Includes South Africa real Gross Domestic Product growth rate, with latest forecasts and historical data, GDP per capita, GDP composition and breakdown by sector.
Browse additional economic indicators and data sets, selected by Global Finance editors, to learn more about South Africa economic outlook, debt to GDP ratio, international trade performance and population trends. Rankings of South Africa best banks and safest banks are also available.
Advanced Economy, Dysfunctional State
South Africa is one of the most advanced economies in sub-Saharan Africa and the fastest-growing consumer market in the world. Along with being a top exporter of gold, platinum and other mineral resources, the country boasts well-established financial, communications and transport sectors, an advanced infrastructure, and a youthful and skilled labor force.
Challenges include high rates of unemployment, a weak rule of law, and opaque regulations that can discourage private and foreign investment.
South Africa GDP & Economic Overview
Key Facts
Total Area | 1,219,090 sq km |
---|---|
Type of Government | Constitutional democracy |
Capital City | Cape Town |
Total Population | 61.528 million |
Median Age | 27.6 |
Total GDP | USD 990,030 millions |
Adult Per Capita Income (PPP) | USD 22,750.49 |
South Africa
Trade & Finance
International Trade
Total Exports | USD 124,929 million |
---|---|
Major Exports |
Gold Platinum Cars Iron products Coal Manganese |
Major Trade Partners – Exports |
United States China Germany Japan United Kingdom |
Total Imports | USD 172,420 million |
Major Imports |
Broadcasting equipment Cars and vehicle parts Crude petroleum Refined Petroleum Gold |
Major Trade Partners – Imports |
China Germany United States India Saudi Arabia |
Inbound and Outbound Investment
Data Shows South Africa’s Debt Load To Be Among
the Continent’s Heaviest
The chart at left compares South Africa’s debt-to-GDP ratio to the regional average. It illustrates how the country has fallen behind its peers in debt management.
South Africa's Leading Businesses
Financial services | FirstRand |
---|---|
Banking | Standard Bank Group |
Technology | Naspers |
Chemicals and energy | Sasol |
Financial services | Absa Group |
Telecom | MTN Group |
Global Finance Rankings & Awards: South Africa
Global Finance Magazine holds several conferences and awards ceremonies throughout the year to recognize the winning financial institutions and companies in a host of categories including World’s Best Trade Finance Banks, World's Biggest Banks, World's Safest Banks, World's Best Developed & Emerging Markets Banks, World's Best Internet Banks, and World’s Best Investment Banks.
Data Sources:
IMF World Economic Outlook
UN World Population Prospects
World Inequality Report
S&P Global Ratings
Moody’s
Fitch Ratings
IMF Direction of Trade Statistics (DOTS)
UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
CIA The World Factbook
World Bank’s World Integrated Trade Solution
Forbes Global 2000