United KingdomA United Nations report reveals that in 2025, 113 developing countries spent more on repaying foreign debt than on education, with some nations like Sri Lanka allocating up to 16 times more to debt than education. This trend is compounded by a projected 30% decline in global aid to education by 2027. Sub-Saharan African countries spent 3.6 times more on debt than education, while 18 highly indebted nations spent five times more on debt than on education. Debt Justice reports that 56 countries now spend nearly 20% of their total revenue on loan repayments, with repayment levels reaching a 35-year high. Aid cuts by the U.S. and Europe have reduced education funding by $600 million since 2024, exacerbating financial strain on schools and teacher salaries. Experts warn that weakened education systems hinder economic development and debt management capabilities. Calls for reform include restructuring debt relief to prioritize long-term public service funding and preventing private lenders from blocking beneficial agreements, as seen in Ethiopia.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue through a critical lens of international financial institutions and Western donors, emphasizing the negative impacts of debt servicing on education and development. It highlights systemic issues with current debt relief structures and criticizes the role of private banks
