AfDB: Nigeria, Others Face Rising Debt Risks as Fiscal Pressures Mount

Nume Ekeghe

Nigeria and other major African economies are facing heightened risks of debt distress, as rising borrowing costs and shrinking fiscal buffers continue to weigh on the continent’s economic outlook, the African Development Bank (AfDB), has said.

In its latest report titled, “Africa’s Macroeconomic Performance and Outlook,” the continental lender warned that despite modest fiscal consolidation efforts, Africa’s debt burden remains significantly elevated, posing a growing threat to economic stability and long-term development.

The report stated: “Africa’s economic outlook faces strong headwinds from persistent debt distress and shrinking fiscal space. Despite some fiscal consolidation, debt levels remain above pre-pandemic levels. As of September 2025, 7 African countries were in debt distress and 13 at high risk—including large economies such as Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa. 

“High debt-service costs continue to erode fiscal space and limit public investment, which is crucial for growth and resilience. The combined effect of heavy debt burden and constrained fiscal space threatens the momentum of Africa’s growth and structural transformation.” 

The lender further cautioned that increasing refinancing pressures could push governments into adopting pro-cyclical fiscal tightening or resorting to expensive short-term borrowing, both of which could undermine fragile economic recoveries.

“Rising refinancing needs may also force governments into pro-cyclical austerity or costly short-term borrowing. With global financial conditions easing, several African countries returned to the Eurobond market in 2025. Kenya raised $1.5 billion in October, followed by Angola ($1.75 billion) and Nigeria ($2.35 billion).

“However, borrowing costs remain high, as sovereign spreads exceed pre-pandemic level. Kenya’s bond was issued in two tranches, with the 7-year tenor at 7.875 percent and the 12-year at 8.8 percent. 

“In Angola, the 5-year bond was issued at 9.25 percent and the 10-year bond at 9.78 percent. Combined with currency risks, elevated financing costs pose a threat to debt sustainability and social spending. They could derail the current growth momentum, impair long-term development, and thus increase the risk of social and political fragility.”