# IMF Warns Poor Nations Spend 14% on Debt > IMF says low-income countries now spend 14% of revenue on debt payments, up from 6% a decade ago. - Title: IMF Warns Poor Nations Spend 14% on Debt · The Rio Times - Summary: IMF says low-income countries now spend 14% of revenue on debt payments, up from 6% a decade ago. IMF managing director warns low-income countries spend 14%… - Keywords: imf, debt, government revenue, low-income countries, bond yields, interest rates, energy costs, senegal, global policy agenda, imf managing director, kristalina georgieva, world bank - Source: The Rio Times — https://riotimesonline.com/imf-warns-poor-nations-debt-14-percent-revenue-2026 - Author: Gabriela Vargas - Published: 2026-10-18T06:39:48+00:00 - Read time: 2 min - Topics: imf, debt, government revenue, low-income countries, bond yields, interest rates, energy costs, senegal, global policy agenda, imf managing director, kristalina georgieva, world bank ## IMF Warning The IMF warns low-income countries now spend 14% of government revenue on debt payments, up from 6% a decade ago. > debt service in low-income countries now takes 14% of government revenue ## When Did This Happen Managing director Kristalina Georgieva gave the figure at the close of the IMF and World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok on Saturday 17 October 2026. > at the close of the imf and world bank annual meetings in bangkok on saturday 17 october 2026 ## Why It Matters Every dollar spent on debt payments is a dollar not spent on health, schools or roads, and higher world interest rates and dearer energy make the squeeze tighter. > every dollar spent on debt payments is a dollar not spent on health schools or roads ## Starting Point The IMF’s 14 October transcript gives 6% a decade ago, while press reports of Saturday’s remarks say 8% in recent years. > the imf’s 14 october transcript gives 6 percent a decade ago ## What It Means for You US investors and travelers follow the same oil and bond-yield shocks that squeeze poorer countries, while Mexico-based readers should note the figure is not a Mexican one. > us investors and travelers follow the same oil and bond-yield shocks that squeeze poorer countries ## What the IMF Says Georgieva described the meetings as “marked by both optimism and worry” and listed inflation, high levels of debt and worse climate risks among the worries. > the meetings are marked by both optimism and worry ## Debt Service Increase Debt service costs have risen from 8% to 14% of government revenue in low-income countries in recent years. > debt service costs have risen from 8 percent to 14 percent of government revenue ## Energy Shock Impact Georgieva named oil-importing poor countries among those hit hardest by the energy shock, a risk for creditors and funds that hold their bonds. > oil-importing poor countries among those hit hardest by the energy shock ## IMF Actions The IMF reports reforms to the Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust that let the fund more than triple its concessional lending. > reforms to the poverty reduction and growth trust let the fund more than triple its concessional lending ## Senegal Agreement The IMF reached a staff-level agreement of about US$2.2 billion with Senegal, which has undisclosed debt and fiscal problems. > the imf reached a staff-level agreement of about us$2.2 billion with senegal ## Fiscal Advice Georgieva urged low-income governments to set budget priorities that support growth while protecting the most vulnerable. > low-income governments to set budget priorities that support growth while protecting the most vulnerable ## What Is Not Known The 8% and 14% figures reach us through press reports of the closing session, and an IMF transcript of that session could not be opened. > the eight percent and fourteen percent figures reach us through press reports of the closing session ## Mexico Context The reports reviewed describe low-income countries and do not name Mexico. Mexican debt is covered in the IMF’s separate review of the country. > the reports reviewed describe low-income countries and do not name mexico ## Key takeaway IMF managing director warns low-income countries spend 14% of government revenue on debt, up from 6% a decade ago.