Government budget balance (% of GDP) in South Africa

In 2025, the general government budget balance as a share of GDP in South Africa was -5.8 %, down from -5.7 % in 2024. Explore the historical series and compare South Africa with other economies below.

Government budget balance (% of GDP)

Positive values indicate a surplus; negative values indicate a deficit

South Africa

Year	%
2025	-5.8
2024	-5.7
2023	-5.6
2022	-4.2
2021	-5.5
2020	-9.6
2019	-5.1
2018	-3.7
2017	-4.0
2016	-3.7
2015	-4.4
2014	-3.9
2013	-3.9
2012	-4.0
2011	-3.7
2010	-4.5
2009	-4.7
2008	-0.5
2007	1.2
2006	0.8
2005	-0.1
2004	-1.0
2003	-1.6
2002	-1.0
2001	-1.0
2000	-1.4

How South Africa compares

Government budget balance (% of GDP) compared with other countries

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Government budget balance (% of GDP)

About this indicator

This indicator measures the general government budget balance as a percentage of GDP, also called net lending (+) or net borrowing (−). It is calculated as total general government revenue minus total general government expenditure. Positive values mean a government budget surplus; negative values mean a government budget deficit.
Comparing budget balances across countries shows whether governments are financing spending from their own revenues or drawing on borrowing in a given year. Persistent deficits add to government debt over time, while surpluses can reduce it.

Sources and updates

Data sources

The data for this indicator are drawn from the IMF World Economic Outlook.

Last update

This indicator was last updated on Econorama on 18 June 2026 and reflects the latest data available from the underlying sources at that time.