South Africa Government Budget
-5.8%▼ −0.11 pt
Dec 2025 · Annual
South Africa's budget balance as a share of GDP stood at -5.78% in 2025, widening from a deficit of -5.67% in the prior year. The reading remains far from the all-time surplus of 1.22% recorded in 2007 and the record deficit of -9.62% in 2020. Data are available from 2000.
| Actual | Previous | Highest | Lowest | Dates | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -5.8% | -5.7% | 1.2%Dec 2007 | -9.6%Dec 2020 | 2000 – 2025 | Annual |
Related indicators
| Indicator | Last | Previous | Highest | Lowest | Last updated | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Government Debt to GDP | 78.6% | 76.0% | 78.6% | 24.0% | Dec 2025 | Annual |
| Tax Revenue to GDP | 25.9% | 25.4% | 26.0% | 15.0% | Dec 2024 | Annual |
About this series
Government Budget in South Africa averaged -3.3% from 2000 until 2025, reaching an all-time high of 1.2% in Dec 2007 and a record low of -9.6% in Dec 2020. The series is reported yearly with history from 2000.
The budget balance measures the difference between government revenues and expenditures, expressed as a percentage of GDP. It is reported annually for South Africa, with the series spanning from 2000 to 2025. A negative value indicates a fiscal deficit.
Source & methodology
We use primary economic sources for every country. See our methodology page for how we source and verify this data.
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