Government expenditure (% of GDP) in South Africa

In 2025, general government expenditure as a share of GDP in South Africa was 34.2 %, up from 33.0 % in 2024. Explore the historical series and compare South Africa with other economies below.

Government expenditure (% of GDP)

Total expenditure of the general government

South Africa

Year	%
2025	34.2
2024	33.0
2023	32.5
2022	31.9
2021	32.7
2020	34.6
2019	31.4
2018	30.2
2017	29.9
2016	29.9
2015	30.2
2014	29.3
2013	28.9
2012	28.6
2011	28.1
2010	28.3
2009	28.5
2008	26.0
2007	24.4
2006	24.7
2005	25.1
2004	22.7
2003	22.6
2002	22.2
2001	22.6
2000	22.6

How South Africa compares

Government expenditure (% of GDP) compared with other countries

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Government expenditure (% of GDP)

About this indicator

This indicator measures general government total expenditure as a percentage of GDP. It captures all spending by the consolidated public sector in a given year, including wages and social benefits, interest payments, subsidies, transfers, and net acquisition of nonfinancial assets. Comparing expenditure-to-GDP ratios across countries shows the size of government relative to the economy. A higher ratio means the public sector accounts for a larger share of economic activity.
The series follows the IMF World Economic Outlook definition of government expenditure, under the Government Finance Statistics Manual (GFSM) framework.

Sources and updates

Data sources

The data for this indicator are drawn from the IMF World Economic Outlook.

Last update

This indicator was last updated on Econorama on 18 June 2026 and reflects the latest data available from the underlying sources at that time.