South Africa: economy and key statistics
South Africa is number 40 in the 311 Nations Index, with a GDP of $427.2 billion in 2025. GDP per person is $6,598. The economy grew by 1.1% in 2025. Unemployment is 32.4%. The economy is 63% services, 24% industry, 3% agriculture. In 311 Institute directories: 48 R&D labs, 1 startups, 7 investors, 3 Titans.
Part of the 311 Nations Index (311institute.com). Last updated .
National power
South Africa is number 47 in the 311 National Power Index, scoring 45.4 out of 100: economic 70, technology 24, military 32 and human capital 61.
Economy at a glance
| Indicator | Latest figure | Year |
|---|---|---|
| GDP | $427.2 billion | 2025 |
| GDP (purchasing power) | $1.03 trillion | 2025 |
| GDP per person | $6,598 | 2025 |
| Economic growth | +1.1% | 2025 |
| Inflation | 3.2% | 2025 |
| Unemployment | 32.4% | 2025 |
| Population | 64.7 million | 2025 |
| Labour force | 26.7 million | 2025 |
| Services share of GDP | 63% | 2025 |
| Industry share of GDP | 24% | 2025 |
| Manufacturing share of GDP | 12% | 2025 |
| Agriculture share of GDP | 3% | 2025 |
| Exports share of GDP | 31% | 2025 |
| Foreign direct investment | -0.5% of GDP | 2025 |
| High-tech share of manufactured exports | 6% | 2024 |
| Internet users | 78% of people | 2024 |
R&D labs
Startups in South Africa
Investors in South Africa
Main export industries
South Africa exported goods worth about $110.0bn in 2024. Its biggest export industries:
- Natural, cultured pearls: $20.3bn (18.4% of goods exports)
- Ores, slag and ash: $17.2bn (15.6% of goods exports)
- Vehicles: $12.6bn (11.4% of goods exports)
- Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation: $10.6bn (9.6% of goods exports)
- Iron and steel: $5.8bn (5.2% of goods exports)
Source: UN Comtrade, goods only (services exports are not included).
Other economies in Africa
- Nigeria (#50)
- Kenya (#62)
- Ethiopia (#67)
- Angola (#69)
- Ghana (#70)
- Côte d'Ivoire (#77)
- DR Congo (#81)
- Tanzania (#83)
- Uganda (#89)
- Sudan (#91)
- Cameroon (#92)
- Zimbabwe (#96)
- Senegal (#108)
- Mali (#114)
- Zambia (#116)
Questions and answers
How big is the economy of South Africa?
South Africa had a GDP of $427.2 billion in 2025, ranking number 40 in the 311 Nations Index.
What is GDP per person in South Africa?
GDP per person in South Africa was $6,598 in 2025.
How fast is the economy of South Africa growing?
The economy of South Africa grew by 1.1% in 2025.
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators (CC BY 4.0).
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