Zimbabwe’s Treasury disbursed approximately US$22,7 million in external debt service payments in the fourth quarter of 2025, underscoring ongoing efforts to reduce the country’s debt burden and re-engage with international creditors.
According to figures in the latest Treasury bulletin, the payments – also covering obligations taken over from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) – were made in three instalments.
An initial US$10,85 million was paid in October, followed by US$4,33 million in November and US$7,52 million in December.
The payments come against the backdrop of a growing public debt stock, which stood at about US$23,4 billion by the end of 2025.
Authorities say the settlements form part of a broader strategy aimed at restoring the country’s standing with international lenders.
During the same period, government also met domestic debt obligations amounting to ZiG5,1 billion.
The payments comprised interest and principal repayments on government securities, as well as liabilities inherited from the RBZ.
Officials say the servicing of both external and domestic debt is central to a structured arrears clearance program designed to rebuild Zimbabwe’s creditworthiness.
As part of this process, government has set up a formal engagement platform bringing together creditors and development partners.
The initiative seeks to coordinate dialogue on reforms considered necessary to support debt resolution.
The framework guiding the process is built on three pillars, economic reforms, governance improvements, and compensation of former farm owners under the Global Settlement Deed.
On the economic front, progress is being anchored on a Staff-Monitored Program (SMP) agreed at technical level with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in early 2026.
The ten-month program is expected to consolidate macroeconomic stability, strengthen fiscal and monetary systems, improve the functioning of the foreign exchange market, and advance governance reforms.
Recently, Finance minister Mthuli Ncube told legislators that authorities are pursuing a bridge financing arrangement to help clear arrears.
Under this approach, a financing partner would extend a short-term loan to settle outstanding obligations.
This would be supported by a set-aside facility from concessional windows of international lenders, including the African Development Bank and the World Bank. – TML