South Africa: Government spending, percent of GDP

The latest value from 2024 is 19.19 percent, an increase from 19.18 percent in 2023. In comparison, the world average is 15.06 percent, based on data from 120 countries. Historically, the average for South Africa from 1960 to 2024 is 15.33 percent. The minimum value, 8.08 percent, was reached in 1960 while the maximum of 20.62 percent was recorded in 2020. See the global rankings or world map for that indicator or use the country comparator to compare trends over time.

The government size of South Africa and other countries is calculated as the total government spending as percent of GDP.

Definition: General government final consumption expenditure (formerly general government consumption) includes all government current expenditures for purchases of goods and services (including compensation of employees). It also includes most expenditures on national defense and security, but excludes government military expenditures that are part of government capital formation.