What is the GDP of South Africa?

South Africa's GDP is approximately $401.1 billion USD. The GDP growth rate is 0.5%.

What is the population of South Africa?

South Africa has a population of approximately 64 million people. The population growth rate is 1.2%.

What is the inflation rate in South Africa?

The inflation rate in South Africa is 4.4%.

What is the unemployment rate in South Africa?

The unemployment rate in South Africa is 32.4%.

What is the GDP per capita of South Africa?

South Africa's GDP per capita is approximately $6,267 USD.

Is South Africa a good country to invest in?

South Africa has an investment score of 40/100, classified as "Caution" risk. Key sectors include Mining, Financial Services, Agriculture. Credit rating: BB-.

How open is South Africa's economy to trade?

South Africa's trade openness (trade as % of GDP) is 62%. Exports total approximately $127.5B and imports $119.8B.

What is South Africa's government debt?

South Africa's government debt is approximately 79% of GDP. The current account balance is -0.6% of GDP.

How much foreign investment does South Africa attract?

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in South Africa is 0.6% of GDP. There may be opportunities for early-mover investors.

What are the main economic sectors in South Africa?

South Africa's economy is composed of services (63% of GDP), industry (24% of GDP), and agriculture (3% of GDP).

Can I start a business in South Africa as a foreigner?

South Africa offers various options for foreign entrepreneurs. Visit our business setup guide for South Africa for detailed information on entity types, registration steps, costs, tax rates, and foreign ownership rules.

Is South Africa's economy growing?

South Africa's GDP growth rate is 0.5%. The economy is growing at a moderate pace.

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South Africa Economy Overview

Name: NationsData World Economic Dataset
Creator: NationsData
License: https://datacatalog.worldbank.org/public-licenses#cc-by

Sub-Saharan AfricaUpper MiddleCapital: PretoriaZAF

Caution

BB-

Growing

401.1B USD

GDP (Nominal)

Growing at 0.5%

$6,267

GDP Per Capita

Middle income level

64M

Population

+1.2% annual growth

High

4.4%

Inflation

Moderate

62%of GDP

Trade Openness

0.6%of GDP

FDI Inflows

High

79%of GDP

Public Debt

High

32.4%

Unemployment

Surplus

+$7.7B

Trade Balance

Currency & Exchange Rate

Currency

R South African Rand

ZAR

Exchange Rate (1 USD)

R18.60

-1.1% YoY(strengthened)

5-Year Change

+12.7%

From R16.50

Regime & Controls

free floating

Capital controls: limited

GDP

Billion USD, nominal

$401.1B

2024+19.7B

GDP Growth

Annual %

0.5%

2024-0.3%

Inflation

Consumer prices, annual %

4.4%

2024-1.7%

Population

Millions

64M

2024+0.8M

Economic Structure

Services63%

Industry24%

Agriculture3%

Infrastructure55/100

Internet Speed

40 Mbps

Mobile: 25 Mbps

Logistics Index

3.4 /5.0

World Bank LPI

Electricity

55%

Reliability score

Connectivity

good

68% internet access

Investment Score Breakdown

Economic Health (30%)38

Political Safety (25%)45

Business Climate (20%)42

Financial Strength (15%)35

Growth Potential (10%)38

Key Sectors

Mining

8% of GDP

stable

Financial Services

6% of GDP

stable

Agriculture

2% of GDP

stable

Energy

4% of GDP

declining

Should I Invest in South Africa?

CautionSetup: ComplexROI: Uncertain

South Africa scores 40/100 on the NationsData Investment Index, rated "Caution". Growth is subdued at 0.8%. Business setup takes approximately 72 days with a corporate tax rate of 27%.

Investment Score40/100

GDP Growth0.8%

Inflation5.4%

FDI/GDP1.2%

Public Debt75%

Political Stability-0.2

Corporate Tax27%

Ease of Business#84

Strengths

+100% foreign ownership allowed - no local partner required
+Extensive tax treaty network (80 countries)

Risks

-Moderate political risk - monitor regulatory changes closely
-Elevated inflation (5.4%) - factor into pricing strategy
-Elevated public debt (75% of GDP)
-Slow/negative growth (0.8%) - limited market expansion

Also Consider

Gabon

Same region, similar income level, faster growth (2.8%)

Djibouti

Same region, similar income level, faster growth (5.5%)

Eswatini

Same region, similar income level, faster growth (3%)

Cabo Verde

Same region, similar income level, faster growth (4.8%)

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