Deposits into the Maldives' Sovereign Development Fund (SDF) have climbed to MVR 1.2 billion so far this year, marking a 9 percent increase from the same period in 2025, according to the latest fiscal data released by the Ministry of Finance and Maritime Affairs.

As of July 16, the fund had received MVR 1.2 billion, up by more than MVR 100 million compared with the MVR 1.1 billion deposited during the corresponding period last year.

The increase comes as the government has significantly expanded its debt repayment efforts.

State spending on debt servicing reached MVR 9.3 billion during the same period, a 190 percent increase from the MVR 3.2 billion allocated to loan repayments a year earlier.

Earlier this year, the government drew on the Sovereign Development Fund to repay a USD 500 million loan, underscoring the fund's role in supporting the country's debt management strategy.

Established in 2016, the Sovereign Development Fund serves as a strategic financial reserve to help the Maldives meet major debt obligations, manage economic shocks, and respond to unforeseen fiscal challenges.

The fund operates independently from the Maldives Monetary Authority's foreign currency reserves.

The SDF is financed through several dedicated revenue streams, including airport development fees collected from departing international passengers, dividends paid by Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), and additional revenue generated from higher fees for selected airport services.