Photo: Damien du Toit · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Topic 02 of 18 · Country Index 2026
South Africa: Economy & Innovation
What does an economy do for the people inside it?
South Africa is placed 101st of 176 countries on economy & innovation in the Country Index 2026, from 4 of its 4 key statistics. Readings behind it: GDP per Capita (PPP) 13,592 (2025); Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit 4.781 (2025).
Share
Economy & Innovation
101st
of 176 countries placed
Placed from 4 of 4 key statistics
- 13,592GDP per Capita (PPP), 2025GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
- 4.781Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit, 2025Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)
- 0.378Economic Complexity Index, 2024ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)
- 81.13Account Ownership at a Financial Institution, 2024Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)
01The evidence
The 4 key statistics that decide it
Only these place South Africa on economy & innovation — one vote each. Every value is the publisher’s own, read at the edition the Country Index 2026 used — or, for a survey-based key, each country’s latest reading; the grey ticks are every other country it was compared with, lowest on the left.
13,592
GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Higher is better
South Africa: 13,592. Across the 185 countries in this edition, values run from 1,067 (Burundi) to 139,593 (Singapore); the world median is 17,265.
- World median
- 17,265
- Best in Southern Africa
- 17,687 Botswana
- Land neighbours
- Botswana 17,687 · Lesotho 2,721 · Mozambique 1,451 · Namibia 10,242 · Eswatini 10,707 · Zimbabwe 5,529
Key 2 of 4
Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit
World Bank Group
Latest reading per country, 2016–2025 · South Africa’s is from 2020 · CC BY 4.0
4.781
Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)
Higher is better
South Africa: 4.781. Across the 179 countries at their latest reading, values run from 2.113 (Pakistan) to 88.52 (Israel); the world median is 35.95.
- World median
- 35.95
- Best in Southern Africa
- 35.95 Namibia
- Land neighbours
- Botswana 23.1 · Lesotho 23.25 · Mozambique 11.15 · Namibia 35.95 · Eswatini 13.56 · Zimbabwe 23.08
Key 3 of 4
Economic Complexity Index
Growth Lab at Harvard University
2024 edition · data for 2024 · CC0 1.0
0.378
ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)
Higher is better
Ranked 55th of 145 by Growth Lab at Harvard University
South Africa: 0.378. Across the 145 countries in this edition, values run from -3.53 (Chad) to 1.729 (Japan); the world median is 0.131.
- World median
- 0.131
- Best in Southern Africa
- 0.378 South Africa
- Land neighbours
- Botswana -0.31 · Mozambique -1.227 · Namibia -0.52 · Eswatini 0.271 · Zimbabwe -1.091
Key 4 of 4
Account Ownership at a Financial Institution
World Bank Group
2024 edition · data for 2024 · CC BY 4.0
81.13
Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)
Higher is better
South Africa: 81.13. Across the 139 countries in this edition, values run from 14.83 (Niger) to 99.85 (Iceland); the world median is 72.83.
- World median
- 72.83
- Best in Southern Africa
- 81.13 South Africa
- Land neighbours
- Botswana 61.44 · Lesotho 61.57 · Mozambique 54.39 · Namibia 72.92 · Eswatini 65.12 · Zimbabwe 49.52
02Over time
Which way South Africa is moving
Each key’s published value, edition by edition, beside the world median. The Country Index 2026 is the first edition of the standing, so the standing itself has no history to chart yet.
GDP per Capita (PPP)
GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP) · higher is better
South AfricaWorld median
South Africa rose from 11,184 in 2000 to 13,592 in 2025; the world median went from 10,589 to 17,265.
Every year’s figures
Year South Africa World median 2025 13,592 17,265 2024 13,598 18,108 2023 13,695 17,686 2022 13,767 16,933 2021 13,682 16,260 2020 13,251 15,631 2019 14,353 16,761 2018 14,554 16,349 2017 14,574 16,129 2016 14,501 15,512 2015 14,542 14,857 2014 14,643 14,475 2013 14,681 14,681 2012 14,564 14,631 2011 14,434 13,916 2010 14,165 14,101 2009 13,911 13,655 2008 14,298 14,030 2007 14,016 13,755 2006 13,444 12,983 2005 12,862 12,023 2004 12,341 11,608 2003 11,923 11,183 2002 11,698 11,144 2001 11,387 10,907 2000 11,184 10,589 Economic Complexity Index
ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3) · higher is better
South AfricaWorld median
South Africa fell from 0.707 in 2000 to 0.378 in 2024; the world median went from 0.016 to 0.131.
Every year’s figures
Year South Africa World median 2024 0.378 0.1310 2023 0.293 0.0710 2022 0.345 0.0580 2021 0.334 0.0010 2020 0.378 0.0470 2019 0.424 0.0300 2018 0.429 -0.0150 2017 0.452 0.0080 2016 0.477 -0.0660 2015 0.492 -0.0600 2014 0.555 -0.0190 2013 0.579 0.0140 2012 0.579 0.0060 2011 0.573 -0.0140 2010 0.535 -0.0020 2009 0.571 0.0990 2008 0.583 0.0700 2007 0.614 -0.0080 2006 0.632 0.0740 2005 0.655 0.0510 2004 0.658 0.0505 2003 0.672 0.0450 2002 0.640 0.0100 2001 0.642 0.0470 2000 0.707 0.0160 Account Ownership at a Financial Institution
Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+) · higher is better
South AfricaWorld median
South Africa rose from 53.65 in 2011 to 81.13 in 2024; the world median went from 37.03 to 72.83.
Every year’s figures
Year South Africa World median 2024 81 73 2021 85 74 2017 69 59 2014 70 52 2011 54 37
03In context
South Africa beside its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place among all 176 countries on economy & innovation, never a place within the region.
South Africa and the countries it borders
Standing among all 176; the key columns are the publishers’ own values.
| Country | Standing | GDP per Capita (PPP)GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP) | Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of CreditFirms with a bank loan or line of credit (%) | Economic Complexity IndexECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3) | Account Ownership at a Financial InstitutionAdults with an account (% of population aged 15+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Namibia | 100th | 10,242 | 35.95 | -0.52 | 72.92 |
| South Africa | 101st | 13,592 | 4.781 | 0.378 | 81.13 |
 Botswana | 105th | 17,687 | 23.1 | -0.31 | 61.44 |
 Eswatini | 112th | 10,707 | 13.56 | 0.271 | 65.12 |
 Lesotho | =132nd | 2,721 | 23.25 | — | 61.57 |
 Zimbabwe | 143rd | 5,529 | 23.08 | -1.091 | 49.52 |
 Mozambique | 165th | 1,451 | 11.15 | -1.227 | 54.39 |
“—”: no published reading in that edition. What a standing is
Across Southern Africa
Every country in the sub-region, by its place among all 176.
- Namibia100th
- South Africa101st
- Botswana105th
- Eswatini112th
- Lesotho=132nd
Placed either side on economy & innovation
The countries immediately above and below South Africa in the topic’s list.
04Context, no vote
Where South Africa is ahead of the world, and behind
57 more statistics filed under economy & innovation, published in full and deliberately given no vote in the standing. Select a row for the publisher, the rank and the links.
Ahead of the world median14
Statistics on which South Africa does better than the middle country measured.
New Business DensityWorld Bank Group · 2024 · world median 2.18711.462.187▲ Improved since 2014
South Africa: 11.46 · world median 2.187 · New limited liability companies registered per 1,000 people aged 15–64. World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.02 to 26.76; higher is better.
Firms Competing Against Informal FirmsWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 41.8117.0941.81No earlier reading
South Africa: 17.09 · world median 41.81 · Firms competing against unregistered or informal firms (%). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 1.926 to 90.5; lower is better.
Position 155th of 181 · derived, 1st = worst.
Logistics Performance IndexWorld Bank Group · 2023 · world median 2.93.72.9▲ Improved since 2014
South Africa: 3.7 · world median 2.9 · LPI score (1–5). World Bank Group, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 1.9 to 4.3; higher is better.
Ranked 19th of 139 by World Bank Group.
Digitally-Deliverable Services ExportsUNCTAD · 2024 · world median 25.4252.9225.42▲ Improved since 2014
South Africa: 52.92 · world median 25.42 · Digitally-deliverable services exports (% of services exports). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.377 to 87.15; higher is better.
Position 28th of 170 · derived.
Crop Production IndexFAO · 2022 · world median 106.23124.13106.23▲ Improved since 2012
South Africa: 124.13 · world median 106.23 · Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 53.79 to 189.93; higher is better.
Position 34th of 195 · derived.
Liner Shipping Connectivity IndexUNCTAD · 2026 · world median 56.21117.0356.21▼ Worsened since 2016
South Africa: 117.03 · world median 56.21 · LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 4.13 to 1,319; higher is better.
Ranked 47th of 175 by UNCTAD.
Frontier Technology Readiness IndexUNCTAD · 2023 · world median 0.4850.6460.485No real change since 2013
South Africa: 0.646 · world median 0.485 · Frontier Technology Readiness Index (0–1). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 1; higher is better.
Position 52nd of 170 · derived.
Informal Output (DGE Model Estimate)World Bank Group (Prospects Group) · 2020 · world median 27.522.7527.5No real change since 2010
South Africa: 22.75 · world median 27.5 · Informal output, model estimate (% of official GDP). World Bank Group (Prospects Group), 2020 edition, data for 2020.
Published values in that edition run from 7.91 to 60.43; lower is better.
Government AI Readiness IndexOxford Insights · 2025 · world median 40.1953.9440.19No real change since 2020
South Africa: 53.94 · world median 40.19 · AI readiness score (0–100). Oxford Insights, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 12.12 to 88.36; higher is better.
Ranked 65th of 195 by Oxford Insights.
Productive Capacities IndexUNCTAD · 2022 · world median 46.6752.246.67No real change since 2012
South Africa: 52.2 · world median 46.67 · Productive Capacities Index (1–100). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 17.8 to 71.02; higher is better.
Position 65th of 195 · derived.
Food Production IndexFAO · 2022 · world median 106.08113.24106.08▲ Improved since 2012
South Africa: 113.24 · world median 106.08 · Food production index (2014–2016 = 100). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 71.08 to 177.49; higher is better.
Position 69th of 195 · derived.
Global Innovation IndexWorld Intellectual Property Organization · 2025 · world median 28.5230.1428.52▲ Improved since 2022
South Africa: 30.14 · world median 28.52 · GII score (0–100). World Intellectual Property Organization, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 11.94 to 65.96; higher is better.
Ranked 61st of 139 by World Intellectual Property Organization.
Comprehensive Wealth per CapitaWorld Bank Group · 2020 · world median 46,48650,45846,486No real change since 2010
South Africa: 50,458 · world median 46,486 · National comprehensive wealth per person (real chained 2019 US$). World Bank Group, 2020 edition, data for 2020.
Published values in that edition run from 4,276 to 1,246,092; higher is better.
Position 72nd of 150 · derived.
Regulatory QualityWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median -0.093-0.068-0.093▼ Worsened since 2015
South Africa: -0.068 · world median -0.093 · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from -2.106 to 2.113; higher is better.
Position 101st of 209 · derived.
Behind the world median15
Statistics on which South Africa does worse than the middle country measured.
Water-Use EfficiencyFAO · 2023 · world median 16.116.0116.1▼ Worsened since 2013
South Africa: 16.01 · world median 16.1 · Value added per cubic metre of freshwater withdrawn (constant US$ per m³). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.38 to 1,378; higher is better.
ICT Goods ExportsUNCTAD · 2024 · world median 0.9750.890.975▼ Worsened since 2014
South Africa: 0.89 · world median 0.975 · ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 61.45; higher is better.
Position 62nd of 119 · derived.
External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)World Bank Group · 2024 · world median 43.9444.8343.94▲ Improved since 2014
South Africa: 44.83 · world median 43.94 · External debt stocks (% of GNI). World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 2.213 to 350.57; lower is better.
Position 54th of 110 · derived, 1st = worst.
GNI per Capita (PPP)World Bank Group · 2025 · world median 14,27313,03614,273▼ Worsened since 2015
South Africa: 13,036 · world median 14,273 · GNI per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 1,181 to 116,633; higher is better.
Position 55th of 102 · derived.
Historical GDP per Capita (Maddison)GGDC · 2022 · world median 12,89011,41612,890▼ Worsened since 2012
South Africa: 11,416 · world median 12,890 · GDP per capita (2011 international $). Maddison Project, Groningen Growth and Development Centre (GGDC), 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 596.39 to 149,171; higher is better.
Position 90th of 166 · derived.
Actual Individual Consumption per Capita (PPP)World Bank Group · 2021 · world median 12,80010,25412,800No real change since 2017
South Africa: 10,254 · world median 12,800 · Actual individual consumption per capita (PPP, current international $). World Bank Group, 2021 edition, data for 2021.
Published values in that edition run from 688.7 to 52,654; higher is better.
Position 96th of 173 · derived.
Researchers per Million InhabitantsUIS · 2024 · world median 701.95444.16701.95No earlier reading
South Africa: 444.16 · world median 701.95 · Researchers per million inhabitants (full-time equivalent). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 1.446 to 18,130; higher is better.
Position 86th of 145 · derived.
Livestock Production IndexFAO · 2022 · world median 107.06103.24107.06▲ Improved since 2012
South Africa: 103.24 · world median 107.06 · Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 35.52 to 190.08; higher is better.
Position 118th of 194 · derived.
Debt Service on External DebtWorld Bank Group · 2024 · world median 12.9316.312.93▼ Worsened since 2014
South Africa: 16.3 · world median 12.93 · Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income). World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.285 to 96.2; lower is better.
Position 43rd of 109 · derived, 1st = worst.
Total Factor Productivity LevelGGDC · 2023 · world median 0.6270.5470.627▼ Worsened since 2013
South Africa: 0.547 · world median 0.627 · TFP level at current PPPs (USA = 1). Groningen Growth and Development Centre (GGDC), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.052 to 1.192; higher is better.
Interest Payments on External DebtWorld Bank Group · 2024 · world median 1.4512.081.451▲ Improved since 2014
South Africa: 2.08 · world median 1.451 · Interest payments on external debt (% of GNI). World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.069 to 17.92; lower is better.
Position 34th of 112 · derived, 1st = worst.
World Energy Trilemma IndexWorld Energy Council · 2023 · world median 63.857.663.8No earlier reading
South Africa: 57.6 · world median 63.8 · Trilemma score (0–100). World Energy Council, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 27.7 to 83.2; higher is better.
Ranked 69th of 99 by World Energy Council.
Firms with an International Quality CertificationWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 10.45.56310.4No earlier reading
South Africa: 5.563 · world median 10.4 · Firms with an internationally recognised quality certification (%). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 45.77; higher is better.
GDP GrowthWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 3.3961.1153.396▼ Worsened since 2015
South Africa: 1.115 · world median 3.396 · GDP growth (annual %). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from -5.847 to 19.34; higher is better.
Position 154th of 186 · derived.
Management Practices IndexWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 52.3928.3352.39No earlier reading
South Africa: 28.33 · world median 52.39 · Management practices index, medium and large firms (0–100). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 28.07 to 69.29; higher is better.
Position 168th of 169 · derived.
No better end28
These describe the shape of a country — more is not better or worse, only different — so they are never ahead or behind.
Scholarly ArticlesOurResearch · 2025 · world median 2,24037,9892,240No real change since 2022
South Africa: 37,989 · world median 2,240 · Articles with at least one author at an institution in the country (full counting). OpenAlex (OurResearch), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 1 to 1,094,890.
Complexity Outlook IndexGrowth Lab at Harvard University · 2024 · world median -0.2251.077-0.225Moved since 2014
South Africa: 1.077 · world median -0.225 · Complexity Outlook Index (standardised; roughly −2.5 to +3). Growth Lab at Harvard University, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from -1.682 to 2.878.
Terms of Trade IndexUNCTAD · 2025 · world median 103.23119.95103.23Moved since 2015
South Africa: 119.95 · world median 103.23 · Terms of trade index (2015 = 100). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 38.2 to 1,448.
Statutory Corporate Income Tax RateOECD · 2026 · world median 242724Moved since 2016
South Africa: 27 · world median 24 · Combined statutory corporate income tax rate, central and sub-central government (%). OECD, 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 36.13.
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2021 · world median 1.7087.3291.708Moved since 2011
South Africa: 7.329 · world median 1.708 · Natural resources rents (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2021 edition, data for 2021.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 61.03.
Position 56th of 180 · derived, counted from the highest value.
General Government ConsumptionWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 16.2118.8916.21Moved since 2015
South Africa: 18.89 · world median 16.21 · General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 5.445 to 38.94.
Position 44th of 132 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Container Port TrafficUNCTAD · 2024 · world median 1,827,7884,303,6821,827,788Moved since 2014
South Africa: 4,303,682 · world median 1,827,788 · Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 17,263 to 299,703,800.
Position 35th of 103 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Household ConsumptionWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 62.0465.8362.04Moved since 2015
South Africa: 65.83 · world median 62.04 · Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 25.21 to 133.34.
Position 56th of 131 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Tariff Rate, Applied, Weighted Mean, All ProductsWorld Bank Group · 2022 · world median 3.664.663.66Moved since 2012
South Africa: 4.66 · world median 3.66 · Applied tariff rate, trade-weighted mean (%). World Bank Group, 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 29.52.
Creative Services ExportsUNCTAD · 2024 · world median 6.1718.0786.171Moved since 2014
South Africa: 8.078 · world median 6.171 · Creative services exports (% of services exports). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.002 to 63.91.
Merchant Fleet by Country of OwnershipUNCTAD · 2026 · world median 275.73543.34275.73Moved since 2016
South Africa: 543.34 · world median 275.73 · Merchant fleet owned (thousand dead-weight tons). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 397,071.
Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2025 · world median 11.2612.2511.26Moved since 2015
South Africa: 12.25 · world median 11.26 · Manufacturing value added (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.481 to 43.97.
Position 62nd of 132 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Statutory Minimum WageILO · 2024 · world median 657.95620.22657.95Moved since 2014
South Africa: 620.22 · world median 657.95 · Statutory minimum wage per month (2021 PPP $). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 4.038 to 3,804.
Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2025 · world median 24.6524.0924.65Moved since 2015
South Africa: 24.09 · world median 24.65 · Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 2.228 to 75.09.
Position 84th of 158 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Commodity Export DependenceUNCTAD · 2024 · world median 67.1762.6867.17Moved since 2014
South Africa: 62.68 · world median 67.17 · Commodity exports (% of merchandise exports, three-year average). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 4.605 to 99.77.
Price Level of Household ConsumptionGGDC · 2023 · world median 0.5230.4540.523Moved since 2013
South Africa: 0.454 · world median 0.523 · Price level of household consumption (US output price level in 2021 = 1). Groningen Growth and Development Centre (GGDC), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.177 to 65.54.
Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2025 · world median 36.3431.4136.34Moved since 2015
South Africa: 31.41 · world median 36.34 · Exports of goods and services (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 1.103 to 199.76.
Position 82nd of 138 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Creative Goods ExportsUNCTAD · 2024 · world median 1.2350.6771.235Moved since 2014
South Africa: 0.677 · world median 1.235 · Creative goods exports (% of merchandise exports). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 37.23.
Inflation, GDP DeflatorWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 3.3062.793.306Moved since 2015
South Africa: 2.79 · world median 3.306 · Annual change in the GDP implicit deflator (%). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from -7.93 to 227.09.
Foreign Value Added Share of Gross ExportsOECD · 2022 · world median 27.4125.5127.41Moved since 2012
South Africa: 25.51 · world median 27.41 · Foreign value added (% of gross exports). OECD, 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 4.491 to 66.08.
Trade (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2025 · world median 79.6860.9179.68Moved since 2015
South Africa: 60.91 · world median 79.68 · Exports plus imports (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 2.382 to 396.65.
Position 91st of 138 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2025 · world median 6.5722.8286.572Moved since 2015
South Africa: 2.828 · world median 6.572 · Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.025 to 47.59.
Position 112th of 158 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2025 · world median 41.7229.541.72Moved since 2015
South Africa: 29.5 · world median 41.72 · Imports of goods and services (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 1.279 to 196.89.
Position 99th of 138 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Services ExportsUNCTAD · 2025 · world median 9.6024.2249.602Moved since 2015
South Africa: 4.224 · world median 9.602 · Services exports (% of GDP). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.085 to 166.21.
Export Concentration IndexUNCTAD · 2025 · world median 0.3060.1530.306Moved since 2015
South Africa: 0.153 · world median 0.306 · Export concentration index (0–1, normalised Herfindahl–Hirschman). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.059 to 0.933.
Gross Savings (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2024 · world median 22.0613.5822.06Moved since 2014
South Africa: 13.58 · world median 22.06 · Gross savings (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from -21.13 to 47.82.
Position 122nd of 146 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2025 · world median 22.9313.8722.93Moved since 2015
South Africa: 13.87 · world median 22.93 · Gross capital formation (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from -3.679 to 45.27.
Position 121st of 131 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Foreign Direct Investment InflowsUNCTAD · 2025 · world median 1.968-0.5421.968Moved since 2015
South Africa: -0.542 · world median 1.968 · FDI inflows (% of GDP). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from -32.97 to 2,221.
No current reading for South Africa
Adjusted Net Savings (last 2020), Average Monthly Earnings of Employees (last 2020), Business Ready: Operational Efficiency, Business Ready: Public Services, Business Ready: Regulatory Framework, Gini Index (last 2022), Gini Index of Disposable Income (SWIID) (last 2022), ICT Services Exports, Income Share Held by Lowest 20% (last 2022), Income Share Held by Richest 10% (last 2022), Palma Ratio (last 2022), Research and Development Spending (last 2022) and Tax Revenue (% of GDP) (last 2023). Listed rather than hidden, so the page can be checked against it.
“Position · derived” is this site’s ordering of the published values, 1st = best unless the row says otherwise; the publisher ranks no country on it. Rank, position and standing
05Country Index 2026
Economy & Innovation among South Africa’s 15 topics
Economy & Innovation is South Africa’s 9th best-placed topic of 15. Strongest first, each marker at its share of that topic’s field.
- Gender & Equality40th of 1834/4 keys
- Mobility & Trade39th of 1774/4 keys
- Governance & Institutionsjoint 54th of 1944/4 keys
- Digital & Technology61st of 1984/4 keys
- Democracy & Civil Liberties65th of 1984/4 keys
- Peace & Securityjoint 72nd of 1774/4 keys
- Food & Agriculturejoint 77th of 1844/4 keys
- Education & Knowledgejoint 102nd of 1984/4 keys
- Economy & Innovation101st of 1764/4 keys
- Development & Human Capital116th of 1963/3 keys
- Work & Labourjoint 134th of 1824/4 keys
- Health & Wellbeingjoint 148th of 2004/4 keys
- Risk & Resilience152nd of 1934/4 keys
- Poverty & Inequality145th of 1593/3 keys
- Environment & Sustainability172nd of 1864/4 keys
No standing on Energy: too few of those topics’ key statistics are published for this country.
06The top of the list
Who leads on economy & innovation
The three countries placed highest of 176, and the leaders South Africa can most readily be measured against.
1
AustriaWestern Europe
1st of 176 · 4 of 4 keys
Photo: chensiyuan · CC BY-SA 4.0, greyscale
2
JapanEastern Asia
2nd of 176 · 4 of 4 keys
Photo: JurriaanH · CC BY-SA 3.0, greyscale
3
GermanyWestern Europe
3rd of 176 · 4 of 4 keys
Placed highest nearby
Highest in Africa
Mauritius36th4/4 keysHighest in Southern Africa
Namibia100th4/4 keysThis page
South Africa101st4/4 keys
Positions out of 176 placed on the topic. A country needs readings on enough keys to be placed, and the top of the list is often held on fewer of them.
07Analysis
Charts and analysis about South Africa and economy & innovation
On economy & innovation
China Leads Global High-Technology Exports
The world’s ten largest high-technology exporters as a treemap, with the rest of the world beside them. Each country’s figure is its own most recent year, between 2022 and 2024.
On economy & innovation
India vs Pakistan 2025: Comparison of Hunger Index, Happiness, HDI, Rule of Law, Literacy & GDP
India and Pakistan on six published measures: hunger, happiness, human development, rule of law, literacy and GDP per capita, each from its own publisher and year.
On economy & innovation
Countries in Asia with the highest average salaries 2024
Thirteen Asian countries by gross average monthly wage, each carrying its WORLD rank rather than an Asian one — so the numbers skip, from 11th place to 45th.
08Questions
South Africa on economy & innovation: questions answered
Every answer is built from the numbers on this page, so none can say something the page does not.
How does South Africa rank on economy & innovation?
South Africa is placed 101st of 176 countries on Economy & Innovation in the Country Index 2026, from 4 of its 4 key statistics (GDP per Capita (PPP), Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit, Economic Complexity Index and Account Ownership at a Financial Institution). The position is this site’s ordering of published statistics, not a rank any publisher printed.
What is the latest GDP per Capita (PPP) figure for South Africa?
13,592 in 2025 (gDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)), according to World Bank Group. The world median in the same edition was 17,265.
What is the latest Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit figure for South Africa?
4.781 in 2025 (firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)), according to World Bank Group. The world median in the same edition was 35.95.
How does South Africa compare with Mozambique on economy & innovation?
Mozambique is placed 165th of 176, and South Africa 101st. GDP per Capita (PPP): Mozambique 1,451, South Africa 13,592; Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit: Mozambique 11.15, South Africa 4.781; Economic Complexity Index: Mozambique -1.227, South Africa 0.378; Account Ownership at a Financial Institution: Mozambique 54.39, South Africa 81.13.
How have South Africa’s economy & innovation figures changed?
GDP per Capita (PPP) rose from 11,184 in 2000 to 13,592 in 2025; Economic Complexity Index fell from 0.707 in 2000 to 0.378 in 2024; Account Ownership at a Financial Institution rose from 53.65 in 2011 to 81.13 in 2024.
Which economy & innovation statistics are missing for South Africa?
No current reading is published for South Africa on Adjusted Net Savings, Average Monthly Earnings of Employees, Business Ready: Operational Efficiency, Business Ready: Public Services, Business Ready: Regulatory Framework, Gini Index, Gini Index of Disposable Income (SWIID), ICT Services Exports, Income Share Held by Lowest 20%, Income Share Held by Richest 10%, Palma Ratio, Research and Development Spending and Tax Revenue (% of GDP). They are listed rather than hidden, so the evidence on the page can be checked against it.
09Method
Method, sources and how to cite
What this topic does not measure
The total size of an economy is deliberately left out: a very large economy spread over a very large population is not doing more for each person. Growth rates, trade shares and the structure of output (how much is farming, industry or services) are published here as context, because they describe an economy's shape rather than how well it serves people. Jobs and wages have their own topic, Work & Labour.
How the Economy & Innovation standing is decided
A standing is this site’s ordering, named with its edition — never a publisher’s rank. 4 key statistics vote, one vote each; every country’s published value becomes a place within that key’s own field, the places are averaged, and the average is never published. A country needs 2 of the 4 keys to be placed.
The economy & innovation method, step by stepHow every standing on this site is built
The key statistics and their licences
- GDP per Capita (PPP) — World Bank Group, CC BY 4.0
- Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit — World Bank Group, CC BY 4.0
- Economic Complexity Index — Growth Lab at Harvard University, CC0 1.0
- Account Ownership at a Financial Institution — World Bank Group, CC BY 4.0
The other 57 statistics on this page come from 14 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
The standing itself is part of the Country Index 2026, published under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Photographs
South Africa’s banner and the countries placed highest, from their profiles: Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale, each used under the licence named.
- South Africa (banner) — Damien du Toit, CC BY 2.0
- Austria — chensiyuan, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Japan — JurriaanH, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Germany — dronepicr, CC BY 2.0
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). South Africa: Economy & Innovation — standing and statistics, Country Index 2026. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/south-africa/economy