In a shocking revelation, a recent UN report has highlighted the grim reality facing education in developing nations, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where countries are diverting funds away from schooling to meet crippling debt obligations. The UNESCO study indicates that in 2025, 113 countries spent more on servicing foreign loans than on educating their children, with the starkest disparities seen in nations such as Sri Lanka, where debt repayments outstrip educational investment by an astonishing sixteenfold.
A Disturbing Trend in Education Funding
The findings paint a bleak picture. Across sub-Saharan Africa, nations allocated 3.6 times more to debt repayment than to education last year. This alarming trend is set against a backdrop of declining global aid, with projections suggesting educational funding could plummet by as much as 30% by 2027. The harsh truth is that low- and lower-middle-income countries have already slashed 21% of their education budgets since 2023, with some, including Afghanistan, Mali, Niger, and Liberia, suffering reductions exceeding 40% in just three years.
Min Jeong Kim, who heads UNESCO’s education division, expressed deep concern over the sustainability of this model. She remarked, “Current approaches really keep the countries trapped in a cycle of austerity, underinvestment, and stalled development.” This vicious cycle not only hampers economic growth but also erodes domestic revenue, leaving nations increasingly vulnerable to their debt burdens.
The Human Cost of Debt
The ramifications of prioritising debt over education are profound. With 56 countries reportedly spending nearly 20% of their total revenue on debt servicing, essential services such as healthcare and education are being critically undermined. Tim Jones, policy director at Debt Justice, highlighted the cascading effects of this crisis: “Countries’ debt payments have ballooned following a series of shocks from Covid, energy price and interest rate rises, and climate disasters.” In the most affected areas, cuts to vital services are becoming commonplace, further jeopardising the future of countless children.
The impact on education systems is evident. Schools are struggling to function due to insufficient funding, resulting in teachers not receiving their salaries and classrooms lacking basic resources. As educational infrastructure deteriorates, the prospects for economic development in these countries dim considerably.
Aid Cuts Compound the Crisis
The situation has been exacerbated by significant cuts to international aid, particularly from the US and Europe. In 2024 alone, funding for education fell by $600 million (£470 million), with expectations of further declines in 2025. The ramifications of these funding cuts are stark, leading to a cascading failure in the educational sector, where schools find themselves unable to operate effectively.
UNESCO has called for a fundamental rethinking of how debt relief is structured. The current model, which focuses on short-term solutions, is insufficient in allowing countries to maintain vital public services while managing their debt. Jones argues for a more comprehensive approach, advocating for long-term arrangements that could enable developing nations to invest in their future—while ensuring that private lenders do not obstruct these vital agreements for their own profit.
A Call for Systemic Change
As the world grapples with these complex challenges, there is an urgent need for systemic change in the way debt relief is approached. The UK’s upcoming presidency of the G20 in 2027 presents a pivotal opportunity to advocate for significant reforms in the debt-relief process. Jones urges that it is crucial to incorporate these changes into English law to prevent private creditors from undermining efforts to alleviate the burden on vulnerable economies.
Why it Matters
The implications of this report extend far beyond financial statistics. The prioritisation of debt over education threatens not just the immediate educational prospects of millions of children but also the long-term economic viability of entire nations. As educational systems collapse under the weight of debt, the potential for growth and development dwindles, leaving countries trapped in a cycle of poverty and underinvestment. The international community must act decisively to reform debt relief strategies, ensuring that future generations are not robbed of their right to education and the opportunities it brings.