Mayotte’s Invisible Over-Indebtedness

The total amount of debt in France’s overseas territories has reached €122 million, a 26.5% increase compared to last year, reveals the 2025 study by the Overseas Departments Issuing Institute (IEDOM).

This rapid increase shows that over-indebtedness is reaching a “historic peak” in a difficult economic context, marked by a sluggish job market and financial strain for households and businesses.

In 2025, 3,915 cases were filed, 20.2% more than in 2024, and the increase has reached 75% over ten years. Overall debt is therefore growing faster than the number of cases, a sign that financial strain is becoming significant and affecting more and more families.

The households concerned are often already in a precarious financial situation. Many live below the poverty line, face unexpected expenses, or struggle to manage their budgets. More than half have no repayment capacity, and 86% have assets of less than €2,000. Over-indebtedness primarily affects single people or single-parent families, mostly women with low incomes. Under these circumstances, job loss, health problems, or separation can quickly lead to a critical situation.

Mayotte illustrates a particular paradox. The territory has the lowest rate of filings: only 29 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Yet, 77.3% of the population lives below the poverty line. The IEDOM (Overseas Issuing Institute) explains this situation by strong family solidarity and a lack of awareness of debt relief programs. In Mayotte, over-indebtedness has not disappeared: it is hidden within family networks, deferred over time, or remains undeclared.

The local context makes the situation even more precarious. After Cyclone Chido in December 2024, economic activity experienced a “technical rebound”, but the recovery remains precarious.