS 9.09 trillion, The Citizen), 4.39% of GDP (USD 75.94 billion), consuming ~30% of recurrent expenditure (TZS 30.31 trillion).
• 2024: Estimated cost of USD 2.52 billion (TZS 6.87 trillion), 2.99% of GDP (USD 84.40 billion), based on 2.5–3.5% of GNI and a debt-to-GDP ratio of 47.30%.
• Debt Growth: National debt rose 184% from USD 14.93 billion (2013) to USD 42.36 billion (2024), per Statista.
• TZS Depreciation: 8% in 2023/24 (TICGL), increasing external debt servicing costs (71.3% of total debt, USD 34.1 billion).
• Fiscal Impact: Debt servicing in 2022/23 (TZS 9.09 trillion) was ~30% of recurrent expenditure, per BoT and TICGL.
• Sources: Bank of Tanzania (BoT) for fiscal data, IMF DSAs for sustainability analysis, and The Citizen for 2022 figures.

Data on Debt Servicing Costs

Exact annual debt servicing costs for Tanzania are sparsely reported in public sources, with only a few specific figures available for the requested period. Below, I summarize the known data points and estimate others based on IMF and Bank of Tanzania (BoT) reports, which provide debt-to-GDP ratios, debt service ratios, and fiscal expenditure breakdowns.

Known Data Points

• 2022/23: Debt servicing cost was TZS 9.09 trillion (USD 3.33 billion), as reported by The Citizen.
• 2023: Total debt service was 2.89% of Gross National Income (GNI), per TICGL.
• March 2025 Estimate: Domestic debt servicing for TZS 34.26 trillion (at 15.5% lending rates) estimated at TZS 5.31 trillion, and external debt servicing for USD 34.1 billion (at concessional rates) estimated at USD 1–2 billion annually.

Estimation Methodology

1. Debt Service Ratio: TICGL reports debt service at 2.89% of GNI in 2023. I’ll assume a range of 2.5–3.5% of GNI for other years, based on IMF DSAs indicating debt service typically ranges 5–7% of GDP for Tanzania.
2. GNI Data: World Bank provides GNI (current USD) for select years (e.g., USD 69 billion in 2021, USD 75.94 billion in 2022). I’ll interpolate GNI for other years using GDP growth rates (4–6% annually, per IMF and World Bank) and assume GNI tracks GDP closely.
3. External vs. Domestic Debt: External debt is 71.3% of total debt in 2023/24, with domestic debt at 28.7%. I’ll apply this ratio to estimate cost breakdowns, assuming external debt (concessional at 1–2%, commercial at 6–7%) and domestic debt (at 15–19% lending rates, per BoT and mortgage market data).
4. Exchange Rate: Convert TZS to USD using 1 TZS = 0.000366972502112619 USD for consistency.

GNI Estimates

Using World Bank GNI data and GDP growth trends (4–6% annually), I estimate GNI as follows:

• 2013: ~USD 45 billion (based on GDP of ~USD 44 billion, per IMF)
• 2014–2020: Interpolated using 5% average growth
• 2021: USD 69 billion
• 2022: USD 75.94 billion
• 2023: ~USD 80 billion (5% growth from 2022)
• 2024: ~USD 84 billion (5% growth from 2023)

Debt Service Estimation

• Formula: Debt service (USD) = GNI (USD) × Debt service-to-GNI ratio (2.5–3.5%)
• Assumptions:
  • External debt service: 1–2% for concessional loans, 6–7% for commercial loans (weighted average ~3% for 71.3% of debt).
  • Domestic debt service: 15–19% lending rates (average ~17% for 28.7% of debt).
  • Total debt service ratio aligns with 2.89% of GNI in 2023, adjusted slightly for other years based on debt stock growth.

Estimated Debt Servicing Costs (2013–2021, 2023–2024)

Below is the estimated annual debt servicing costs, combining known data, estimates, and conversions. Figures are rounded for clarity.

Notes:

• 2022: Actual figure of TZS 9.09 trillion (USD 3.33 billion) is higher than the estimated 2.89% of GNI (USD 2.19 billion), suggesting either underreported GNI or higher-than-average debt service (possibly due to principal repayments or commercial loan costs). I’ve used the actual figure for accuracy.
• 2023–2024: Estimates align with 2023’s 2.89% GNI ratio. The 2024 range accounts for potential increases in interest rates (e.g., T-bills rose from 5.8% to 11.7% by March 2024).
• TZS Conversion: USD values converted to TZS using 1 USD = 2,725.3 TZS (inverse of 1 TZS = 0.000366972502112619 USD).

Trends and Insights

• Debt Service Growth: Debt servicing costs rose from an estimated USD 1.13–1.58 billion in 2013 (TZS 3.08–4.31 trillion) to USD 2.10–2.94 billion in 2024 (TZS 5.72–8.01 trillion), reflecting a 86–86% increase over 11 years. This aligns with debt stock growth (USD 14.93 billion to USD 42.36 billion, 184% increase).
• External Debt Burden: External debt (71.3% of total) contributes ~30% of servicing costs (e.g., USD 0.91 billion in 2024) due to concessional rates, but TZS depreciation (8% in 2023/24) increases USD-denominated costs.
• Domestic Debt Costs: Domestic debt (28.7%) drives higher costs (e.g., USD 2.07 billion in 2024) due to high lending rates (15–19%), crowding out private investment.
• Fiscal Impact: In 2022/23, debt servicing (TZS 9.09 trillion) consumed ~30% of recurrent expenditure (TZS 30.31 trillion), limiting funds for development projects.
• Sustainability: The IMF’s moderate risk rating (public debt-to-GDP at 35% vs. 55% benchmark) suggests Tanzania can manage current costs, but rising domestic interest rates (T-bills at 11.7% in 2024) and TZS depreciation pose risks.

Summary

The exact annual debt servicing costs for Tanzania from 2013 to 2021 and 2023 to 2024 are partially available, with estimates filling gaps:

• 2013: USD 1.13–1.58 billion (TZS 3.08–4.31 trillion)
• 2014: USD 1.18–1.65 billion (TZS 3.22–4.50 trillion)
• 2015: USD 1.24–1.74 billion (TZS 3.38–4.74 trillion)
• 2016: USD 1.30–1.82 billion (TZS 3.54–4.96 trillion)
• 2017: USD 1.37–1.91 billion (TZS 3.73–5.21 trillion)
• 2018: USD 1.44–2.01 billion (TZS 3.92–5.48 trillion)
• 2019: USD 1.51–2.11 billion (TZS 4.11–5.75 trillion)
• 2020: USD 1.58–2.22 billion (TZS 4.30–6.05 trillion)
• 2021: USD 1.73–2.42 billion (TZS 4.71–6.59 trillion)
• 2022: USD 3.33 billion (TZS 9.09 trillion, actual)
• 2023: USD 2.31 billion (TZS 6.29 trillion)
• 2024: USD 2.10–2.94 billion (TZS 5.72–8.01 trillion)

Table: Key Figures for Tanzania’s National Debt and Servicing Costs (2013–2021, 2023–2024)

The table will include total national debt, debt-to-GDP ratio, estimated debt servicing costs (in USD and TZS), and external debt as a percentage of GNI (where available). I’ll use the exchange rate of 1 TZS = 0.000366972502112619 USD (October 22, 2024, per Statista) for conversions and clearly note where data is estimated due to gaps. The table will be concise, focusing on the most relevant metrics to provide a clear overview of the debt servicing landscape.

Explanation of Key Figures

1. Total National Debt (USD Billion):
   • Sourced from Statista (2013, 2022–2024), IMF, and Trading Economics (interpolated for 2014–2021).
   • Shows a 184% increase from USD 14.93 billion in 2013 to USD 42.36 billion in 2024, driven by infrastructure borrowing (e.g., SGR, hydropower).
2. Debt-to-GDP Ratio (%):
   • Sourced from IMF and Statista, rising from 32.68% (2013) to 47.30% (2024), indicating growing debt relative to economic output.
   • Reflects moderate sustainability risk per IMF’s 2023/24 DSAs (present value of debt-to-GDP at ~35% vs. 55% benchmark).
3. Debt Servicing Cost (USD Billion and TZS Trillion):
   • 2022: Actual figure of TZS 9.09 trillion (USD 3.33 billion) from The Citizen, consuming ~30% of recurrent expenditure (TZS 30.31 trillion).
   • Other Years: Estimated using 2.5–3.5% of GNI, based on TICGL’s 2.89% for 2023 and IMF’s 5–7% of GDP range. Converted to TZS using 1 USD = 2,725.3 TZS.
   • Costs rose from USD 1.13–1.58 billion in 2013 to USD 2.10–2.94 billion in 2024, reflecting debt stock growth and higher domestic interest rates (15–19%).
4. External Debt (% of GNI):
   • Available only for 2021 (41.04%) and 2022 (40.53%) from World Bank data.
   • External debt (71.3% of total in 2023/24) drives servicing costs, exacerbated by TZS depreciation (8% in 2023/24).