Story perspectives

Debt Service Outpaces Education Spending in 113 Nations

7/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

In 2025, 113 developing nations spent on foreign-debt service more than on education, with sub-Saharan Africa allocating 3.6 times as much to debt.
Debt Justice reports repayments hit a 35-year high, with 56 nations devoting one-fifth of revenue to debt service.
UNESCO urges long-term debt-relief with World Bank-backed debt-swap deals to protect services, while 2024 U.S. and European aid cuts reduced education funding by $600 million, creating school shortfalls and unpaid teachers.

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Story summary

In 2025, 113 developing nations spent on foreign-debt service more than on education, with sub-Saharan Africa allocating 3.6 times as much to debt.
Debt Justice reports repayments hit a 35-year high, with 56 nations devoting one-fifth of revenue to debt service.
UNESCO urges long-term debt-relief with World Bank-backed debt-swap deals to protect services, while 2024 U.S. and European aid cuts reduced education funding by $600 million, creating school shortfalls and unpaid teachers.