South Africa Agriculture Value Added
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing value added as % of GDP NV.AGR.TOTL.ZS
South Africa's agriculture value added was 2.76% in 2025, ranked 124th globally. This represents a 1.8% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
South Africa's agriculture value added stood at 2.76% in 2025, a decline of +0.05% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 2.76% by 2025. South Africa ranked 124th globally.
South Africa's agricultural sector has experienced significant fluctuations over the years, with a notable decline in its value added output. At its peak in 1961, the sector contributed 9.32 percent to the country's GDP, a stark contrast to its current standing of 2.76 percent in 2025. The sector's all-time low of 1.93 percent in 2013 marks a 71.9 percent decline since its peak, surpassing even Serbia's closest rank of 2.96 percent. This downward trend has persisted, with the sector failing to regain its former prominence despite some recovery in recent years. The sector's value added output remains below the levels seen in peer countries such as Croatia, which also ranks close to South Africa. A sustained improvement in agricultural productivity and investment in rural infrastructure would be necessary to reverse the sector's decline and boost economic growth.
Data & projection
| Year | Agriculture Value Added | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 2.87% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 2.81% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 2.76% | - | - |
| 2025 | 2.76% | −0.05% | #124 |
| 2024 | 2.81% | +0.28% | #56 |
| 2023 | 2.54% | −0.07% | #59 |
| 2022 | 2.61% | +0.15% | #61 |
| 2021 | 2.46% | −0.12% | #61 |
| 2020 | 2.58% | +0.63% | #58 |
| 2019 | 1.95% | −0.31% | #50 |
| 2018 | 2.26% | −0.23% | #57 |
| 2017 | 2.49% | +0.08% | #58 |
| 2016 | 2.41% | +0.18% | #59 |
| 2015 | 2.23% | +0.11% | #54 |
| 2014 | 2.13% | +0.20% | #49 |
| 2013 | 1.93% | −0.05% | #45 |
| 2012 | 1.98% | −0.07% | #48 |
| 2011 | 2.04% | −0.06% | #47 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Africa matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw agriculture value added improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's agriculture value added was 2.76% in 2025. Ranked 124th globally. This represents a 1.8% decrease from the previous year.
South Africa's agriculture value added peaked at 9.32% in 1961.
The lowest agriculture value added in South Africa was 1.93% in 2013.
South Africa ranks 124th globally in agriculture value added as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is NV.AGR.TOTL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's agriculture value added is projected to reach 2.76% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The agriculture value added of South Africa in 2025 was 2.76%. This ranks 124th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_agriculture-value-added,
title = {South Africa Agriculture Value Added},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/agriculture-value-added/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}