South Africa Government Debt to GDP
General government gross debt as % of GDP GGXWDG_NGDP
Overview
South Africa's government debt to gdp stood at 77.34% in 2025, a rise of +1.38% from 2024. The IMF projects 77.34% by 2025. South Africa ranked 39th globally.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Debt to GDP | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 87.10% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 85.52% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 83.92% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 81.92% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 79.55% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 77.34% | - | - |
| 2025 | 77.34% | +1.38% | #39 |
| 2024 | 75.97% | +2.75% | #143 |
| 2023 | 73.22% | +2.51% | #131 |
| 2022 | 70.72% | +1.90% | #132 |
| 2021 | 68.82% | −0.11% | #119 |
| 2020 | 68.93% | +12.83% | #119 |
| 2019 | 56.10% | +4.57% | #112 |
| 2018 | 51.54% | +2.95% | #103 |
| 2017 | 48.59% | +1.45% | #96 |
| 2016 | 47.13% | +1.94% | #97 |
| 2015 | 45.20% | +1.94% | #99 |
| 2014 | 43.25% | +2.90% | #103 |
| 2013 | 40.36% | +2.95% | #94 |
| 2012 | 37.41% | +2.67% | #96 |
| 2011 | 34.74% | +3.56% | #85 |
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 government debt to gdp improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's government debt to gdp was 77.34% in 2025. Ranked 39th globally. This represents a 1.8% increase from the previous year.
South Africa's government debt to gdp peaked at 77.34% in 2025.
The lowest government debt to gdp in South Africa was 24.05% in 2008.
South Africa ranks 39th globally in government debt to gdp as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXWDG_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
South Africa's government debt to gdp is projected to reach 77.34% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The government debt to gdp of South Africa in 2025 was 77.34%. This ranks 39th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_government-debt-to-gdp,
title = {South Africa Government Debt to GDP},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/government-debt-to-gdp},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}