A new World Bank report reveals that nearly 80% of sub-Saharan African countries now spend more on public debt interest than on health or education combined. The report highlights that rising debt-servicing costs are severely limiting fiscal space for infrastructure and human capital development across the region. In Nigeria, the impact is pronounced, with debt-servicing costs reaching N16 trillion in 2025, significantly outpacing capital expenditure on infrastructure. While regional fiscal deficits are narrowing, the shift toward higher-cost domestic borrowing continues to crowd out essential public spending.