South Africa Lending Rate
Lending interest rate FR.INR.LEND
South Africa's lending rate was 13.02% in 2025, ranked 30th globally. This represents a 12.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
South Africa's lending rate stood at 13.02% in 2025, a rise of +1.40pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 13.02% by 2025. South Africa ranked 30th globally.
South Africa’s lending rate stood at 13.02% in 2025, ranking 30th globally, according to World Bank data. This rate reflects a significant decline from its all-time peak of 22.33% in 1984, a period marked by economic instability and high inflation, but remains well above the historical low of 5.50% recorded in 1963. Over the 66-year coverage period, the lending rate has fluctuated in response to shifting monetary policy, inflationary pressures, and structural economic challenges. In comparison to peer countries, South Africa’s rate is slightly lower than Georgia’s 13.14% and Azerbaijan’s 13.12%, but higher than Namibia’s 12.12% and Guatemala’s 12.05%, suggesting a relatively tight monetary environment within its regional and income group context. The trajectory of the lending rate will likely depend on the South African Reserve Bank’s success in anchoring inflation expectations, particularly amid persistent fiscal pressures and energy sector constraints. Should inflation remain within target and structural reforms gain traction, a gradual decline in lending rates could support broader economic growth in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Lending Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 15.48% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 14.25% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 13.02% | - | - |
| 2025 | 13.02% | +1.40pp | #30 |
| 2024 | 11.63% | +0.13pp | #56 |
| 2023 | 11.50% | +2.71pp | #55 |
| 2022 | 8.79% | +1.75pp | #55 |
| 2021 | 7.04% | −0.67pp | #44 |
| 2020 | 7.71% | −2.42pp | #49 |
| 2019 | 10.13% | +0.04pp | #65 |
| 2018 | 10.08% | −0.29pp | #67 |
| 2017 | 10.38% | −0.08pp | #78 |
| 2016 | 10.46% | +1.04pp | #77 |
| 2015 | 9.42% | +0.29pp | #69 |
| 2014 | 9.13% | +0.63pp | #64 |
| 2013 | 8.50% | −0.25pp | #53 |
| 2012 | 8.75% | −0.25pp | #51 |
| 2011 | 9.00% | −0.83pp | #54 |
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 lending rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's lending rate was 13.02% in 2025. Ranked 30th globally. This represents a 12.0% increase from the previous year.
South Africa's lending rate peaked at 22.33% in 1984.
The lowest lending rate in South Africa was 5.50% in 1963.
South Africa ranks 30th globally in lending rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is FR.INR.LEND. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's lending rate is projected to reach 13.02% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The lending rate of South Africa in 2025 was 13.02%. This ranks 30th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_lending-rate,
title = {South Africa Lending Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/lending-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}