Tunisia's External Debt Reaches $41.279 Billion in 2023
According to the latest International Debt Report published in December 2024, Tunisia's total external debt reached $41.279 billion in 2023, representing a slight increase compared to 2022, when the total external debt was $41.002 billion.
The report also provides a detailed analysis of the composition of this debt. In 2023, long-term debts accounted for $24.796 billion, while short-term debts amounted to $13.772 billion. Public and guaranteed creditors held $22.663 billion of the total debt, with the majority coming from official creditors, including multilateral institutions such as the World Bank, and bilateral creditors.
In terms of debt service, Tunisia dedicated 23% of its exports and 11% of its Gross National Income (GNI) to repaying its external debts. These figures highlight the importance of debt management for the country's economic stability, with a relatively high debt service ratio compared to its exports and GNI.
The report also reveals a positive net financial flow of $622 million, largely driven by net capital flows, which reached $768 million in 2023. On the other hand, net debt flows showed a net outflow of $146 million, indicating that Tunisia has reduced its dependence on foreign financing through debt.
The use of IMF credit and Special Drawing Rights (SDR) allocations decreased in 2023, reaching $2.711 billion, compared to $3.109 billion in 2022. However, the use of IMF credit remains a key aspect of Tunisia's external financing.
In summary, while Tunisia has managed a significant external debt, the composition and management of this debt, as well as net financial flows, remain crucial elements for ensuring long-term economic stability while maintaining sustainable debt service payments.
