- Business Insider Africa presents the top 10 African countries with the highest debts to the International Monetary Fund.
- This list was obtained from the IMF’s official site.
- This list captures the data as of the 6th of December 2023.
10 African countries with the highest debts to the IMF
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is a key player in global finance, offering monetary assistance to governments suffering economic difficulties. However, these loans from the IMF can have deep and varied effects on their economy. These effects are felt in some parts of Africa, particularly in regions where the debt is unsustainable.
IMF
ADVERTISEMENT
Typically as a last resort, countries often turn to the IMF in times of economic crisis to stabilize their financial systems. These loans help cushion the economic adversities said countries may be going through.
Loans from the global financier can also help buff the country’s finances until they can come up with a more sustainable solution to their economic problems. And, additionally, a loan from the IMF can boost a country's credibility in the eyes of foreign investors. This rise in trust may result in higher foreign direct investment and better access to global capital markets.
ADVERTISEMENT
However, these loans if not managed or utilized properly could hurt an economy. Aside from the fact that debts owed in general can cause financial stress in any economy, as it represents an expense that the country must take responsibility for, IMF loans often come with stringent conditions, including austerity measures such as reducing public spending, cutting subsidies, and implementing tax increases.
While these measures are intended to address fiscal imbalances, they can lead to social unrest and adversely affect vulnerable populations. These complications can also seep into the country’s exchange rate, making local currencies weaker than they should be.
With that said, below are the 10 African countries with the highest debts to the IMF, courtesy of the IMF’s official website. Also, the list captures the data as of the 6th of December 2023.
10 African countries with the highest debts to the IMF
ADVERTISEMENT
| Rank | Country | Debt amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Egypt | $11,968,321,674 |
| 2. | Angola | $3,153,816,667 |
| 3. | South Africa | $2,669,800,000 |
| 4. | Côte d'Ivoire | $2,117,559,620 |
| 5. | Kenya | $2,058,982,100 |
| 6. | Nigeria | $1,840,875,000 |
| 7. | Ghana | $1,644,377,000 |
| 8. | Morocco | $1,499,800,000 |
| 9 | Democratic Republic of Congo | $1,294,500,000 |
| .10. | Tunisia | $1,259,139,338 |
This is a Business Insider Article, for more articles like this, visit africa.businessinsider.com
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng
Recommended articles
You should avoid boat rides for these 5 reasons
How to save a life by doing CPR during an emergency
Avoid these 3 common mistakes when cooking fried rice
Okin biscuits and 9 other snacks millennials loved as children
How 1 woman became first lady of 2 different countries — she married 2 presidents
Ladies! Here are 5 things you shouldn't say to your man during sex
How parents, teachers can recognise when a child is being bullied
It's illegal to publicly celebrate your birthday in this country
Here are Dagrin's 10 best rap verses on the 14th anniversary of his death
ADVERTISEMENT