South Africa—Govt Gross Debt (% of GDP)
South Africa's government debt (% of GDP) was 79.5% in 2026, ranking #43 out of 190 countries. This represents a +3.0% change from 2026. Over the past 27 years, the highest recorded value was 79.5% (2026) and the lowest was 24.0% (2008). The IMF WEO projects 81.9% by 2027. Data sourced from the IMF World Economic Outlook.
Historical Data
| Year | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 81.9% | +3.0% |
| 2026 | 79.5% | +2.8% |
| 2025 | 77.3% | +1.7% |
| 2024 | 76.0% | +3.8% |
| 2023 | 73.2% | +3.5% |
| 2022 | 70.7% | +2.8% |
| 2021 | 68.8% | -0.1% |
| 2020 | 68.9% | +22.8% |
| 2019 | 56.1% | +8.9% |
| 2018 | 51.5% | +6.0% |
| 2017 | 48.6% | +3.2% |
| 2016 | 47.1% | +4.2% |
| 2015 | 45.2% | +4.4% |
| 2014 | 43.3% | +7.2% |
| 2013 | 40.4% | +8.0% |
| 2012 | 37.4% | +7.8% |
| 2011 | 34.7% | +11.2% |
| 2010 | 31.2% | +15.6% |
| 2009 | 27.0% | +12.5% |
| 2008 | 24.0% | -1.2% |
| 2007 | 24.3% | -13.2% |
| 2006 | 28.0% | -5.4% |
| 2005 | 29.6% | -3.6% |
| 2004 | 30.7% | -2.5% |
| 2003 | 31.5% | -0.9% |
| 2002 | 31.8% | -16.3% |
| 2001 | 38.0% | +0.3% |
| 2000 | 37.9% |
IMF Forecast
Projections from the IMF World Economic Outlook. These are staff estimates, not guarantees.
| Year | Projected Value | Change from Previous |
|---|---|---|
| 2026Forecast | 79.5% | +2.8% |
| 2027Forecast | 81.9% | +3.0% |
Top Countries — Govt Gross Debt (% of GDP)
About This Indicator
Definition
Total gross government debt as a percentage of GDP. This indicator measures the total outstanding liabilities of the general government sector, including central, state/provincial, and local governments.
Methodology
Government debt includes all liabilities that require payment of interest and/or principal by the debtor in the future. This includes debt securities, loans, and other accounts payable. The IMF follows the Government Finance Statistics Manual (GFSM 2014) framework. Debt is reported on a gross basis (not netted against government assets).
Unit
Percent of GDP