South Africa Inflation Rate
Consumer price inflation, annual % FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG
South Africa's inflation rate was 3.36% in 2025, ranked 94th globally. This represents a 23.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
South Africa's inflation rate stood at 3.36% in 2025, a decline of +1.00pp from 2024. The IMF projects 3.36% by 2025. South Africa ranked 94th globally.
South Africa's inflation rate has fluctuated significantly over the past 66 years, with a notable all-time peak of 18.65% in 1986, a period marked by economic turmoil and high levels of unemployment. Conversely, the country experienced an all-time trough of -0.69% in 2004, indicating a brief period of deflation. The inflation rate has declined steadily since then, with the latest figure standing at 3.36% in 2025, a rate comparable to that of Botswana. This rate is lower than the global average, ranking South Africa 94th among countries. The inflation rate in South Africa has generally trended downwards since its peak, reflecting a more stable economic environment. However, a rise in global commodity prices or domestic economic shocks could potentially alter this trajectory, pushing the inflation rate upwards and challenging the country's economic stability.
Data & projection
| Year | Inflation Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 3.00% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 3.00% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 3.00% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 3.23% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 3.66% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 3.36% | - | - |
| 2025 | 3.36% | −1.00pp | #94 |
| 2024 | 4.36% | −1.54pp | #129 |
| 2023 | 6.08% | −0.79pp | #105 |
| 2022 | 7.04% | +2.49pp | #83 |
| 2021 | 4.62% | +1.33pp | #124 |
| 2020 | 3.23% | −0.88pp | #129 |
| 2019 | 4.10% | −0.49pp | #151 |
| 2018 | 4.51% | −0.78pp | #152 |
| 2017 | 5.19% | −1.13pp | #149 |
| 2016 | 6.60% | +2.01pp | #162 |
| 2015 | 4.52% | −1.60pp | #147 |
| 2014 | 6.13% | +0.39pp | #164 |
| 2013 | 5.78% | +0.13pp | #153 |
| 2012 | 5.74% | +0.76pp | #141 |
| 2011 | 5.00% | +0.77pp | #107 |
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 inflation rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's inflation rate was 3.36% in 2025. Ranked 94th globally. This represents a 23.0% decrease from the previous year.
South Africa's inflation rate peaked at 18.65% in 1986.
The lowest inflation rate in South Africa was -0.69% in 2004.
South Africa ranks 94th globally in inflation rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's inflation rate is projected to reach 3.36% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The inflation rate of South Africa in 2025 was 3.36%. This ranks 94th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_inflation-rate,
title = {South Africa Inflation Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/inflation-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}