South Africa High-tech Exports
High-technology exports as % of manufactured exports TX.VAL.TECH.MF.ZS
South Africa's high-tech exports was 5.34% in 2025, ranked 95th globally. This represents a 6.4% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2007–2025.
Overview
South Africa's high-tech exports stood at 5.34% in 2025, a decline of +0.36% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 5.34% by 2025. South Africa ranked 95th globally.
South Africa's high-tech exports have experienced fluctuating growth over the past 19 years. The country's all-time peak occurred in 2015, with high-tech exports reaching 7.41, a figure surpassed by only a few nations. In contrast, the lowest point was reached in 2019, with exports dipping to 4.90. Notably, South Africa's high-tech exports currently rank 95th globally, with a value of 5.34. This is closely matched by Luxembourg, which ranks 86th, with a value of 5.39. Since 2007, South Africa's high-tech exports have generally trended downward, with the exception of a brief spike in 2015. Despite this, the country's high-tech sector remains a vital component of its economy. A significant increase in research and development investment or government support for technology startups could potentially alter the trajectory of South Africa's high-tech exports, potentially propelling the country towards greater global competitiveness.
Data & projection
| Year | High-tech Exports | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 5.26% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 5.30% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 5.34% | - | - |
| 2025 | 5.34% | −0.36% | #95 |
| 2024 | 5.71% | +0.75% | #77 |
| 2023 | 4.96% | −0.57% | #93 |
| 2022 | 5.52% | −0.03% | #88 |
| 2021 | 5.55% | −0.07% | #85 |
| 2020 | 5.62% | +0.73% | #85 |
| 2019 | 4.90% | −0.38% | #99 |
| 2018 | 5.27% | −0.41% | #92 |
| 2017 | 5.68% | −0.98% | #95 |
| 2016 | 6.66% | −0.75% | #83 |
| 2015 | 7.41% | +0.75% | #74 |
| 2014 | 6.66% | +0.14% | #79 |
| 2013 | 6.52% | −0.16% | #77 |
| 2012 | 6.69% | +0.48% | #76 |
| 2011 | 6.21% | −0.03% | #78 |
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 high-tech exports improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's high-tech exports was 5.34% in 2025. Ranked 95th globally. This represents a 6.4% decrease from the previous year.
South Africa's high-tech exports peaked at 7.41% in 2015.
The lowest high-tech exports in South Africa was 4.90% in 2019.
South Africa ranks 95th globally in high-tech exports as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is TX.VAL.TECH.MF.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's high-tech exports is projected to reach 5.34% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The high-tech exports of South Africa in 2025 was 5.34%. This ranks 95th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_high-tech-exports,
title = {South Africa High-tech Exports},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/high-tech-exports/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}