Key facts
- 113 developing countries spent more on foreign debt repayment than education in 2025.
- Sub-Saharan African nations spent 3.6 times more on debt servicing than on education.
- Global aid to education is projected to decline by up to 30% by 2027.
- Some countries have experienced over 40% cuts in education aid over three years.
- Repayments by poorer countries reached a 35-year high, with 56 countries dedicating nearly 20% of revenue to debt servicing.
A United Nations report indicates that a significant number of developing countries are prioritizing foreign debt repayment over education spending. In 2025, 113 nations spent more on servicing their debts than on educating their populations, with sub-Saharan African countries spending 3.6 times more on debt than education. This situation is compounded by a projected decline in global aid to education, which has already seen substantial cuts from the US and Europe. Low- and lower-middle-income countries are expected to lose up to 30% of their education aid by 2027, with some already experiencing over 40% reductions in three years. Experts warn that this cycle of austerity and underinvestment hinders economic growth and long-term development. The report calls for a restructuring of debt relief mechanisms to ensure continued funding for essential public services.