Eritrea - Public finance

The state retains control over most of the land, mineral resources, and infrastructure of Eritrea. Most of government revenues come from custom duties and taxes on income and sales. Massive infusions of foreign aid and investment are needed to restore the infrastructure and services and to develop private sector growth. Membership into the IBRD and IMF were approved in 1994. The government is set to invest almost $1 billion over the next decade to upgrade and develop infrastructure and utilities.

The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) estimates that in 2000 Eritrea's central government took in revenues of approximately $206.4 million and had expenditures of $615.7 million. Overall, the government registered a deficit of approximately $409.3 million. External debt totaled $281 million.