Senegal, Congo, Gabon: When Public Debt Engulfs West and Central Africa

According to IMF projections, public debt in sub-Saharan African countries is expected to remain high in 2026, with Senegal showing a debt-to-GDP ratio of 132.3%, the highest in the region. In comparison, Congo and Gabon have respective ratios of 91.3% and 86.1%. This situation is attributed to factors such as the revelation of 'hidden debt' and persistent budget deficits, jeopardizing the sustainability of Senegal's debt, which was once seen as a model of fiscal discipline.