South Africa Central Government Debt (% of GDP) (2023)
South Africa's Central Government Debt (% of GDP): 79.4 % of GDP in 2023, +3.2pp YoY. World Bank (GC.DOD.TOTL.GD.ZS), 1990–2023.
South Africa (2023)
79.4
% of GDP
+3.2pp YoY
YoY Change
+3.2pp
percentage points
Trend
up
Series length
20
years of data
Data
| Year | % of GDP | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 79.5 | +3.2pp |
| 2022 | 76.2 | +2.1pp |
| 2021 | 74.1 | -1.6pp |
| 2020 | 75.7 | +11.1pp |
| 2019 | 64.6 | +5.5pp |
| 2018 | 59.1 | +2.8pp |
| 2017 | 56.3 | +2.5pp |
| 2016 | 53.7 | +1.1pp |
| 2015 | 52.7 | +13pp |
| 2000 | 39.6 | -2.5pp |
| 1999 | 42.2 | -2.5pp |
| 1998 | 44.7 | +1.5pp |
| 1997 | 43.2 | -1.1pp |
| 1996 | 44.2 | -0.6pp |
| 1995 | 44.9 | +0.1pp |
| 1994 | 44.8 | +4.9pp |
| 1993 | 40 | +3.1pp |
| 1992 | 36.9 | +3pp |
| 1991 | 33.9 | +1.5pp |
| 1990 | 32.4 | n/a |
About this Dataset
South Africa recorded 79.4 % of GDP in 2023. The most recent year-on-year change was +3.2pp. The historical series (1990–2023) shows a peak of 79.4 in 2023 and a trough of 32.4 in 1990.
Data sourced from World Bank Open Data API. Values use World Bank standardised methodology ensuring cross-country comparability.
The chart above shows the full historical trend; the table below lists annual values with year-on-year changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
This indicator tracks south africa central government debt (% of gdp) in South Africa, published by World Bank. Data covers 1990–2023 at annual frequency using harmonised methodology.
The most recent observation covers 2023. World Bank typically publishes this series with a lag of several months after the reference period. Data is updated annual.
The series peaked at 79.4 % of GDP in 2023 and reached its lowest recorded value of 32.4 in 1990. The latest reading of 79.4 in 2023 represents a year-on-year change of +3.2pp.