South Africa GNI per Capita
GNI divided by midyear population NY.GNP.PCAP.CD
South Africa's gni per capita was $6,435 in 2025, ranked 115th globally. This represents a 5.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1962–2025.
Overview
South Africa's gni per capita stood at $6,435 in 2025, a rise of +$325 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach $6,435 by 2025. South Africa ranked 115th globally.
South Africa's GNI per capita has exhibited a mixed trend over the 64-year period from 1962 to 2025, with a notable peak in 2012 at 8,220.00. This all-time high was followed by a decline, resulting in a current GNI per capita of 6,435.00, ranking the country 115th globally. The stark contrast between the peak and current values underscores the country's economic challenges. For context, Turkmenistan, a peer country, boasts a similar GNI per capita of 6,449.00. South Africa's economic trajectory has been influenced by various factors, including its transition from apartheid to democracy. The country's current GNI per capita is roughly 20% lower than its 2012 peak, indicating a decline in economic prosperity. A sustained increase in foreign investment, particularly in the mining and manufacturing sectors, could potentially alter this trajectory and propel South Africa's GNI per capita back towards its historic peak.
Data & projection
| Year | GNI per Capita | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | $6,541 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | $6,488 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | $6,435 | - | - |
| 2025 | $6,435 | +$325 | #115 |
| 2024 | $6,110 | −$380 | #109 |
| 2023 | $6,490 | −$40 | #109 |
| 2022 | $6,530 | +$210 | #106 |
| 2021 | $6,320 | +$390 | #104 |
| 2020 | $5,930 | −$640 | #106 |
| 2019 | $6,570 | +$320 | #102 |
| 2018 | $6,250 | +$400 | #98 |
| 2017 | $5,850 | −$30 | #98 |
| 2016 | $5,880 | −$570 | #100 |
| 2015 | $6,450 | −$780 | #97 |
| 2014 | $7,230 | −$700 | #93 |
| 2013 | $7,930 | −$290 | #84 |
| 2012 | $8,220 | +$600 | #83 |
| 2011 | $7,620 | +$890 | #82 |
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 gni per capita improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's gni per capita was $6,435 in 2025. Ranked 115th globally. This represents a 5.3% increase from the previous year.
South Africa's gni per capita peaked at $8,220 in 2012.
The lowest gni per capita in South Africa was $550 in 1962.
South Africa ranks 115th globally in gni per capita as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is NY.GNP.PCAP.CD. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's gni per capita is projected to reach $6,435 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The gni per capita of South Africa in 2025 was $6,435. This ranks 115th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_gni-per-capita,
title = {South Africa GNI per Capita},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/gni-per-capita/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}