The latest plotted observation compared with the one immediately before it.
Government · official observation
South Africa government debt
The latest available value was 82.8% in 2024. Compared with 2023, the latest value changed by +3.3 pts.
Latest availableWorld Bank sourceNo forecast values
Latest available value82.8%
South Africa · 2024
Change from 2023+3.3 pts
One period comparison, not annualized
Data statusLatest available
Observed source series
Historical observationsSouth Africa Government debt
82.8%2024
Explain this chart
Budget balances, Interest costs, Growth
Coverage is incomplete and central government definitions do not always capture the full public sector.
View accessible data table
| Period | Value | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 82.8% | observed |
| 2023 | 79.4% | observed |
| 2022 | 76.2% | observed |
| 2021 | 74.1% | observed |
| 2020 | 75.7% | observed |
| 2019 | 64.6% | observed |
| 2018 | 59.1% | observed |
| 2017 | 56.3% | observed |
| 2016 | 53.7% | observed |
| 2015 | 52.7% | observed |
What this number measures
Central government debt as a percentage of GDP where a comparable observation is available.
Why people watch it
Debt affects future budgets and borrowing conditions, but its meaning depends on interest costs, currency, maturity, and economic capacity.
- 01Budget balances
- 02Interest costs
- 03Growth
- 04Inflation
- 05Exchange rates
These are common mechanisms, not claims about what caused the latest movement in South Africa.
Limits of this comparison
Coverage is incomplete and central government definitions do not always capture the full public sector.
Annual observations can refer to different release schedules. Recent values can also be revised by the source.
Source record
World Bank World Development Indicators
Series GC.DOD.TOTL.GD.ZS. Retrieved August 5, 2026. Values remain attributable to the original source.