As of August 2025, Lesotho ranked second among the top ten African countries with the lowest outstanding debts to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

This is according to Business Insider Africa, and it says this is despite massive job losses within the textile industry due to the United States tariff. Meanwhile, debt to the IMF remains a critical measure of financial health and stability for African nations.  It further says Countries with lower debt burdens not only gain greater financial independence but also enjoy stronger investor confidence and more room to implement domestic reforms.

According to a Business Insider report, these countries have successfully managed their borrowing strategies, ensuring that IMF loans remain a tool for stability rather than a liability. The top 10 lowest IMF debtors in Africa include Eswatini – Lesotho – $11.6 million, Comoros – $23.1 million, Sao Tome & Principe – $31.0 million, Djibouti – $31.8 million, Equatorial Guinea – $51.5 million, Guinea-Bissau – $55.3 million, Namibia – $71.6 million, Cabo Verde – $76.6 million and Somalia – $94.5 million. . .

Despite their varying economic sizes, these countries have one thing in common—minimal reliance on IMF credit.

Business Insider Africa indicates that looking at the bigger picture, globally, countries that maintain limited exposure to IMF debt typically enjoy stronger credit ratings, cheaper access to capital markets, and greater resilience against external shocks.