South Africa Gross Savings
Gross savings as % of GDP NY.GNS.ICTR.ZS
South Africa's gross savings was 12.25% in 2025, ranked 139th globally. This represents a 9.8% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
South Africa's gross savings stood at 12.25% in 2025, a decline of +1.34% from 2024. The IMF projects 12.25% by 2025. South Africa ranked 139th globally.
South Africa's gross savings have experienced significant fluctuations over the past 66 years, with a notable decline in recent years. The all-time peak of 32.26% in 1974 demonstrates a relatively high savings rate compared to its current standing, while the latest value of 12.24% in 2025 indicates a substantial decrease. This decline is comparable to that of peer country St. Kitts and Nevis, which holds a slightly higher savings rate of 12.46% in 2025. The country's savings rate has not only fallen short of its peak but has also reached a new all-time trough, underscoring the challenges in maintaining a stable savings rate. The persistent decline in gross savings highlights the need for South Africa to reassess its economic policies and identify strategies to boost savings and investment. A sustained economic recovery and growth in the private sector would likely be necessary to alter the current downward trajectory of South Africa's gross savings.
Data & projection
| Year | Gross Savings | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 12.34% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 12.18% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 12.12% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 12.08% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 12.21% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 12.25% | - | - |
| 2025 | 12.25% | −1.34% | #139 |
| 2024 | 13.58% | −0.72% | #140 |
| 2023 | 14.72% | −0.63% | #141 |
| 2022 | 15.34% | −1.23% | #145 |
| 2021 | 16.57% | +2.25% | #137 |
| 2020 | 14.31% | +1.09% | #146 |
| 2019 | 13.22% | −0.03% | #160 |
| 2018 | 13.23% | −1.01% | #157 |
| 2017 | 14.24% | −0.04% | #151 |
| 2016 | 14.29% | −0.01% | #143 |
| 2015 | 14.29% | +0.61% | #141 |
| 2014 | 13.68% | −0.16% | #140 |
| 2013 | 13.84% | −0.06% | #137 |
| 2012 | 13.50% | −3.35% | #140 |
| 2011 | 16.10% | −0.16% | #129 |
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 gross savings improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's gross savings was 12.25% in 2025. Ranked 139th globally. This represents a 9.8% decrease from the previous year.
South Africa's gross savings peaked at 32.26% in 1974.
The lowest gross savings in South Africa was 12.25% in 2025.
South Africa ranks 139th globally in gross savings as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is NY.GNS.ICTR.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's gross savings is projected to reach 12.25% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The gross savings of South Africa in 2025 was 12.25%. This ranks 139th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_gross-savings,
title = {South Africa Gross Savings},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/gross-savings/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}