South Africa Real Interest Rate
Real interest rate FR.INR.RINR
South Africa's real interest rate was 8.91% in 2025, ranked 16th globally. This represents a 20.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1961–2025.
Overview
South Africa's real interest rate stood at 8.91% in 2025, a rise of +1.49pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 8.91% by 2025. South Africa ranked 16th globally.
South Africa's real interest rate has exhibited significant fluctuations over the past 65 years, with a peak of 12.69% in 1998 and a trough of -11.01% in 1980. Notably, the country's real interest rate has consistently ranked above its peer countries, with Seychelles being the closest, recording a 9.55% real interest rate. In 2025, South Africa's real interest rate stands at 8.91%, ranking 16th globally. The high real interest rate in South Africa indicates a strong economy, with a high level of creditworthiness, contributing to a higher return on investments. However, a significant change in the country's economic landscape, such as a shift in monetary policy or a major economic downturn, could alter this trajectory and impact the real interest rate, potentially leading to a decrease, should investors become more cautious.
Data & projection
| Year | Real Interest Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 12.17% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 10.54% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 8.91% | - | - |
| 2025 | 8.91% | +1.49pp | #16 |
| 2024 | 7.42% | +0.95pp | #53 |
| 2023 | 6.47% | +3.10pp | #60 |
| 2022 | 3.37% | +2.78pp | #70 |
| 2021 | 0.60% | −1.60pp | #44 |
| 2020 | 2.20% | −3.07pp | #20 |
| 2019 | 5.27% | −0.59pp | #44 |
| 2018 | 5.86% | +1.21pp | #65 |
| 2017 | 4.65% | +1.37pp | #65 |
| 2016 | 3.28% | −0.39pp | #36 |
| 2015 | 3.67% | +0.10pp | #38 |
| 2014 | 3.57% | +1.06pp | #36 |
| 2013 | 2.51% | −1.37pp | #25 |
| 2012 | 3.88% | +0.60pp | #52 |
| 2011 | 3.28% | −0.21pp | #64 |
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 real interest rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's real interest rate was 8.91% in 2025. Ranked 16th globally. This represents a 20.1% increase from the previous year.
South Africa's real interest rate peaked at 12.69% in 1998.
The lowest real interest rate in South Africa was -11.01% in 1980.
South Africa ranks 16th globally in real interest rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is FR.INR.RINR. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's real interest rate is projected to reach 8.91% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The real interest rate of South Africa in 2025 was 8.91%. This ranks 16th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_real-interest-rate,
title = {South Africa Real Interest Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/real-interest-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}