South Africa R&D Spending
Research and development expenditure as % of GDP GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS
South Africa's r&d spending was 0.56% in 2025, ranked 47th globally. This represents a 9.4% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1997–2025.
Overview
South Africa's r&d spending stood at 0.56% in 2025, a decline of +0.06% from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 0.56% by 2025. South Africa ranked 47th globally.
South Africa's research and development (R&D) spending has experienced fluctuations over the past two and a half decades, reflecting the country's evolving economic priorities and development needs. With a peak of 0.81 in 2008, South Africa's R&D spending reached its highest level, surpassing that of many peer countries. However, the 2008 financial crisis and subsequent economic downturn led to a decline in R&D spending, with the country's ranking falling to 47 globally in 2025, where it stood at 0.56. This value is below that of Argentina, which has maintained a stable ranking, but above that of Belarus. The 1997 trough of 0.53 marked a low point in South Africa's R&D spending, but the country has since made efforts to increase investment in research and development. A sustained economic recovery and renewed focus on innovation could potentially alter the trajectory of South Africa's R&D spending, potentially leading to increased investment in emerging technologies and industries.
Data & projection
| Year | R&D Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 0.56% | - | - |
| 2025 | 0.56% | −0.06% | #47 |
| 2022 | 0.62% | +0.00% | #43 |
| 2021 | 0.62% | +0.01% | #49 |
| 2020 | 0.60% | −0.01% | #49 |
| 2019 | 0.61% | −0.07% | #53 |
| 2018 | 0.69% | −0.08% | #45 |
| 2017 | 0.76% | +0.01% | #43 |
| 2016 | 0.75% | +0.02% | #43 |
| 2015 | 0.73% | +0.02% | #45 |
| 2014 | 0.71% | +0.05% | #41 |
| 2013 | 0.66% | −0.01% | #45 |
| 2012 | 0.67% | +0.00% | #44 |
| 2011 | 0.67% | +0.00% | #47 |
| 2010 | 0.66% | −0.09% | #43 |
| 2009 | 0.75% | −0.06% | #40 |
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 r&d spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's r&d spending was 0.56% in 2025. Ranked 47th globally. This represents a 9.4% decrease from the previous year.
South Africa's r&d spending peaked at 0.81% in 2008.
The lowest r&d spending in South Africa was 0.53% in 1997.
South Africa ranks 47th globally in r&d spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's r&d spending is projected to reach 0.56% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The r&d spending of South Africa in 2025 was 0.56%. This ranks 47th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_rd-spending,
title = {South Africa R&D Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/rd-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}