South Africa Remittances Received
Personal remittances received BX.TRF.PWKR.CD.DT
South Africa's remittances received was $843.5M in 2025, ranked 100th globally. This represents a 1.4% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
South Africa's remittances received stood at $843.5M in 2025, a decline of +$11.8M from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach $843.5M by 2025. South Africa ranked 100th globally.
South Africa received $843,545,928.79 in remittances in 2025, ranking 100th globally, a decline from its all-time peak of $1,158,421,806.41 in 2011. Over a 56-year period since 1970, remittance flows have fluctuated, with the lowest recorded value at $15,378,211.98 in 1971. Despite a general expansion in global migration and financial connectivity, South Africa’s remittance inflows have remained relatively modest, falling below peer countries such as Canada, which recorded $865,631,076.23 in the same year, and Cameroon at $881,286,165.74. The country’s position as a regional economic hub has not translated into proportionally high remittance receipts, possibly due to capital outflows from South African nationals abroad or use of informal transfer channels. The trajectory of remittances will likely depend on improvements in formal financial access, regional economic stability, and diaspora engagement policies. Sustained growth in inflows would require targeted financial inclusion initiatives and stronger linkages with South Africans living overseas.
Data & projection
| Year | Remittances Received | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | $836.7M | - | - |
| 2026* trend | $840.1M | - | - |
| 2025* trend | $843.5M | - | - |
| 2025 | $843.5M | −$11.8M | #100 |
| 2024 | $855.4M | +$52.0M | #87 |
| 2023 | $803.4M | −$69.5M | #84 |
| 2022 | $872.9M | −$53.8M | #93 |
| 2021 | $926.7M | +$115.8M | #100 |
| 2020 | $810.9M | −$79.2M | #99 |
| 2019 | $890.1M | −$39.0M | #99 |
| 2018 | $929.0M | +$55.2M | #96 |
| 2017 | $873.9M | +$118.4M | #95 |
| 2016 | $755.4M | −$69.8M | #95 |
| 2015 | $825.3M | −$88.1M | #94 |
| 2014 | $913.4M | −$57.3M | #98 |
| 2013 | $970.7M | −$113.9M | #96 |
| 2012 | $1.1B | −$73.9M | #104 |
| 2011 | $1.2B | +$88.9M | #108 |
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 remittances received improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's remittances received was $843.5M in 2025. Ranked 100th globally. This represents a 1.4% decrease from the previous year.
South Africa's remittances received peaked at $1.2B in 2011.
The lowest remittances received in South Africa was $15.4M in 1971.
South Africa ranks 100th globally in remittances received as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is BX.TRF.PWKR.CD.DT. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's remittances received is projected to reach $843.5M by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
South Africa's remittances received was approximately 843.55 million ($843.5M) in 2025.
The remittances received of South Africa in 2025 was $843.5M. This ranks 100th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_remittances,
title = {South Africa Remittances Received},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/remittances/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}