10 Heavily Indebted Poor Countries

8. Zambia

External Debt Stocks: $20.046 billion 

GNI Per Capita: $3680

Below $2.15 Poverty Rate: 61.4%

Composite Ranking: 8

Zambia’s reliance on its over-exploited copper reserves makes it vulnerable to global economic changes. The combination of escalating debt and governance challenges hinders the possibility of robust economic growth. This significant debt burden restricts the government’s investment capabilities in essential sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure, which are crucial for poverty alleviation.