South Africa GDP Growth Rate (2026)
South Africa has the most industrialized economy in Africa, supported by services, mining, manufacturing, finance, trade, and consumer activity. This page explores its GDP growth trend, historical performance, regional position, and outlook.
GDP Growth Rate 2026
+1.1%
Annual real GDP growth
World Rank
#167
Out of 195 countries
Change vs 2025
-0.1 pp
2025: +1.1%
Africa Rank
#51
Out of 54 countries
1. South Africa GDP Growth Rate in 2026
South African economic growth is influenced by household demand, mining output, manufacturing, investment, exports, and financial conditions. Electricity supply, infrastructure constraints, and business confidence remain especially important.
2. South Africa GDP Growth Rate Trends (1980–2026)
South Africa’s growth history has been shaped by commodity cycles, domestic demand, investment trends, and structural constraints. Mining, services, manufacturing, and policy conditions have played major roles over time.
3. South Africa GDP Growth Rate (Historical Data)
| Year | GDP Growth Rate | Change (pp) |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | +1.1% | -0.1 pp |
| 2025 | +1.1% | +0.6 pp |
| 2024 | +0.5% | -0.3 pp |
| 2023 | +0.8% | -1.3 pp |
| 2022 | +2.1% | -2.8 pp |
| 2021 | +4.9% | +11.1 pp |
| 2020 | -6.2% | -6.5 pp |
| 2019 | +0.3% | -1.3 pp |
| 2018 | +1.6% | +0.4 pp |
| 2017 | +1.2% | +0.5 pp |
| 2016 | +0.7% | -0.6 pp |
| 2015 | +1.3% | -0.1 pp |
| 2014 | +1.4% | -1.1 pp |
| 2013 | +2.5% | +0.1 pp |
| 2012 | +2.4% | -0.8 pp |
| 2011 | +3.2% | +0.2 pp |
| 2010 | +3.0% | +4.5 pp |
| 2009 | -1.5% | -4.7 pp |
| 2008 | +3.2% | -2.2 pp |
| 2007 | +5.4% | -0.2 pp |
| 2006 | +5.6% | +0.3 pp |
| 2005 | +5.3% | +0.7 pp |
| 2004 | +4.6% | +1.7 pp |
| 2003 | +2.9% | -0.8 pp |
| 2002 | +3.7% | +1.0 pp |
| 2001 | +2.7% | -1.5 pp |
| 2000 | +4.2% | +1.8 pp |
| 1999 | +2.4% | +1.9 pp |
| 1998 | +0.5% | -2.1 pp |
| 1997 | +2.6% | -1.7 pp |
| 1996 | +4.3% | +1.2 pp |
| 1995 | +3.1% | -0.1 pp |
| 1994 | +3.2% | +2.0 pp |
| 1993 | +1.2% | +3.3 pp |
| 1992 | -2.1% | -1.1 pp |
| 1991 | -1.0% | -0.7 pp |
| 1990 | -0.3% | -2.7 pp |
| 1989 | +2.4% | -1.8 pp |
| 1988 | +4.2% | +2.1 pp |
| 1987 | +2.1% | +2.1 pp |
| 1986 | 0.0% | +1.2 pp |
| 1985 | -1.2% | -6.3 pp |
| 1984 | +5.1% | +6.9 pp |
| 1983 | -1.8% | -1.4 pp |
| 1982 | -0.4% | -5.8 pp |
| 1981 | +5.4% | -1.2 pp |
| 1980 | +6.6% | — |
4. South Africa GDP Growth Performance
Current Growth Rate
+1.1%
(2026 to 2026)
5-Year Average
+1.1%
(2022 to 2026)
10-Year Average
+0.7%
(2017 to 2026)
20-Year Average
+1.4%
(2007 to 2026)
The economy benefits from a diversified industrial base and sophisticated financial sector, but weak infrastructure and electricity problems can limit expansion. Improving investment and energy reliability are important for stronger performance.
5. South Africa GDP Growth Rate vs Africa and World
South Africa
+1.1%
Africa Average
+4.1%
World Average
+2.8%
0.0%
2.1%
4.1%
Annual real GDP growth (%)
South Africa’s GDP growth rate is approximately
3.1 pp
below the
Africa average
and
1.8 pp
below the world average.
6. South Africa GDP Growth Rate Ranking in Africa
| Rank | Country | GDP Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|
| #46 | Malawi | +2.2% |
| #47 | Senegal | +2.2% |
| #48 | Tunisia | +2.1% |
| #49 | Seychelles | +1.5% |
| #50 | Lesotho | +1.1% |
| #51 | South Africa | +1.1% |
| #52 | Sudan | +0.7% |
| #53 | Mozambique | +0.5% |
| #54 | Equatorial Guinea | -2.7% |
7. Top 10 Fastest-Growing Countries in the World (2026)
8. GDP Growth Rate and Economy Size in South Africa
South Africa GDP (Nominal)
$480.0 Billion
(2026)
South Africa GDP Growth Rate
+1.1%
(2026)
South Africa remains one of the largest economies in Africa but often grows more slowly than several faster-developing regional markets. Structural challenges and mature industries affect its relative growth position.
Explore more:
South Africa GDP
9. South Africa GDP Growth Rate Forecast
The outlook depends on electricity reliability, investment, consumer demand, mining conditions, and structural reforms. Infrastructure weaknesses, unemployment, fiscal pressure, and weak business confidence remain key risks.
| Year | GDP Growth Rate | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | +1.3% | +0.3 pp |
| 2028 | +1.5% | +0.2 pp |
| 2029 | +1.7% | +0.2 pp |
| 2030 | +1.8% | +0.1 pp |
10. South Africa GDP Growth Rate: Key Findings
South Africa GDP growth rate is estimated at +1.1% in 2026.
It ranks #167 globally and #51 in Africa by annual GDP growth rate.
The growth rate slowed by 0.1 percentage points compared with 2025.
The 5-year average GDP growth rate is +1.1%.
The 10-year average GDP growth rate is +0.7%.
The current rate is 3.1 percentage points below the Africa average.
The current rate is 1.8 percentage points below the world average.
The forecast GDP growth rate is +1.8% in 2030, 0.8 percentage points above the 2026 rate.
11. What Is GDP Growth Rate?
GDP growth rate measures the percentage change in a country’s real gross domestic product from one period to the next, usually year over year.
GDP Growth Rate
=
(Real GDPₜ − Real GDPₜ₋₁)
÷
Real GDPₜ₋₁ × 100
A positive rate indicates economic expansion, while a negative rate indicates contraction. Real GDP growth is preferred for growth comparisons because it adjusts for price changes.
12. Methodology and Data Sources
Primary Source:
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Additional Source:
World Bank
Measure:
Annual percentage change in real GDP
Unit:
Percent (%)
Comparisons:
Year-to-year rate differences are shown in percentage points (pp)
Update Frequency:
Annually and when new forecasts are released
Last Updated:
September 2026
13. South Africa GDP Growth Rate FAQs
South Africa GDP growth rate is estimated at +1.1% in 2026.
South Africa ranks #167 globally and #51 in Africa by annual GDP growth rate.
The economy is expanding, with real GDP growth of approximately +1.1% in 2026.
South Africa GDP growth rate was +1.3% in 2015.
South Africa GDP growth rate is 3.1 percentage points below the Africa average.
15. Explore GDP Growth Rate
Disclaimer:
All data are estimates based on IMF, World Bank,
United Nations and related economic datasets.
Figures may differ from official national statistics.