Tanzania: public finances

How much debt does Tanzania have?

Tanzania's national debt was US$52,224.4 million at the end of August 2026, up 1.7% in a month, according to the Bank of Tanzania Monthly Economic Review. External debt, public and private, made up 70.3% of the total, at US$36,731.5 million.

The government's domestic debt was 40,899.5 billion shillings, mostly Treasury bonds. Multilateral lenders held 59.5% of external debt. In present-value terms public debt was 39.6% of GDP, below the East African Community ceiling of 50%, the Governor said in July 2026.

Official sources: Bank of Tanzania: Monthly Economic Review, September 2026 (PDF) · Bank of Tanzania: Governor on the economy at the EAC Monetary Affairs Committee, July 2026

How big is Tanzania's budget?

Tanzania's government budget for 2026/27 is estimated at 61,934.2 billion shillings, according to the Ministry of Finance plan and budget guideline. The budget year runs from July to June.

Total revenue, including grants, is projected at 46,691.3 billion shillings, of which tax revenue is 36,889.3 billion. Recurrent spending is 41,217.1 billion shillings (66.5%) and development spending 20,717.1 billion (33.5%). Interest payments are projected at 7,257.9 billion shillings. Parliament approves the final budget, which may differ from the guideline estimates.

Official sources: Ministry of Finance: Guideline for the preparation of the plan and budget, 2026/27-2028/29 (PDF)

What is Tanzania's budget deficit?

Tanzania's budget deficit was estimated at 3.1% of GDP in 2025/26, according to the Bank of Tanzania Governor. The Ministry of Finance reports 3.1% of GDP in 2024/25, down from 3.2% in 2023/24.

The government's medium-term target is a deficit not exceeding 3.0% of GDP. The deficit is financed by borrowing at home and abroad. The World Bank records net borrowing of 2.9% of GDP in 2024 on its own basis.

Official sources: Bank of Tanzania: Governor on the economy at the EAC Monetary Affairs Committee, July 2026 · Ministry of Finance: Guideline for the preparation of the plan and budget, 2026/27-2028/29 (PDF) · World Bank: net lending/borrowing, Tanzania

How much tax does Tanzania collect?

Tax revenue in Tanzania was 12.3% of GDP in 2024, up from 10.5% in 2021, according to the World Bank World Development Indicators.

In June 2026 the government collected 4,658.2 billion shillings, 5.4% above its monthly target; tax revenue was 3,733.2 billion, 12.5% above target, according to the Bank of Tanzania Monthly Economic Review. The Ministry of Finance projects tax revenue of 36,889.3 billion shillings in 2026/27.

Official sources: World Bank: tax revenue, Tanzania · Bank of Tanzania: Monthly Economic Review, September 2026 (PDF) · Ministry of Finance: Guideline for the preparation of the plan and budget, 2026/27-2028/29 (PDF)

Does Tanzania have an IMF loan?

Yes. In July 2026 the IMF approved the disbursement of about US$443.9 million to Tanzania after completing reviews of two arrangements, according to the Bank of Tanzania: about US$158.75 million under the Extended Credit Facility and US$298.37 million under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility.

The IMF's active portfolio in Tanzania is US$2.52 billion. The IMF said most programme targets were met, while some reforms in energy, VAT administration, central bank governance and public investment management were delayed. It projects growth of around 6.2% over the medium term.

Official sources: Bank of Tanzania: IMF approves US$443.9 million disbursement to Tanzania

What is Tanzania's government debt?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 49.8% of GDP. Since 2005 it has ranged from 21.6% of GDP (2008) to 50.0% of GDP (2024). It is 27th highest of 46 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 53.0% of GDP. Worldwide: 105th of 185.

Does Tanzania's government borrow more than it raises?

According to the IMF, general government net lending or borrowing in Tanzania was -2.6% of GDP in 2025, which is a deficit. Since 2005 it has ranged from -4.7% of GDP (2010) to -1.1% of GDP (2017). Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was -3.0% of GDP, and Tanzania placed 21st highest of 47. Worldwide: 92nd of 188.

How much revenue does Tanzania's government raise?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 17.3% of GDP. No year since 2005 has been higher. It is 26th highest of 47 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 18.4% of GDP. Of 187 countries with 2025 data, 147th highest.

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

19.9% of GDP: that is general government spending in Tanzania for 2025, according to the IMF. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 26th highest of 46 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 20.8% of GDP. Of 186 countries with 2025 data, 149th highest.

What is Tanzania's tax to GDP ratio?

In 2024, central government tax revenue in Tanzania was 12.3% of GDP, according to the IMF. That is the highest since at least 2009. It is 11th highest of 16 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 14.1% of GDP. Of 92 countries with 2024 data, 74th highest.

What is Tanzania's military budget as a share of GDP?

According to SIPRI, military spending in Tanzania was 1.2% of GDP in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 0.7% of GDP (2008) to 1.2% of GDP (2023). Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 1.3% of GDP, and Tanzania placed 26th highest of 44. Of 149 countries with 2025 data, 99th highest.