A recent UNESCO report reveals a troubling trend in developing countries, where debt repayments are eclipsing education spending. In 2025, 113 nations allocated more funds to servicing foreign debt than to educating their youth, with some countries in sub-Saharan Africa spending 3.6 times more on debt than on education. This shift not only jeopardizes educational outcomes but also stifles economic growth, as underfunded education systems struggle to prepare future generations.
The situation is exacerbated by significant cuts in global aid to education, projected to decline by up to 30% by 2027. Countries like Afghanistan and Liberia have already seen drastic reductions in educational funding, leading to a cycle of austerity that hampers development. As debt repayments soar, essential services, including health and education, face severe budget constraints, further entrenching poverty and instability.
The report highlights that 18 of the most indebted nations are spending five times more on debt than on education, with Sri Lanka’s ratio reaching 16 times. This financial strain is a direct result of recent global shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic and rising energy costs, which have inflated debt burdens and limited fiscal flexibility.
Experts advocate for a restructured debt relief process that prioritizes long-term solutions over short-term fixes. The UK is urged to leverage its G20 presidency in 2027 to push for reforms that would facilitate debt cancellation and protect public service funding, ensuring that education systems can recover and thrive in the face of mounting challenges.
Source: The Guardian
