South Africa—Fiscal Balance (% of GDP)
Category: Fiscal & MonetarySource: IMF World Economic Outlook ↗Global Rank: #142 of 192Updated August 2026
Latest Value
-3.9%
2031
YoY Change
+0.0%
2030 → 2031
Global Rank
#142
of 192 countries
Maximum
1.2%
2007
Minimum
-9.6%
2020
Last
-3.9%
Previous
-3.9%
Highest
1.2%
Lowest
-9.6%
Unit
Percent of GDP
Source
IMF World Economic Outlook
South Africa's fiscal balance (% of GDP) was -4.9% in 2026, ranking #142 out of 192 countries. This represents a +0.0% change from 2030. Over the past 27 years, the highest recorded value was 1.2% (2007) and the lowest was -9.6% (2020). The IMF WEO projects -3.9% by 2031. Data sourced from the IMF World Economic Outlook.
Actual
IMF Forecast
Source: IMF World Economic Outlook
Historical Data
| Year | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2031 | -3.9% | +0.0% |
| 2030 | -3.9% | +4.9% |
| 2029 | -4.1% | +6.8% |
| 2028 | -4.4% | -2.3% |
| 2027 | -4.3% | +12.2% |
| 2026 | -4.9% | +15.5% |
| 2025 | -5.8% | -1.8% |
| 2024 | -5.7% | -1.8% |
| 2023 | -5.6% | -33.3% |
| 2022 | -4.2% | +23.6% |
| 2021 | -5.5% | +42.7% |
| 2020 | -9.6% | -88.2% |
| 2019 | -5.1% | -37.8% |
| 2018 | -3.7% | +7.5% |
| 2017 | -4.0% | -8.1% |
| 2016 | -3.7% | +15.9% |
| 2015 | -4.4% | -12.8% |
| 2014 | -3.9% | +0.0% |
| 2013 | -3.9% | +2.5% |
| 2012 | -4.0% | -8.1% |
| 2011 | -3.7% | +17.8% |
| 2010 | -4.5% | +4.3% |
| 2009 | -4.7% | -840.0% |
| 2008 | -0.5% | -141.7% |
| 2007 | 1.2% | +50.0% |
| 2006 | 0.8% | +900.0% |
| 2005 | -0.1% | +90.0% |
| 2004 | -1.0% | +37.5% |
| 2003 | -1.6% | -60.0% |
| 2002 | -1.0% | +0.0% |
| 2001 | -1.0% | +28.6% |
| 2000 | -1.4% |
IMF Forecast
Projections from the IMF World Economic Outlook. These are staff estimates, not guarantees.
| Year | Projected Value | Change from Previous |
|---|---|---|
| 2026Forecast | -4.9% | +15.5% |
| 2027Forecast | -4.3% | +12.2% |
| 2028Forecast | -4.4% | -2.3% |
| 2029Forecast | -4.1% | +6.8% |
| 2030Forecast | -3.9% | +4.9% |
| 2031Forecast | -3.9% | +0.0% |
Top Countries — Fiscal Balance (% of GDP)
| # | Country | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kuwait | 27.6% | 2026 |
| 2 | Naoero | 13.1% | 2026 |
| 3 | Norway | 10.2% | 2026 |
| 4 | Oman | 5.2% | 2026 |
| 5 | United Arab Emirates | 4.9% | 2026 |
| 6 | Lesotho | 4.2% | 2026 |
| 7 | Macao SAR, China | 4.2% | 2026 |
| 8 | Singapore | 3.3% | 2026 |
| 9 | Lebanon | 3.3% | 2025 |
| 10 | Liechtenstein | 3.0% | 2026 |
About This Indicator
Definition
General government net lending/borrowing as a percentage of GDP. A positive value indicates a fiscal surplus; negative indicates a deficit.
Methodology
Revenue minus expenditure minus net acquisition of nonfinancial assets, as a percentage of GDP. A comprehensive measure of the fiscal balance.
Unit
Percent of GDP