South Africa Non-Performing Loans
Bank nonperforming loans as % of total gross loans FB.AST.NPER.ZS
South Africa's non-performing loans was 4.45% in 2021, ranked 77th globally. This represents a 14.0% decrease from 2020. Data from World Bank, covering 2008–2021.
Overview
South Africa's non-performing loans stood at 4.45% in 2021, a decline of +0.73pp from 2020. South Africa ranked 77th globally.
South Africa's Non-Performing Loans have exhibited fluctuations over the past 14 years, ranging from a low of 2.84% in 2017 to a high of 5.94% in 2009. The country's NPL ratio peaked in 2009, a period marked by significant economic contraction following the global financial crisis. In contrast, the ratio declined to 2.84% in 2017, reflecting improvements in the banking sector's risk management and lending practices. As of 2021, South Africa's NPL ratio stands at 4.45%, ranking 77th globally. This figure is comparable to that of Argentina, which had an NPL ratio of 4.29% in 2021. The trend in South Africa's NPL ratio may continue to stabilize if the country's economic growth prospects improve and the banking sector maintains its focus on risk management. However, a decline in credit quality or a significant economic downturn could lead to a resurgence in NPLs, potentially altering the country's trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Non-Performing Loans | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4.45% | −0.73pp | #77 |
| 2020 | 5.18% | +1.29pp | #80 |
| 2019 | 3.89% | +0.16pp | #70 |
| 2018 | 3.73% | +0.89pp | #75 |
| 2017 | 2.84% | −0.02pp | #50 |
| 2016 | 2.86% | −0.26pp | #47 |
| 2015 | 3.12% | −0.12pp | #49 |
| 2014 | 3.24% | −0.40pp | #49 |
| 2013 | 3.64% | −0.40pp | #56 |
| 2012 | 4.04% | −0.64pp | #61 |
| 2011 | 4.68% | −1.11pp | #67 |
| 2010 | 5.79% | −0.14pp | #70 |
| 2009 | 5.94% | +2.01pp | #57 |
| 2008 | 3.92% | – | #46 |
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 non-performing loans improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's non-performing loans was 4.45% in 2021. Ranked 77th globally. This represents a 14.0% decrease from the previous year.
South Africa's non-performing loans peaked at 5.94% in 2009.
The lowest non-performing loans in South Africa was 2.84% in 2017.
South Africa ranks 77th globally in non-performing loans as of 2021.
The World Bank indicator code is FB.AST.NPER.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
The non-performing loans of South Africa in 2021 was 4.45%. This ranks 77th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_non-performing-loans,
title = {South Africa Non-Performing Loans},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/non-performing-loans/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}