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South Africa Exchange Rate

Official exchange rate (LCU per US$, period average)  PA.NUS.FCRF

South Africa's exchange rate was 19.10 in 2025, ranked 91st globally. This represents a 4.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.

19.10 +0.77 (+4.2%)
Year 2025 Rank #91 Global Peak 19.10 (2025) Source World Bank

South Africa Exchange Rate (1960–2025)

Overview

South Africa's exchange rate stood at 19.10 in 2025, a rise of +0.77 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 19.10 by 2025. South Africa ranked 91st globally.

South Africa's exchange rate has exhibited a significant fluctuation over the past 66 years, with the most recent value standing at 19.10 as of 2025, ranking 91st globally. Historically, the all-time low was recorded in 1974 at 0.68, while the peak of 19.10 was achieved in 2025, mirroring the exchange rate of Lesotho. This considerable variation suggests that South Africa's currency has been sensitive to global economic conditions and internal policy decisions. Compared to its peers, such as Namibia with a similar exchange rate, South Africa's exchange rate has shown a consistent level of stability, albeit with a notable increase over the years. A continued economic growth, particularly in the manufacturing sector, could lead to a strengthening of the South African Rand, potentially altering the trajectory of its exchange rate.

Data & projection

Year Exchange Rate YoY change Rank
2027* trend 20.58 - -
2026* trend 19.84 - -
2025* trend 19.10 - -
2025 19.10 +0.77 #91
2024 18.33 −0.12 #116
2023 18.45 +2.09 #115
2022 16.36 +1.58 #113
2021 14.78 −1.68 #112
2020 16.46 +2.01 #114
2019 14.45 +1.21 #113
2018 13.23 −0.09 #113
2017 13.32 −1.39 #114
2016 14.71 +1.95 #117
2015 12.76 +1.91 #117
2014 10.85 +1.20 #117
2013 9.66 +1.45 #118
2012 8.21 +0.95 #118
2011 7.26 −0.06 #112
Show all years (1960-2025)
* Linear trend extrapolation

Detected Pattern

Export Boom Cycle
Current account surplus with strong export growth (>15% YoY), reserve accumulation, and moderate GDP growth. Typical of commodity exporters during price surges.
Reserves YoY +14.4% GDP growth 3.2% C/A balance 0.0%
Occurred 768 times, 546 successful
Reserves YoY
+25.6%
GDP growth
4.0%
C/A balance
14.5%
Reserves YoY
+14.6%
GDP growth
3.7%
C/A balance
2.9%
Reserves YoY
+12.8%
GDP growth
43.8%
C/A balance
16.4%
Reserves YoY
+12.6%
GDP growth
6.0%
C/A balance
0.5%
Reserves YoY
+38.3%
GDP growth
5.0%
C/A balance
1.2%
Reserves YoY
+18.0%
GDP growth
2.9%
C/A balance
3.9%

Analysis

South Africa matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw exchange rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is South Africa's exchange rate?▾

South Africa's exchange rate was 19.10 in 2025. Ranked 91st globally. This represents a 4.2% increase from the previous year.

What was the highest exchange rate in South Africa?▾

South Africa's exchange rate peaked at 19.10 in 2025.

What was the lowest exchange rate in South Africa?▾

The lowest exchange rate in South Africa was 0.68 in 1974.

How does South Africa rank in exchange rate?▾

South Africa ranks 91st globally in exchange rate as of 2025.

What is the World Bank indicator code for exchange rate?▾

The World Bank indicator code is PA.NUS.FCRF. Data sourced from World Bank.

What is the projected exchange rate of South Africa in 2025?▾

South Africa's exchange rate is projected to reach 19.10 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.

What is the exchange rate of South Africa in 2025?▾

The exchange rate of South Africa in 2025 was 19.10. This ranks 91st in the world.

Cite this page

APA
South Africa Exchange Rate. HistorySaid. Retrieved October 19, 2026, from https://historysaid.com/south-africa/exchange-rate/
BibTeX
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_exchange-rate, title = {South Africa Exchange Rate}, url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/exchange-rate/}, publisher = {HistorySaid}, year = {2026} }
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