South Africa: Financial freedom

The latest value from 2025 is 40 points, unchanged from 40 points in 2024. In comparison, the world average is 48 points, based on data from 175 countries. Historically, the average for South Africa from 1995 to 2025 is 54 points. The minimum value, 40 points, was reached in 2024 while the maximum of 70 points was recorded in 2003. See the global rankings or world map for that indicator or use the country comparator to compare trends over time.

The Financial Freedom index for South Africa from The Heritage Foundation measures the efficiency of the banking system and the interventions of the government into the financial system. A higher score means more efficient banking institutions and less government intervention.

Definition: The Financial freedom index evaluates: the extent of government regulation of financial services, the degree of state intervention in banks and other financial firms through direct and indirect ownership, the extent of financial and capital market development, government influence on the allocation of credit and openness to foreign competition. Higher index values denote banking efficiency and independence from government control and interference in the financial sector.