Suriname, Eswatini, and Guyana report shifting national debt levels

national debt debt-to-GDP ratio fiscal policy economic growth foreign debt

Suriname reported a reduction in its national debt position during the second quarter of 2026. According to the Bureau voor de Staatsschuld (SDMO), the total state debt fell to USD 4.65 billion, representing a 2.43 percent decrease in SRD terms compared to the first quarter. The government paid approximately USD 261.23 million in debt service, with USD 216.83 million allocated to foreign debt and USD 44.40 million to domestic debt. Additionally, total payment arrears on domestic debt dropped by 59.9 percent to SRD 437.75 million.

In Eswatini, Finance Minister Neal Rijkernberg stated that the government's debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to rise from 45 percent to 50 percent. This borrowing is intended to support an economic growth rate that has averaged approximately 5 percent over the last three years. The government aims to return the ratio to 45 percent under a new medium-term fiscal framework.

Guyana is facing increased financial vulnerability due to a rising share of foreign currency in its debt portfolio. As of late June 2026, external debt stood at USD 3.306 billion, with foreign currency debt making up 38.6 percent of the total portfolio. The high concentration of US dollar-denominated debt increases sensitivity to exchange rate and interest rate fluctuations.

Entities

Bureau voor de Staatsschuld · Eswatini · Guyanese Ministry of Finance · Neal Rijkernberg · Suriname

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Suriname's total national debt decreased to USD 4.65 billion in the second quarter of 2026. dagbladdewest.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Guyana's external debt reached USD 3.306 billion by the end of June 2026. unitednews.sr
[○ 1 SOURCE] Eswatini's debt-to-GDP ratio is expected to rise from 45 percent to 50 percent to finance economic growth. independentnews.co.sz
[○ 1 SOURCE] Suriname's total payment arrears decreased by 59.9 percent compared to the first quarter of 2026. dagbladdewest.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Foreign currency debt accounts for 38.6 percent of Guyana's total debt portfolio. unitednews.sr
[○ 1 SOURCE] Suriname paid approximately USD 261.23 million in debt service during the second quarter of 2026. dagbladdewest.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Eswatini's current economic growth rate is approximately 5 percent. independentnews.co.sz

Sources

Staat betaalt USD 261,23 miljoen aan schuldenlasten [dagbladdewest.com]

12 days ago

Govt borrowing rises as economy records 5% growth [independentnews.co.sz]

13 days ago

STIJGEND BUITENLANDS SCHULDENAANDEEL BRENGT FINANCIËLE RISICO'S VOOR GUYANA AAN HET LICHT [unitednews.sr]

12 days ago