Developing Countries' Debt Hits Record $9.4 Trillion
The World Bank says developing countries' debt reached a record $9.4 trillion in 2025. Most of the rise came from private financing. Borrowing from private creditors and bond issuance by public enterprises rose nearly 35 percent, according to the bank's annual International Debt Report.
Context
Context: Many developing countries borrowed heavily after the COVID-19 pandemic and during a period of higher global interest rates, which makes repayment harder. The World Bank publishes this report every year to track how much these countries owe.