Summary

According to estimates by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), global public debt has reached a record high of USD 102 trillion, with 30% (USD 31 trillion) accounted for by developing countries. Experts highlight the uneven regional distribution of public debt. The growth rate of debt in developing economies is twice as high as that of advanced economies. Asia and Oceania hold 25% of global public debt, Latin America and the Caribbean account for 5%, and Africa for 2%. Among the key challenges is the rising cost of borrowing. In 2024, net interest payments on public debt by developing countries reached USD 921 billion, 10% higher than in 2023. Additionally, 61 countries allocated 10% or more of their government revenues to interest payments.