South Africa Military Spending
Military expenditure as % of GDP MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS
South Africa's military spending was 0.63% in 2025, ranked 134th globally. This represents a 9.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
South Africa's military spending stood at 0.63% in 2025, a decline of +0.07% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 0.63% by 2025. South Africa ranked 134th globally.
South Africa's military spending has undergone significant fluctuations over the past six decades, with a notable all-time peak of 5.26% of GDP in 1977. This period coincided with the height of the country's involvement in the apartheid regime's regional security concerns and the Cold War. In contrast, the all-time trough of 0.63% in 2025 reflects a significant decrease, likely driven by the post-apartheid government's shift towards prioritizing domestic development over military expenditure. South Africa's current ranking of #134 globally in military spending as a percentage of GDP is comparable to that of Nigeria, which ranked #133 in 2025. The country's trajectory is expected to continue trending downward, assuming continued focus on economic development and regional diplomacy. However, potential security concerns in the region, such as the emergence of extremist groups in neighboring countries, could potentially alter this trajectory and lead to increased military spending in the future.
Data & projection
| Year | Military Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 0.52% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 0.58% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 0.63% | - | - |
| 2025 | 0.63% | −0.07% | #134 |
| 2024 | 0.70% | −0.05% | #18 |
| 2023 | 0.75% | −0.04% | #21 |
| 2022 | 0.80% | −0.01% | #29 |
| 2021 | 0.81% | −0.15% | #24 |
| 2020 | 0.96% | +0.07% | #31 |
| 2019 | 0.88% | −0.01% | #32 |
| 2018 | 0.89% | −0.05% | #32 |
| 2017 | 0.94% | −0.03% | #35 |
| 2016 | 0.97% | −0.04% | #38 |
| 2015 | 1.01% | −0.01% | #42 |
| 2014 | 1.02% | −0.01% | #47 |
| 2013 | 1.03% | −0.01% | #46 |
| 2012 | 1.03% | +0.03% | #40 |
| 2011 | 1.00% | −0.00% | #38 |
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 military spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's military spending was 0.63% in 2025. Ranked 134th globally. This represents a 9.5% decrease from the previous year.
South Africa's military spending peaked at 5.26% in 1977.
The lowest military spending in South Africa was 0.63% in 2025.
South Africa ranks 134th globally in military spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's military spending is projected to reach 0.63% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The military spending of South Africa in 2025 was 0.63%. This ranks 134th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_military-spending,
title = {South Africa Military Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/military-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}