South Africa Government Debt to GDP — 2026 Data & Trend
South Africa's government debt was 82.76% in December 2024, up from 79.41% the previous year. A year earlier it stood at 79.41%.
South Africa's government debt stands at 82.76% as of December 2024. The government debt currently sits at 82.76% (up from 79.41% in the prior year). Across the tracked window it has ranged between 32.40% and 82.76%, and is 3.35% higher than a year ago.
The trend
Among the 121 economies tracked on this platform, South Africa ranks #25 on government debt by latest value. It rose from 79.41% in the previous year, and compares with a year-earlier 79.41%.
What's driving it
The debt ratio moves with budget deficits, growth, interest costs and the currency; faster nominal growth lowers it, while wide deficits push it up.
Recent readings
| Period | Government debt |
|---|---|
| Dec 2024 | 82.76% |
| Dec 2023 | 79.41% |
| Dec 2022 | 76.23% |
| Dec 2021 | 74.08% |
| Dec 2020 | 75.73% |
| Dec 2019 | 64.59% |
| Dec 2018 | 59.10% |
| Dec 2017 | 56.26% |
Data: The World Bank — World Development Indicators (CC BY 4.0) Figures carry an effective date; confirm with the source before relying on them.
Frequently asked questions
How Much Government Debt Does South Africa Have in 2026?
South Africa's government debt was 82.76% in December 2024, up from 79.41% the previous year. A year earlier it stood at 79.41%.
Is the government debt rising or falling in South Africa?
It rose in the latest reading — 82.76% in December 2024 versus 79.41% a year earlier. Year on year it is higher.
What is government debt?
It measures total public debt expressed as a share of gross domestic product (debt-to-GDP).