South Sudan: public finances

What is the public debt of South Sudan?

South Sudan's gross government debt was 64.2% of GDP in 2025, according to the IMF World Economic Outlook, up from 53.7% in 2024. The IMF projects 43.2% for 2026.

The ratio moves with both debt and the size of the economy, which swings with oil exports and the exchange rate. The IMF also records general government balances: a surplus of 3.3% of GDP in 2025 and a projected deficit of 0.3% in 2026, according to the same database. The Ministry of Finance and Planning's website could not be reached when checked on 15 October 2026.

Official sources: IMF DataMapper: General government gross debt, South Sudan · IMF DataMapper: Government net lending/borrowing, South Sudan

What is South Sudan's debt to GDP ratio?

64.2% of GDP: that is general government gross debt in South Sudan for 2025, according to the IMF. Since 2011 it has ranged from 0.0% of GDP (2011) to 128.9% of GDP (2016). It is 17th highest of 46 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 53.0% of GDP. Of 185 countries with 2025 data, 67th highest.

What is South Sudan's budget deficit?

According to the IMF, general government net lending or borrowing in South Sudan was 3.3% of GDP in 2025. Since 2011 it has ranged from -16.3% of GDP (2015) to 11.9% of GDP (2024). Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was -3.0% of GDP, and South Sudan placed 2nd highest of 47. Worldwide: 14th of 188.

How much does South Sudan's government take in?

In 2025, general government revenue in South Sudan was 21.4% of GDP, according to the IMF. The peak was 58.1% of GDP in 2018 and the low 16.8% of GDP in 2012. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 18.4% of GDP; South Sudan is 15th highest of 47. World rank, highest first: 120th of 187.

How big is South Sudan's government spending as a share of GDP?

According to the IMF, general government spending in South Sudan was 18.1% of GDP in 2025. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2011. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 20.8% of GDP, and South Sudan placed 34th highest of 46. World rank, highest first: 163rd of 186.

How much does South Sudan spend on its military?

3.4% of GDP: that is military spending in South Sudan for 2025, according to SIPRI. Its high point since 2008 was 2012, at 8.8% of GDP; its low point was 2021, at 1.5% of GDP. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 1.3% of GDP; South Sudan is 2nd highest of 44. World rank, highest first: 15th of 149.