South Africa Government Debt to GDP — 2026 Data & Trend
South Africa's government debt was 78.44% in December 2025, up from 75.96% the previous year. A year earlier it stood at 75.96%.
South Africa's government debt stands at 78.44% as of December 2025. The government debt currently sits at 78.44% (up from 75.96% in the prior year). Across the tracked window it has ranged between 24.04% and 78.44%, and is 2.47% higher than a year ago.
The trend
Among the 192 economies tracked on this platform, South Africa ranks #46 on government debt by latest value. It rose from 75.96% in the previous year, and compares with a year-earlier 75.96%.
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 2025 | 78.44% |
| Dec 2024 | 75.96% |
| Dec 2023 | 73.22% |
| Dec 2022 | 70.71% |
| Dec 2021 | 68.82% |
| Dec 2020 | 68.93% |
| Dec 2019 | 56.10% |
| Dec 2018 | 51.54% |
Data: Source: IMF — International Reserves and Foreign Currency Liquidity (IRFCL), International Liquidity (IL), Monetary and Financial Statistics (MFS), World Economic Outlook (WEO). 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 78.44% in December 2025, up from 75.96% the previous year. A year earlier it stood at 75.96%.
Is the government debt rising or falling in South Africa?
It rose in the latest reading — 78.44% in December 2025 versus 75.96% 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).